thunder roads virginia magazine - august 2009

1920 Centerville Turnpike, Suite 117-270 Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Office phone: (757) 831-2264 Email:[email protected]

Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.comwww.myspace.com/thunderroads_virginia

OWNER / EDITOR SALES:

Kelly Werrell

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 & Bill of WCFStudios.com, our webmaster, who keeps our site rockin’ on the web. Also many thanks to all of our readers, advertisers & those of you out there that spread the word or pass a magazine to a friend who’s never heard of us before - You ALL are what keeps the Thunder rolling through the Mid-Atlantic!

Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads

Thunder Roads Crew

SALES CREWFor information about advertising in Thunder Roads

Mid-Atlantic, visit the Advertising page of our website www.thunderroads-virginia.com or contact

any of our Sales Crew listed below.

Covering the Mid-Atlantic region in the states of Virginia, Maryland & DC

Regina Alpaugh (434) [email protected]

(Charlottesville & surrounding areas in Northern VA)

Melissa Ashcraft (757) [email protected]

William Day “Wild Bill” (804) [email protected] (Richmond & surrounding areas)

William C. Frohmiller (757) 416-2410www.WCFStudios.com

[email protected]

Chad Quinn (540) [email protected](Roanoke & surrounding areas)

Kelly Werrell (757) [email protected]

ROAD CREW

WebmasterWilliam C. Frohmiller

www.WCFStudios.com

Layout & DesignWarren Ells – Art Director Thunder Pub

Rod the Magificent – Ad Design

On Eagles WingsReverend Rock Preacher Rick

Pastor Tammy Hayes

Sound CheckCathy & Chris

Laurie Schober

Tech TipsAaron Johnson

[email protected]

Writers/PhotographersBeth AlbertBo Albert

Regina Alpaugh Melissa Ashcraft

Cathy Clare (BZgal)Ricky Derby

William FrohmillerBecky LawsonCindy MeaseChad Quinn

Chris Rockhill (Tigger)Dave SuttonKelly WerrellTim Wilmoth

Wild Bill

NATIONAL FOUNDERSToni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon

1421 Chapmansboro RoadChapmansboro, TN 37035

Corporate Office: 615-792-0040 Fax: 615-792-7580

e-mail: [email protected]

Here we are in the last full month of the summer of 2009….wow - the days seem to pass by way too fast anymore. The calendar continues to be packed up with so many great rides. It’s been a “take your pick” season with a smorgasbord of different events that have taken place almost every weekend for the past several months. There’s always a great cause to ride for and bikers are so well known for helping others when it comes to raising money for those in need. It’s such a great feeling to know that by chipping in a little registration fee, going for a nice ride on your bike & enjoying the day with your friends or making new ones, you’re helping to make a difference in someone’s life.

I’d like to remind everyone to please be extra careful while hitting the road to attend an event or taking your summer vacation on 2 or 3 wheels. There have been an alarming number of “Bikers Down” in our region lately - most of them have been “hit & runs” with bikes being ran off the road by other vehicles & then the car or truck hauls butt down the road & disappears. It’s really gut wrenching to know that there are people sharing the road with us that are so heartless & have no regard for another person’s life. We have no control over the carelessness or ignorance of other drivers (in cars & trucks). All we can do is try to protect ourselves out there by wearing the proper riding gear, staying alert & most importantly, drive defensively! Accidents happen to even the most seasoned riders so don’t think it can’t happen to you. It’s truly a shame that we have to constantly be on such high alert, while we’re trying to enjoy our right to ride & the feeling of freedom that’s suppose to come along with it. Many times, I’ve chatted with people as I’m getting gas in my bike or have stopped at a 7-11 & they tell me that they wish they had the nerve to get a bike and how much fun it looks to be. I’ll always ask why they haven’t gotten one yet & the answer is always the same…”Oh, it’s too dangerous out there.” This is coming from people in cars & trucks who have never ridden a motorcycle in their life….amazing. I think that EVERYONE should be required by DMV to learn how to ride a motorcycle. I do believe that this would dramatically cut down on the number of motorcycle accidents caused by people in cars or trucks. When you 1st get your motorcycle license, you see the road in a whole new light. You naturally have a heightened awareness of other motorcycles, just because you ride. If everyone could at least once, experience what it’s like to ride on a motorcycle & be travelling amongst other vehicles on the road, I could bet that they too would become more aware and actually look for motorcycles. Anyone want to help me take on DMV?? ha ha.

We really appreciate you all being here with us each month. Please stop in & see the wonderful businesses that advertise with us – they are here for YOU & care enough to spend their advertising dollars rolling with us which is how we are able to bring you Thunder Roads each & every month of the year…we definitely would not be here without them! Have a great rest of the summer & get out to ride as often as you can. Here’s wishing you all peace & happiness in your homes, lots of love in your hearts & that wonderful wind in your faces…stay cool & be safe on your roads!

Happy Trails

Kelly

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE 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-ABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PER-SON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PRO-MOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORCONTENTS

Calendar Of Events............................................4

Proud To Be An American..............................8

Hot Shots..............................................................12

KISS.....................................................................15

Clubs & Organizations..................................23

The Joker’s Wild..............................................28

Biker Friendly Directory..............................32

NCOM News Bytes..........................................36

On Eagle’s Wings.............................................39

Advertisers Index..........................................40

Happiness is not having what you want,It’s wanting what you have

AUGUST

Aug 1st Miss Shenandoah Harley-Davidson & Last Band Standing – Staunton, VA *Live pageant *Battle of the bands *Lots of sales and fun promotions. Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell, 213 Rolling Thunder Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 540-213-RIDE. Visit www.shenandoahhd.com for details

Aug 1st 3rd Annual Back to School Bash – Newport News, VA The 3rd Annual Back to School Bash will be held on Saturday, August 1st, at the Quaker Steak & Lube, 12832 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA. Rain date is Sunday, August 2nd. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Quaker Steak & Lube of Newport News, the Hampton Roads Navy League, Wicked Sisters Café of Virginia Beach, Dyno Tuned Performance of Chesapeake, Hop’s Place of Hampton, Hooters of Hampton Roads, and Trophy World, Inc. of Newport News. This year’s show is also an official sanctioned event of the Chryslers Owners Group. The event is free to the public, and is open to all makes, models, and years of vehicles…including trucks and SUVs, antique cars, exotic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, race cars, tuner cars, motorcycles, etc. Registration is $20 for all cars, trucks and SUVs, and $10 for all motorcycles. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. There will be “goody bags” and dash plaques for the first 50 registered participants, food, music, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and vehicle displays…and don’t forget the Pinup Angels and Hooters Girls! Awards will be given the top two vehicles in each of the 43 classes…as well as Best of Show and Best Club Participation awards! For more information and details, please visit www.hr-mopar.info, and click on the “Back to School Bash 2009” link or the “Back to School Bash” banner. All money raised will go directly to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital! Please mark this event on your personal and/or club calendar as one of the events that you definitely plan to attend this year, and help make this year’s event a huge success as we help in the fight against catastrophic childhood diseases.

Aug 1stBenefit @ Jokers for Rob Anderson – Chesapeake, VA Rob Anderson has always been there to help the biker community,now it is our time to help him with his fight against cancer.Benefit starts 3pm till 11pm.Music and food $10.00 donation.Jokers Bar and Grill Cheasapeake V.A.For info call 757-287-9641.Sponsered by DESPERADO,S M.C.-Virginia

Aug 2ndRide for Your Heart - Virginia Beach, VASponsored by Sentara Heart Hospital. The ride will begin at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, 1060 First Colonial Road, in Virginia Beach. Registration will be held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The fee for this ride is $10.00 for the rider and $5.00 for the passenger. All donations and proceeds to benefit The American Heart Association. For more information call (757) 395-8064.

Aug 3rd – 9th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, SD www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com (Since 1938)

Aug 5th – 9th East Coast Sturgis – Little Orleans, MD www.eastcoaststurgis.com (Since 2003)

Aug 8th

Pamplin 4th Annual Poker Run – Pamplin, VAPamplin Volunteer Fire Dept & EMS 4th Annual Poker Run. Prepare to enjoy a ride through scenic and historical Appomattox County where our country re-united. Retrace many of the original miles that Lee and Grant and the many soldiers that fought for the freedom we enjoy today. Saturday, August 8th, 2009. (Rain Date August 15th, 2009). • 9:00 a.m. – First Bike out • 11:00 a.m. – Last Bike out • Auction • Rodeo • Bike Show • Door Prizes • $ 10 per hand • Band – featuring “Southland Band” • Free Vendor Spaces available • Food available on grounds • Donations welcomed • Everyone’s invited • Music – 7:00 pm at: 15935 Thomas Jefferson Hwy (Route 47), Pamplin. Check out our web page for updates. Proceeds benefit: EMS Division, Pamplin Volunteer Fire Department & EMS, Inc., 2394 Pamplin Road, Pamplin, Virginia 23958. Details: http://www.geocities.com/pamplinfire/

Aug 8thSafe Surfin’ Foundation Motorcycle Ride - Newport News, VA Starts with: Breakfast & Bike Ride with Erik “Ponch” Estrada. Get your picture taken with Erik “Ponch” Estrada from the 1977-1983 Hit TV Series”CHiPs”!!! And current National Spokesperson for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation... Breakfast & Bike Ride: $15.00 Donation per Rider. (Bike Ride Only $10.00 per Rider). Breakfast & Registration Begins at: 8:00AM. Bike Ride Begins at: 10:00AM. Start Location: Warwick Moose Family Center 1711, 1711 Moose Lane, Newport News, VA, (757) 930-1166 or (757) 570-5864. Ride Ends at: 12:45PM. Fundraiser Event will be held at: Newport News Family Center 1119, 2307 60th Street, Hampton, VA, (757) 826-0766. SAFE SURFIN’ FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER EVENT Begins at 1:00PM. Fun for the whole family with LIVE Music, Karaoke, Games, Prizes, Food & Drinks!!! All Proceeds Rasied Will Be Given To The SAFE SURFIN’ FOUNDATION.

Aug 9thPoker Run - Norfolk, VATo support the Wounded Warrior Project. Starting Veterans Of Foreign Wars - Post 4809, 5728 Bartee Street Norfolk, VA 23502. Registration: 10 - 11:30 AM. $10 per person, 50/50 and Door Prizes. Sponsored by: Christian Soldiers CB, TAMA approved event, [email protected] 757-479-5629

Aug 14th - 16th Motorcycle Rodeo XVI - Lanexa, VA 1st CAPITOL CHAPTER, ABATE of VA. Includes Swap Meet – Rendezvous - Bike and Car Show. Rockahock Campground, 1428 Outpost Rd, Lanexa, VA. Email [email protected]. Motorcycle games etc. will take place between noon and 9 PM Sat 15 Aug. $15 each or $25 per couple - includes access and entrance to all events Sat and Sun. Does not include the cost of camping. $10 per entry if only attending the Sunday bike and car show. Food, soft drinks & water for sale Sat & Sun. http://www.1st-capitol-abate.org

Aug 15thGeneive Shelter Poker Run - Va. Beach/ Chesapeake, VA August 15,2009. Third Annual Poker Run to Benefit the Geneive Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence. Hosted by the Booze Fighters MC Chapter#38. Starts at Smackwater Jacks Va. Beach Blvd. Registration from 9:30 til 11:30am. Ends at Lazy Horse Bar and Grill, Cedar Rd. Chesapeake, Va. 50/50, Great Door Prizes, Trophies and more. All Clubs

and Independent riders are welcome, bike or cage. For more information call Papa Bear@(757)286-4355.

Aug 16th 2nd Annual Vetshouse, Inc. Poker Run – Norfolk,VA 2nd Annual Vetshouse, Inc. Poker Run - Norfolk, VA. - Sponsored by VFW Riders of Hampton Roads & Knuckleheads Roadhouse - to support VETSHOUSE, INC., a privately financed transitional program giving a hand-up (not a hand-out) to homeless vets in the Tidewater area. Fee: $15/Rider & $10/Passanger - Register from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at VFW Post 4809 - 5728 Bartee Street, Norfolk (Behind Lone Star Steak House on Military Hwy. at Rt 264. Music - Food - Best & Worst Hand Prizes - Live Auction. Come out and support our homeless vets! For more info - call Bob Staicer @ (757) 681-5765 - or Knuckleheads Roadhouse @ (757) 644-6220.

Aug 16th Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park – Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies & Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Aug. 23rd.

Aug 16th 4th Annual Rally for RAACE - A Charity Motorcycle Ride & Family Fund Day Event – Harford County, MD Start: Jones Junction - Bel Air, Maryland, 9:00 a.m. registration / 12:00 p.m start. Music & Entertainment, Raffles, Food & Drinks. End: Chesapeake Harley-Davidson, Darlington, MD. 2:00 p.m. Post Party, Music & Entertainment by “Sir Psycho” & “Flip Side”. Raffles, Food, Drinks & Many Vendors offering a wide variety of products. Fees: $30 pp (children 12 & under are free). Pre-register by August 3, 2009 & receive a commemorative event t-shirt and complimentary breakfast day of ride. All motorcycles are welcome! If you need further information about The RAACE Foundation, the 4th Annual Rally for RAACE, vendor or sponsor opportunities, please visit our website at http://www.raace.org, give us a call at 1-800-755-KIDS or e-mail us at [email protected]. Wishing you many safe journeys! Vickie - The RAACE Foundation

Aug 20th – 22nd North Carolina State HOG Rally – Mt Airy, NCwww.ncstatehogrally.com

Aug 21st – 22nd 10th Annual Eastern Shore of VA’s Motorcycle Rally - Parksley, VA Parksley,Virginia The 10th annual Virginia’s Eastern Shore Rally will be held on Friday August 21st and Saturday August 22nd. Gates will open at 4 pm on Friday. This event will feature a bike show, biker games for adults and kids, live bands, great food and drinks, $10 bottomless beer mug.There will also be VCW Pro Wrestling matches held on Saturday afternoon.Camping with hot showers will be available on site. All bikes are welcome.Vendor spots are still available. There is no charge for vendors. This rally is sponsored by Parksley Vol. Fire Co. and all proceeds benefit the fire company. For more information please contact us at (757)709-4655 or (757)665-6977. We can be reached by email at [email protected]

List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 4

Aug 21st – 22nd Bayside BIG BASH – Portsmouth, VA National Band, Vendors, Food, Over 100 Door Prizes, VIP Party. The end of summer BIG Bash Party at Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA. www.baysidehd.com 757 397-5550

Aug 21st & 22nd 4th Annual Hawgs, Hosses & Hinies Roundup – Lanexa, VA Rockahock Campgrounds, Inc., 1428 Outpost Road, Lanexa, VA 23089, 804-966-8362. Three days of live entertainment on our amphitheater stage situated on the banks of the Chickahominy River. This year’s entertainment lineup features the 2009 Triple Threat Tour - Diamond Rio with special guest Little Texas and Restless Heart. This is weekend you don’t want to miss!!! Local favorites will keep the party going all weekend. Enjoy great food and merchandise vendors, bike games, bike show, and much more. Spend the weekend riding and relaxing. At Rockahock you can have it all while you get away from it all! Full hookup RV sites, primitive RV sites, tent camping and Yurt & Cottage rentals available. Call now to make your reservations!!!!! Ticket Prices: Friday Only - $15.00. Saturday Only - $35.00. Weekend - $45.00. For more information visit www.rockahock.com or call us at 804-966-8362.

Aug 21st – 23rd1st Annual Scooter Trash Mountain Crawl Virginia Beach, VA Friday Evening Pre-Ride Meet & Greet Party at Knuckleheads Roadhouse,401 N. Witchduck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA. 23462.Live Entertainment, Dinner Buffet, Cold Beverages and Great Friends. 7:00 PM til closing. Saturday morning ride leaves Knuckleheads at 8:00AM. The scenic route will run along US 460 to Petersburg, Lynchburg and Bedford,VA. Continuing to Peaks of Otter up the The Blue Ridge Parkway to Shenandoah Harley Davidson, Staunton, Va. The ride will continue to Lexington, Va. to attend Hull’s Drive-In for a Double Feature under the stars 50’s style. We have negotiated an inclusive price of $25.00 pp for Movie Voucher, Hull’s T-Shirt and Back Yard Picnic Buffet. Along the route we will stop at pre-arranged pit stops, places to eat and points of interest. Hotels have been blocked in Virginia Beach, Va and Lexington, Va. for your convenience. For information contact “Grizz” at [email protected] or Herkman at [email protected]. Mailing address Mountain Crawl P.O. Box 60, Montebello, Va. 24464

Aug 22ndSave the Ta-Ta’s Bike Show – Fredericksburg, VAThe Eagle Riders of Fredericksburg invite you to help in our effort for Breast Cancer Research. Breakfast Buffet $8.00 (Breakfast Served-9:30 am-11:00 am). Registration-10 AM-Noon. $15.00 Entry Fee. Live Music. Rain date-August 29. Early Bird Participation Gift to First 25 Registrants. [email protected]

Aug 28thFundraiser for April Brenner - Norfolk, VAHeld at The Boot in Norfolk, VA. Visit http://www.FuzionInk.com for details

Aug 29th5th Annual Nova Cool Cats Charity Biker Run - Ashburn, VA Sponsored by Cruise Planners & Mediterranean Breeze Restaurant The poker run starts at Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 20688 Ashburn Road in Ashburn. Registration will begin at

8:30 am. The ride starts at 10:00 am. The fee for this ride is $30.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. The fee includes a complete breakfast. Proceeds will benefit the Nova Cool Cats ‘Special’ Hockey Team. For more information call (703) 858-9898, or go to http://www.novacoolcats.org

Aug 29thRide for the Warriors 2 – Yorktown, VAThe Brothers In Arms - Yorktown Chapter will be hosting their second Ride for the Warriors to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has provided more than $65 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. There will be plenty of ride and door prizes. $10.00/rider and $5.00/passenger. For details on registration go to www.biamc-yorktown.com.

Aug 30thWTF Leather Crafter’s Grand Opening - Virginia Beach, VAWTF Leather Crafter Grand Opening - Come join us for great Food, Beverages, Door Prizes and a 50/50 Raffle with half of the winnings going to the charity of the largest group in attendence. 12pm - 4pm. WTF Leather Crafter, 1561 Bradford Rd., Ste 102, Virginia Beach, Va. 23455. Phone 757 439-2813

Aug 30thMark Baker Run & Pig Roast – Virginia Beach, VAStart & Registration @ Poppa’s Pub - 9:30 am to 11:30 am. (Diamond Springs Road and Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA) all are welcome! • Ride leaves at 11:45 Sharp End & Pig Roast @ Knuckleheads - 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm (Witchduck Road next to Harley-Davidson) presents the 1st Annual, FEATURING: Live Music by The Blue Lords. 50/50 Raffle, Give Aways, Live Auction, Pig Roast & Food Specials. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE MARK BAKER FOUNDATION. (A 501(c)3 established to raise funds for Mark’s quality of life and to raise awareness of your insurance coverage). $5 per Passenger, $15 to RIDE. Sponsored by: Bay Painting, E. A. Chapman Floor Designs, Buddy Baker Concrete. For more info call 757-461- f i s h (3474) or 757-714-6248. Visit http://www.knuckleheadsvb.com. Time: 12:30pm-6:30pm

SEPTEMBER

Sept 3rdFundraiser for April Brenner - Norfolk, VAHeld at Bar Norfolk in Norfolk, VA. Visit http://www.FuzionInk.com for details

Sept 4th – 6th 9th Annual Outer Banks Bike Show – Grandy, NC Bike Show, Vendors, Bands, Great Food, Cold Beer, Bike Games. This event benefits the Navy Seals and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Your support will help our military families and also help critically ill children. We appreciate your continued help and support for this great event - This is our 9th year! FREE vendor space - We are asking that vendors make a tax deductible donation to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation. For availability, call 252-453-2261 (Restaurant) or Email: [email protected]. Event location: Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, 169 Walnut Island Blvd., Grandy North Carolina 27939. Lodging accommodations visit www.walnutisland.com. Camping is available – email [email protected]. For more info visit www.barrysbikerally.com

Sept 6th 6th Annual Pirate's Run – Elizabeth City, NC $1000 to the Pirate with the key to the Treasure Chest. Live Music, Food, Vendors, Tattoo Contest, Tons of Door Prizes. Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Elizabeth City, NC. Benefits Camp Celebrate-Camp for burn injured children. www.outerbankshd.com 252-338-8866

Sept 7th Labor Day

Sept 11th Patriot Day

Sept 12th Valley Thunder XVI – Staunton, VA *Premiere of 2010 line of motorcycles *Food & Beverage Vendors *Huge sales throughout dealership. Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell, 213 Rolling Thunder Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 540-213-RIDE. Visit www.shenandoahhd.com for details

Sept 12thSecond Annual Special Bikers for Special Olympics - Farmville, VA This event has two poker runs. Both poker runs begin at Fireman’s Sports Arena on Zion Hill Road in Farmville. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Riders go out on the first run at 10:00 am and the second poker run begins at 11:00 am. There is a $250.00 purse for each run. The ride ends with a bike show. The entry fee is $10.00 per bike. There will be awards for best in show. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, food, bike wash, door prizes, dance and more. For more information call (434) 315-8929,, or go to http://www.ccusa30.com.

Sept 12thHampton Roads H-D New Model Open House - Yorktown, VA Visit www.hrhd.com for details or call (757) 872-7223

Sept 17th – 20th DelMarVa Bike Week – Ocean City, MD www.delmarvabikeweek.com (Since 2000)

Sept 17th – 20th8th Annual Atlantic Bike Week Party - Ocean City, MD Join us for the 8th Annual Atlantic Bike Week Party at the Atlantic Hotel in Ocean City, MD. 3 Full days of Music, Food & Fun! Live Bands featuring Thunderfoot & The Blue Lords. Burnout Pit, T-shirts & much more. Vendors Wanted!! Don’t miss out on all the FUN! Atlantic Hotel, Boardwalk & Wicomico Street, Ocean City, MD, 410-289-9111, 1-800-3-ATLANTIC, www.atlantichotelocmd.com

Sept 19thSouthside H-D New Model Open House - Virginia Beach, VA Info 757-499-8964 www.hrhd.com

Sept 19th 2nd Annual Fall Motor Show – Elizabeth City, NC Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles-All models welcome. Food, Music, Trophies. Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Elizabeth City, NC/US 17 South.www.outerbankshd.com 252-338-8866

Sept 20th 3rd Annual Pony Run – Harbinger, NC Music, Food, Vendors, Poker Run. To Benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson, Harbinger, NC. www.kittyhawkhd.com 252-491-2091

Sept 20th Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park - Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies



& Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Sept. 27th.

Sept 20thRiders Against Diabetes Poker Run - Gloucester VA Team DreamCatchers is having a Poker Run to raise money and awareness for Diabetes. Several of us live with this deadly disease everyday, please help us fight it. Registration starts at 10:30am, first bike out at noon. $10 Per Rider, $5 per passenger, $5 for extra hand. Start and finish at Damon’s Sport’s Bar and Grille Rt. 17 Gloucester, Va. Stops at Big Daddy’z Cycles in Hayes, Revolutionary Harley Davidson in Williamsburg and West Point stop to be determined. Prizes for best and worst hands. We will have raffles, 50/50 and a DJ. Email any questions to: [email protected]

Sept 20thDesperado’s M.C. Hope Haven Poker Run – Chesapeake & Suffolk VA Poker Run To Benefit Hope Haven.This is a local organization that helps people in our community.Music and food $5.00 per person admission.Start at Jokers Bar and Grill 9:30-11:00.Ending at Randzz Rt.58 Suffolk V.A.For info call 757-287-9641

Sept 22nd 1st Day of Fall

Sept 26th4th Annual Superkids Bike & Car Show – Prince George, VA 4th Annual Superkids Bike & Car Show from 9 AM - 5 PM at Prince George High School located at 7801 Laurel Springs Road, Prince George, VA 23875. This is a Judged Show! $5,000 in CASH AWARDS. Dash plaques to 1st 200 registered. 25 Car/Truck Trophies, 14 Bike Trophies, and a total of 60 Plaques, with 20 in early to 1954, 20 in 1955-1972, and 20 in 1973-Present classes. Pre-registered only $20 before September 12th. $25 afterward. Drawing for pre-registered $100 gas card. Goody bags, live auction, raffles, 50/50’s, food, DJ, Miss VA 2009, dunking booth, face painting, and more. Sponsored by Hopewell-Prince George Civitan Club. All proceeds to benefit Superkids Group Home Project. Vendor spaces available. $30 for 10x10. Auto vendors spaces $35 with space as needed. Info: Morris Hudgins 804-919-4246 or 804-458-8216. Vendor info call Julia Skeens 804-722-1511. Superkids Ministries Web site: http:// www.skmi.org

Sept 26th Bikers for Babies-March of Dimes Ride – Portsmouth, VA Live Music, Food, Ride Pin, Vendors. Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA. www.baysidehd.com 757 397-5550

Sept 26th New Model Year Open House – Hughesville, MD Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC will be celebrating the New Model Year with an event-filled day. Food, entertainment, sales, contests and a great time! 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft Washington, MD 20744. www.hdwash.com, phone 301-248-1200, 10am to 4pm.

Sept 26thRide to Forget-Me-Not 2009 Poker Run - Colonial Heights, VA Get out your motorcycle and join the Tri-Cities Alzheimer’s Association and the Red Knights for food, fun, and prizes at the Third Annual Ride to Forget-Me-Not Poker Run. The ride begins and ends at Fort Clifton Park in Colonial Heights. Check in and on-site registration begins at 8:30am and the first bike heads out at 9:00am. All proceeds will go to benefit the mission and programs of the Tri-City Alzheimer’s Association to help patients of

Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Registration fee is $15 per bike and additional $5 for a companion rider. Register or find out more by contacting [email protected] (804)526-2359 or go to our website at http://www.alz.org/grva

Sept 30th – Oct 3rd

Myrtle Beach Bike Days – Myrtle Beach, SC www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

OCTOBER

Sept 30th – Oct 3rd

Myrtle Beach Bike Days – Myrtle Beach, SC www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

Oct 3rdClifford Ruritan Old Fashioned Sorghum Festival – Clifford, VA Come see the Ruritans cook Old Fashioned Sorghum Molasses and Brunswick Stew in the village of Clifford, Virginia. Watch the VA State Championship Jousting Tournament. See and talk with Civil War reenactors. Enjoy food, music, dancing, entertainment, arts & crafts, antiques, gifts, collectibles, jewelry, quilts, wood crafts, garden ornaments & more! Proceeds benefit local community charities. Free admittance, $5 parking for cars, $1 motorcycle parking (It’s a BEAUTIFUL ride!). State Road 610, between Hwy 29 and SR151, 755 Fletchers Level Road, Clifford, VA, 24533(434) 946-2208

Oct 3rdHampton Roads H-D 31st Anniversary - Yorktown, VAVisit www.hrhd.com for details or call (757) 872-7223

Oct 2nd – 4th 2nd Annual Outer Banks Bike Fest – Harbinger & Nags Head, NC Bike Show, Poker Run, Guided Tours. Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson/Nags Head Harley-Davidson. www.kittyhawkhd.com 252-491-2091

Oct 9th – 10th Rumble Through The Tunnels-Fleet Ride – Portsmouth, VA Largest Motorcycle Event to Honor our Troops. Welcome Party, Live Music, Vendors, Miss Fleet Ride Contest, Tattoo Contest. Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Give-A-Way!! Bayside Harley-Davidson. Portsmouth, VA/I-264/Exit 5. www.baysidehd.com 757 397-5550

Oct 10thSouthside H-D Open House - Virginia Beach, VAInfo . 757-499-8964 www.hrhd.com

Oct 15th – 18th Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, FL

Oct 11th8th Annual Suffolk Swamp Roar - Suffolk, VAA scenic 80-mile escorted ride around The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. $20 per person includes event t-shirt, post-ride reception with food and entertainment and free entry into Peanut Fest. Suffolk Visitor Center at 757-514-4130 or http://www.Suffolk-Fun.com Oct 18th Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park - Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies & Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Oct. 25th.

Oct 24th Hope for the Valley – Staunton, VA Staunton VA,

Gypsy hill Park Bandstand-Music, Food, Vendors and fun for the whole family. There will be a motorcycle ride and bike show. All proceeds from this event will go to local non profits. Starts at 9am goes till 10pm. For more information or to be a vendor contact Chuck Hazy at 540-241-9852 or [email protected]

Oct 25th Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show - Driver/Suffolk, VA. Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show Sunday Oct. 25th 2009. Run Registration 9:30- 11:00 at Knuckleheads Roadhouse, 401 North Witchduck Rd, VA. Beach and Bayside Harley Davidson, 2211 Frederick Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA 23704. Parade of Bikes entering Driver, VA at 1:00pm. Bike Show Registration in Driver at 4237 Driver Lane from 12 - 2pm. Classes: Ladies, Antique, HD Touring, HD Softail, HD Rubbermount, HD Sportster, Foreign,Chopper, Special Construction & Factory Custom. Proceeds benefiting the Sherri Parker Memorial Fund, Inc., Driver Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Humane Society. Rain date November 1, 2009. For info contact Holly Hoffler @ 757-538-3944.

Oct 31st Halloween Open House & Fashion Show – Ft Washington, MD Great winter/fall fashions modeled by the HOG Chapter, costume contest, candy for the kids, sales and more! 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft Washington, MD 20744, www.hdwash.com, 301-248-1200, 10am to 4pm

NOVEMBER

Nov 1st Daylight Savings Time Ends – Fall back! Set your clocks back 1 hour

Nov 11th Veterans Day

Nov 26th Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 27thSouthside H-D Beware of the Mall Sale - Virginia Beach, VA Info 757-499-8964 www.hrhd.com

DECEMBER

Dec 11thSouthside H-D 12 Days of Christmas Sale Begins - Virginia Beach, VA Info 757-499-8964 www.hrhd.com

Dec 12th Southside H-D Santa and His Elves Open House - Virginia Beach, VA Info 757-499-8964 www.hrhd.com

Dec 12th Christmas Open House & Pictures with Santa – Hughesville, MD Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC., 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft Washington, MD 20744, www.hdwash.com, 301-248-1200, 10am to 4pm

Dec 21st 1st Day of Winter

Dec 25th Merry Christmas!



Richmond - Chester 2401 West Hundred Road • 804-425-WING

Richmond - Midlothian 1211 Huguenot Road • 804-378-WING

Richmond - West Broad 7912 West Broad Street • 804-270-WING

Bike Night at Hooters at

these locations:

ChesterMondays

Midlothian Wednesdays

West BroadThursdays

Come see me at Bike Night.

Untitled-1 1 6/20/2009 9:58:42 AM


Proud To Be An AmericanRolling Thunder XXII at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC

Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd-24th, 2009 at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC was another memorable event. Although the rumble and thunder of motorcycles was heard throughout the DC metropolitan area, there was a special pride that rolled through the dealership.

To reunite and remember the POW’s and MIA’s from the past and present, Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC, once again celebrated the “Official Rolling Thunder Reunion Spot” on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009. Although the day was extra hot, supporters of Rolling Thunder did not hesitate to come out and show their support. There were over 10,000 guests in attendance that enjoyed the free food including hamburg-ers, hot dogs and pork BBQ sandwiches while listening to the sounds of a great local band, Bent Nickel . Back by popular demand were numerous vendors such as the National HOG Pin Stop, organizations raising money through raffles to help the cause as well as vendors selling merchandise such as leathers, patches, motorcycle cleaning supplies, jewelry, sunglasses, trinkets, potato pancakes, smoothies and much more. Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC is the only loca-tion where you can purchase the “Official” Rolling Thunder XXII T-shirts. Proceeds raised from these t-shirts are do-nated directly to Rolling Thunder, Inc.

Among the 10,000 loyal patrons who visited Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC for Rolling Thunder XXII, were some very special members of the Harley-Davidson and Rolling Thunder, Inc. families. Matt Levatich, the new Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and COO, joined the festivities at the dealership for his very first Rolling Thunder. He was welcomed with open arms from the staff and HOG Chapter at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC. He spent the day taking it all in, while chatting with customers and enjoying the pride that burst at the seams of the dealership. Also in attendance were other members from Harley-David-son Motor Company, Ed MaGee, Capital Drive Plant General Manager, Skip Metz, Managing Chief Powertrain Engineer, Mike Richards, Manager of Government Affairs and Taylor Anderson, District Manager. They spent time mingling with Rolling Thunder, Inc. President Artie Muller and his officers. Another very special guest, who came all the way from Cali-fornia for the second year in a row, was actor and movie star, Robert Patrick. Once again, he was very excited to take part in this event and was part of many photo opportunities. It was very nice to have so many important people participating in the festivities!

Even though the “Official Reunion Spot” on Saturday was a huge success, nothing tops off the weekend more than the surreal picture that is painted on Sunday morning with the American Pride Yellow Ribbon Ride. The morning started early around 7:30 a.m. with free coffee and donuts for all, followed by the raising of the American Flag by the local Ac-cokeek Volunteer Fire Department, for all the motorcycles to THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 8

Proud To Be An Americanpass under. At 9 am, riders were asked to make their way to their motorcycles for the ceremony to begin. Ft Washington HOG member, Helen Manning did a beautiful job singing the National Anthem while over 4,000 motorcyclists stood in si-lence with their hands over their hearts. Soon after, all riders lined up and followed suit behind the 30 plus police officers who arrived to escort riders from Harley-Davidson of Wash-ington, DC to the Pentagon Parking lot, safely. The pride that beamed from each rider and bystander, as well as the staff was unreal. Riders were decked out in symbols of support and pride to all military and their motorcycles were adorned with American Flags and POW/MIA flags. All of this was set to the music of the rumble and thunder of motorcycles.

Since 1993, Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC has been a proud supporter of Rolling Thunder, Inc. They take great pride in putting this event together and paying tribute to such a great cause. Please make plans to join them next year as they reunite old and new friends, once again, on Memo-rial Day weekend 2010 as Rolling Thunder’s XXIII’s Official Reunion Spot!

By: Tammy McClanahan-SaberanHarley-Davidson of Washington, DCMarketing Director


Robbie Kneivel Gets Thunder RoadsShouldn’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

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If you’ve got some “Hot Shot” pictures you’d like to share with us, please send them to [email protected] 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!


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RAGIN' 4TH of JULY @ Shenandoah Harley-Davidson Staunton, VAby Marlene SteeleWhat could be better than a hot collection of Harley-Davidsons? How about a hot collection of men? Because Biker Bob knows what the ladies like, Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell hosted the First MR SHD contest on July 4. He didn’t leave the men out, Biker Bob was also proud to announce the area’s first outdoor Cage Fight by Brawley Fights LLC taking place at Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell that night.Mother Nature marked her calendar for the event. With only a chance of rain shower, the bikes and automobiles rolled in at a steady stream. Lots of good food and cold beverages were available. Many of the Brawley Fight sponsors shared the dealership lot with SHD’s favorite vendors. The dealership parking lot was soon packed with patrons…and lots of women.An all new, hard rockin’, show stopping, monster band from Bridgewater VA, Brace For Impact, got the crowd in a partying mood. The band played 2 hours of classic, southern and new rockAs the crowd grew, so did the anticipation. When local radio station DJ, Randi White asked the ladies to come on forward…don’t be shy, the crowd gladly accepted her invitation. Cat calls, whistles and shouts filled the warm, afternoon air as eleven fine contestants from a wide range of towns in Virginia lined up on stage. Nathan Neff and Rick Cash kept the audience occupied with their smooth, sexy, rockin’ style of music as the contestants went to the dressing room to prepare for the riding/club wear and swim wear divisions of the competition. As the lady employees from Shenandoah Harley-Davidson joined to crowd to cheer, the contestants came out strutting their stuff, the competition was on! MC’s Randi White and Biker Bob got the guys to loosen up and endear

themselves to the crowd with an individual introduction…and small flash of abs! Oh, the ladies wanted more! The third and final swim wear round got the contestants really loose with a dance and groove session joined by the Brawley Fights Ring Girls. Biker Bob couldn’t wait to get in on the competi-tion. Dressed in what he thought would be the ultimate swim wear and by far the winner, claimed he was just “looking for a date”. Nice try Bob. The five judges had some work cut out for them. After automatically eliminat-ing Biker Bob, the deliberations took some time and the scores were close. The girls went wild as the final three were announced. Anticipation was in the air. The ladies were on the tips of their toes. The crowd whistled and ap-plauded the final three, and everyone proudly cheered on the First MR SHD. Congratulations Mark!The fans at the gate to the Brawley Fight ring were patient and enjoyed the show as they waited for the amateur MMA event to start. The tent area filled quickly and the fights were soon on. “14 matches, only a couple were short, most all were scrappy, and 3 of the last 4 matches, which were all title matches, could not have been better.” says Biker Bob. “The crowd was excellent, both in size and behavior, and the fireworks capped off a great and fun filled day.”The staff and Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell invites everyone to come join our events…you don’t know what you’re missing!

Biker Bob welcomes the 4th of July crowd to Ragin’ 4th of July - Mr Shenandoah Harley-Davidson contest

Brawley Fights Promoter and co-owner, Chris Hawley, welcomes the crowd and gives the update on the Cage Fight taking place at Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell

“Brace For Impact” opens the day with a kickin’ performance

Brace For Impact Drummer’s view of the crowd. Bob Ladd and the 11 contestants for the MR SHD contest Our beautiful judges having a great time!

Shake it boys, shake it! Nathan Neff and Rick Cash kept the ladies warmed up between the MR SHD walk-ons.

Local radio DJ Randi White and the MR SHD contestants (in swim or beach wear)


The ladies were going wild! The contestants were put to the test…by getting’ down with the Brawley Fights Ring Girls!

Biker Bob does his best to reach the final 5…nice try Bob, no cigar!

2009 Mr. Shenandoah Harley-Davidson! Congratulations Mark! Brandi Moomau, Billy Shannon(Current Brawley Fights 205LB/Light Heavyweight Title Belt Holder) and Kaye Gorsuch.

from left to right: Brawley Fight Promoter - Chris Hawley, Susie Ladd, Brawley Fight Promoter - Ashlyn Hawley, and Bob Ladd

Motor Clothes girls got some time off to watch the contest.

The judges, 4th from right is Susie, Bob’s wife

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 703-206-0571or [email protected]

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 703-309-7197 or [email protected]

ABATE River City Chapter ( Richmond , VA )'No meetings, just action!' For more information contact Steve Skeens at 804-389-8293 or [email protected]

ABATE Virginia Cruisers Chapter ( Hampton , VA ) meets 1PM every 1st Sunday at Mugzy's Grill, 1312 E. Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Pete Bulgart at 757-870-1517 or John at [email protected].

Beacons/Christian Motorcycle Association - Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Military Hwy, 6-8 PM. Monthly ride: 4th Saturday of each month, depart from Shoney’s on Indian River Rd. Check our website for ride times and more information: http://cmaner5.org/VA/BEACONSOFTIDEWATER or contact President Lenny Stowell at (757) 420-4411 or [email protected]

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: [email protected]. Website: www.mlkm5project.com. Motto: We Ride Because We Care

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, [email protected] Richmond, Va. 23230. Mike Walton, President (804) 514-9123 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 [email protected] or go the www.star440.org

Moose Riders District 8 Meetings 1st Monday of Month. Contact Bubba @ 804-691-7671. Email: [email protected] or Jeff @ 804-892-3346 Email: [email protected]

TAMA – Tidewater Albemarle Motorcycle Association. ALL clubs or any organization that hosts rides/events are welcome to attend. Come out & meet some good people from all around the area. We’re all working together so that each one our rides/events can be scheduled not to conflict with others & then we can all have a successful turnout. Our meetings are held @ 7PM on the 3rd Thursday of every month (except December) at the Golden Corral, on the corner of Volvo Pkwy & Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA. www.tamaevents.com Virginia Freedom Riders - Riders Against Constitutional Erosion (VFR-R.A.C.E.) exists as a grassroots State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) dedicated to protecting and restoring motorcyclists personal freedoms, liberties and individual rights. email: [email protected]. Website:vfr-race.com

[email protected]

Biker Pals


A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push. Not a chance,’ says the husband, ‘it is 3:00 in the morning!’ He slams the door and returns to bed.Who was that?’ asked his wife.‘Just some drunk guy asking for a push,’ he answers. ‘Did you help him?’ she asks. ‘No, I did not, it is 3:00 in the morning and it is pouring rain out there!’ “Well, you have a short memory,’ says his wife. ‘Can’t you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!’The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pound-ing rain..He calls out into the dark, ‘Hello, are you still there?’‘Yes,’ comes back the answer.‘Do you still need a push?’ calls out the husband.‘Yes, please!’ comes the reply from the dark.‘Where are you?’ asks the husband.‘Over here…...on the swing,’ replies the drunk.

A woman pregnant with triplets was walking down the street when a masked robber ran out of a bank and shot her three times in the stomach. Luckily the babies were OK. The surgeon decided to leave the bullets in because it was too risky to operate. She gave birth to two healthy daughters and a healthy son. All was fine for 16 years, and then one daughter walked into the room in tears. ‘What’s wrong?’ asked the mother. ‘I was taking a tinkle and this bullet came out,’ replied the daughter. The mother told her it was okay and explained what happened 16 years ago. About a week later the second daughter walked into the room in tears. ‘Mom, I was taking a tinkle and this bullet ! came out.’ Again the mother told her not to worry and explained what happened 16 years ago. A week later her son walked into the room in tears.. ‘It’s okay’ said theMom, ‘I know what happened You were taking a tinkle and a bullet came out.’‘No,’ said the boy, ‘I was “whackin’ my pud”, and I shot the dog.’

LIFE IS LIKE A JAR OF JALAPENOS WHAT YOU DO TODAY MAY BURN YOUR ASS TOMORROW.

If someone is getting very upset and you want to calm them down, simply say:NOW, DON’T GO GETTIN’ YOUR ASS HAIRS UP.

And then, if someone reeks of stank: DAMN, MAN, YOU SMELL LIKE STALE ASS!

Morris, a crusty old biker and his old lady Esther went to the state fair every year, And every year Morris would say, Esther, I’d like to ride in that helicopter.’ Esther always replied, ‘I know Morris, but thathelicopter ride is fifty dollars, and fifty dollars is fifty dollars’ One year Esther and Morris went to the fair, and Morris said, ‘Esther, I’m 85 years old. If I don’t ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance.’ To this, Esther replied, ‘Morris that helicopter ride is fifty dollars, and fifty dollars is fifty dollars.’ The pilot overheard the couple and said, ‘Folks I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and don’t say a word I won’t charge you a penny!’ But if you say one word it’s fifty dollars.’ Morris and Esther agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, But still not a word. When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, ‘By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn’t. I’m impressed!’. Morris replied, ‘Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Esther fell out, But you know, fifty dollars is fifty dollars!’

Two blonde girls were working for the city public works department. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind her and fill the hole in. They worked up one side of the street, then down the other, then moved on to the next street, working furiously all day without rest, one girl digging a hole, the other girl filling it in again. An onlooker was amazed at their hard work, but couldn’t understand what they were doing. So he asked the hole digger, ‘I’m impressed by the effort you two are putting in to your work, but I don’t get it -- why do you dig a hole, only to have your partner follow behind and fill it up again?’The hole digger wiped her brow and sighed, ‘Well, I sup-pose it probably looks odd because we’re normally a three-person team. But today the girl who plants the trees called in sick.

I urgently needed a day off work, but I knew the Boss would not allow me to take leave. I thought if maybe I acted ‘crazy’ he would tell me to take off a few days. So, I hung upside down on the ceiling mak-ing funny noises. My blonde co-worker asked me what I was doing. I told her that I was pretending to be a light bulb, so that the Boss might think I was ‘crazy’ and give me a few days off. A few minutes later the Boss came into the office and asked, “What in the name of God are you doing?” I told him I was a light bulb. He said, “You are clearly stressed out. Go home and recuperate for a couple of days.” I jumped down and walked out of the office. When my co-worker (the blonde) followed me, the Boss asked her, “...And where do you think you’re going?” She said, “I’m going home too. I damn sure can’t work in the dark.


In Memory of LeroyAnother one of our Brothers has

been taken away from our Motorcy-cle Family on July 6, 2009. He was 57 yrs. For anyone who didn’t know “Waverly Bugg” or Leroy to us, you missed out in knowing a good per-son. Leroy was laid back and easy going. Leroy was very likeable, intelligent, witty, hard working and interesting to talk too. He had more knowledge on a lot of topics than you could ever imagine.

Leroy loved to ride his 1965 BMW motorcycle with us on our Harleys. He owned a Harley before the BMW, but he had to sell it, be-cause he couldn’t afford the Harley Clothes. Every year he looked forward to going with us to Day-tona Bike Week and Myrtle Beach. Leroy loved to do the crossword puzzle every morning. He loved to watch Sponge Bob. “Aye Aye Cap-tain” as he would say. He loved dark chocolate bars with a little of scotch and he enjoyed eating good food. He was a member of the “Clean Plate Club.”

Leroy worked for himself “Beacon Equipment” on Heavy Equipment for most of his Life. He enjoyed tearing it all down, then tinkering with it to get a piece of equipment running. Every morning Leroy would meet his Faithful and Best Friend “TIM” (They were more like BROTHERS) for Breakfast and sometimes for lunch at Cold Harbor. Tim called Leroy every morning at 6am, so he could be there by 7am. But Leroy was usually late for he had to do the cross-word puzzle and finish watching Sponge Bob. They sat at the same table every time. If someone was at Leroy’s table, he would tell us “Look, what are they doing at my table, I have earned that spot.” We would meet them on Sat. and Sun. During the day Leroy would call Tim and just tell him “I’m just checking in Buddy.”

We are not just losing our BEST FRIEND, we are losing our BROTHER. We will never know why GOD had to take you now, because we still had a lot more GOOD TIMES toshare together. But I suppose GOD has some Heavy Equip-ment for you to work on, for YOU are the BEST.

So, Leroy today as we take our Last ride together and our Last walk together to your new Home with GOD, just remember “Keep it between the clouds and watch out for the wobbles.”

Leroy, will you shine your BEACON over us and be our GUARDIAN ANGEL as we ride. Then one day we will be to-gether again riding in the clouds. Leroy, we were the “FOUR MUSKETEERS.”

LEROY, WE LOVE YOU & WE WILL MISS YOU. (Joyce, Albert & Tim)

Waverly Leroy Bugg (the 1st G is silent) shook his mortal coil on July 6, and left us sad characters to mourn his beautiful passing. Waverly and I shared many a laughs and a few tears and called each other “Friend” as often as we met. I have no prayers for Waverly...he certainly needs no vouch sake from me to pass through the Gates of Para-dise... he was a good and hardy soul. I will miss him dearly for the rest of my days.

Ralph


April Benner

Biker Down!

April Benner was in a severe motorcycle accident on July 10, 2009. She was run off the road on I-95 on the way to the Wilson Rodeo. April was in critical condition for several days, with massive head trauma and horrible road rash. She is out of the hospital now and at home recovering with her two children and close friends. April is the counter girl at Fuzion Ink in Norfolk, VA and has been with them since they opened two years ago. Fuzion Ink is accepting donations towards her medical bills – April has no health insurance. They are also having a few fundraisers with more to come. Scheduled - Aug. 28th @ The Boot in Norfolk, VA and Sept. 3rd @ Bar Norfolk in Norfolk Va.. For complete details on making dona-tions and fundraisers being held, visit www.FuzionInk.com . From all of us here at Thunder Roads – Our thoughts & prayers are with you April…Get well soon girl!

It has been said that there are two types of bikers; those who have been in a wreck and those who are going to be! As a group we real-ize that there is a certain amount of truth to this but we don’t quite ac-cept that it may not always be “the other guy”. This is probably good otherwise we might be so consumed by fear that we would either stop riding or be so scared that we wouldn’t enjoy it. The phrase “Live to Ride, Ride to Live” has a lot of meaning for us. We ride because we love to ride. We accept the risk. We exercise a prudent - not obsessive amount of safety awareness - and then go out and enjoy the freedom which we only find on the back of a bike. When an accident does occur the rest of our biker community usually finds out in an amazingly short period of time. We don’t use a formal notification roster - we just get the word out because we care about each other and we want to help in any way we can. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a clue about how we can really help. We call the injured and offer our sympathies and we offer to “do anything we can”, the injured express their gratitude for the thought and, too often, that’s the end of it. No one is to blame. Bikers are, by nature, an independent breed. We may be injured and we may need help but we still want to be independent and we don’t want to feel like we are inconveniencing our friends. What’s the answer? Offer your help. If the injured does not tell you specific ways to help then get a small team of friends together and plan. Get one person who is close to the injured to serve as the liaison (they probably need rest more that they need visitors). Remember “treated and released” does not mean that the person is well. They may be in a lot of pain and may find that the simplest chores are overwhelming. Where people need help in a time like this is not in the glamorous stuff - they need help with the basics of day-to-day life.

Have your team go over a list of basic necessities: The answers will be different for each case, your liaison person can visit the home and decide what can be done. Don’t over visit and tire out the injured. Remember the idea behind this: Come. Help. Leave.Sample “How Can We Help?” Checklist1. How is the injured managing to prepare their food? 2. Does the injured have children? Would it help to give them a break by taking the children on an outing or keeping them overnight? 3. Does the injured have pets? Pets are wonderful, but when we are hurt we may not want to worry about the puppy jumping on us? 4. How is the injured taking care of household chores? Doing dishes, getting laundry done? Getting beds made? 5. Who is picking up their medicines at the Pharmacy, to taking them to Doctor’s appointments? 6. Who is taking care of their house plants? Cutting their grass? 7. If a biker is hospitalized who is taking care of the above stuff for the rest of the family? 8. Do they need help with getting their motorcycle moved to a Motor-cycle Shop 9. Do they need help notifying their insurance agent of the accident? 10. Do they need help getting a copy of the police report 11. Do they need a “sitter” who can stay and just answer the phone. Bikers care and lot and want to call - but they might be the 50th call that day. 12. What day is trash day? Who is going to put the trash out? 13 Do they need help with mail or need stamps or need someone to help them write checks to pay bills. They may be hurting but the electric and phone company still expect their money on time - or no service.


Home ImprovementsA-Team Home ImprovementsSpecializing in drywall, ceramic tile, painting, decks and water/fire damage restoration. Contact Jackie @ (252) 562-3325 or Billy @ (757) 717-9893 or email us @ [email protected] serve Hampton Roads, Va. and Northeastern NC.

UpholsteringAlbert UpholsteryFor your home, specializing in antique furniture upholstery Serving Dinwiddie County & surrounding areas(804) 265-5166

Pest ControlUniversal Pest & Termite Inc.Southside Hampton Roads (757) 502-0200Peninsula & Suffolk (757) 485-5005www.universalpest.com

ElectricalMister SparkyWe’re On Time, You’ll See, Or the Repair is FreeSouthside Hampton Roads (757) 644-4399Peninsula (757) 325-9769www.mistersparky.com

HOME SERVICES DIRECTORYIf you’d like to join our Home Services Directory, email [email protected]

PLACING AN AD WITH US?LISTING YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR?DON’T FORGET THAT OUR DEADLINE IS THE 15th OF EVERY MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE…DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!

DEADLINE!


It’s important for you to know who your friends are out there when you hit the road! Welcome to our Biker Friendly Directory. The following is a list of

establishments throughout the Mid-Atlantic that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a bike dealer, service shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of business that welcomes our biking

community through their doors, you can count on our family of friends to always welcome you in. ALL

of our regular advertisers can be found, in bold, throughout this listing. All of our friends listed are “Biker Friendly” & most of them ride too, so they

know exactly what you want & need. The staff here at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates of all of our advertiser’s continuous support each month - they are the sole financial supporters of this magazine.

WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please give them the support that they truly deserve for being with us & drop by to see them for a visit.

Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know of a business that would like

to join our Thunder Roads family of Biker Friendly Places, please give us a call (757) 831-2264 or email

[email protected] “Where There’s Bikes….There’s Going To Be

Thunder - THUNDER ROADS”* Pick up your FREE copy of

Thunder Roads at these locations

DEALERS & SERVICES

Maryland

All American Harley-Davidson * 8126 Leonardtown Rd.Hughesville, MD 20637

(888) 833-2REVwww.allamericanh-d.com

Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC *9407 Livingston Rd.Ft. Washington, MD

(888) HDFEVERwww.hdwash.com

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City *10716 Ocean Gateway

Berlin, MD (410) 629-1599

www.hdoceancity.com

Virginia

Bad Mo’s Custom CyclesCustom Building/Rebuilding

Fabricating & Painting Virginia Beach, VA

(757) 237-2340 or (757) 685-9697

Big Daddy'z Cycles *2810 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy.

Hayes, VA 23072 (In Gloucester County) (4 miles over the Coleman)

804-642-3436 fax# [email protected]

www.bigdaddyzcycles.com

Chix Custom Cycles*3745 Shore Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23455(757) 363-2453

www.chixcustomcycles.com

Coleman Power Sports * 14105 Telegraph Rd.

Woodbridge, VA (703) 497-1500

www.wherethepoweris.com

Departure Bike Works *5216 Hull St

Richmond, VA 23224(804) 231-0244

www.departure.com

Early’s Cycle Center, Inc. *Virginia’s Leading Yamaha Dealer

1921 South High StreetHarrisonburg, VA 22801www.earlyscycle.com

Gary’s Automotive Again *23220 Airport Street

Petersburg, VA 23803(804) 733-8644

Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson/Buell *6450 George Washington Memorial Hwy

Yorktown, VA(757) 872-7223www.hrhd.com

Outlanders *4768 US Highway 211 West

Luray, VA 22835(540) 743-2040

www.outlanders.wsemail: [email protected]

Patriot Harley-Davidson *9739 Lee Highway

Fairfax, VA(703) 352-5400

www.patriothd.com

Revolutionary Harley-Davidson *1915 Pocahontas Trail Unit F-5

Williamsburg, VA 23185(757) 565-5122www.hrhd.com

Richmond Harley-Davidson *10441 Washington Highway

Glen Allen, VA(804) 550-9280

www.richmondharley.com

Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell *213 Rolling Thunder Lane

Staunton, VA(540) 213-7433

www.shenhd.com

Southside Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc. *385 North Witchduck Rd

Virginia Beach, VA (757) 499-8964www.hrhd.com

Southern Motorsports*3233 W. Mercury Blvd.

Hampton, VA 23666(757) 825-1862

www.southernmotorsportsinc.com

Thunder Road Harley-Davidson *4960 Riverside Drive

Danville, VA 24541-5630(434) 822-BIKE (2453)

www.thunderroadhd.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Epstein, Sandler & Flora P.C.413 W. York StreetNorfolk, VA 236101-800-9-THE-LAW

Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group*The Firm That Rides

Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists

1-800-321-8968www.motorcyclelawgroup.com

BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL, LEATHERS & GIFTS

Virginia

Cycle Thunder * Apparel, Accessories & Installation

3110 W. Leigh Street Richmond, VA 23230

www.cyclethunder.com (804) 276-4982

Diva Customs 501 17th St.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451(757) 428-DIVA

www.divacustoms.com

Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories * 166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G


Harley-Haven1920 Atlantic AveVirginia Beach, VA

(757) 425-2458www.hrhd.com

WTF Leather Crafter *Seats, Sewing, Patches, Leather work

1561 Bradford Rd. Suite 102 Virginia Beach, Va. 23455

(757) 439-2813 or (757) 582-4656

INSURANCE

Clark Insurance Agency *4709 Mason Rest Ct.

Richmond, VA (804) 271-1961

BARS & RESTAURANTS

North Carolina

Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,*Sports Center & Marina169 Walnut Island Blvd

Grandy, NC 27939(252) 453-4153

www.walnutisland.comwww.outerbanksbikeshow.com

Virginia

Alley Cafe and Sports Lounge*608 N. Main St.

Kilmarnock, Va. 22482(804) 824-4353

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

* Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations

Thunder Roads Is Brought To You Each Month By The Following Biker Friendly Businesses


MOTORCYCLE RENTALS

Virginia

Eagle Rider Winchester *140 Independence DrWinchester, VA 22602

(540) 662-9292www.EagleRiderWinchester.com

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City *10716 Ocean Gateway

Berlin, MD (410) 629-1599

www.hdoceancity.com

Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell *213 Rolling Thunder Lane

Staunton, VA 24401(540) 213-8026

www.shenandoahhd.com

POWDER COATING

Virginia

Iron Core Powdercoat*3233 W. Mercury Blvd.

Hampton, VA 23666(757) 825-1862

FUN PLACES TO STAY

Maryland

Atlantic Hotel*Boardwalk & Wicomico Street

Ocean City, MD (410) 289-9111

1-(800) 3-ATLANTICwww.atlantichotelocmd.com

North Carolina

Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,*Sports Center & Marina169 Walnut Island Blvd

Grandy, NC 27939(252) 453-4153

www.walnutisland.com www.Barrysbikerally.com

Comfort Inn Oceanfront South 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road

Nags Head, NC(800) 334-3302

Virginia

Rockahock Campgrounds *1428 Outpost RdLanexa, VA 23089

(804) 966-2759www.rockahock.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

Virginia

CycleHearse*1021-A High Street

Portsmouth, VA 23704office # 757-398-0419

fax# 757-398-0449web: www.cyclehearse.com

Baker Street *1920 Centerville Turnpike #101


Boneshakers Saloon *1297 General Booth BlvdVirginia Beach, VA 23451

(757) 961-8382www.boneshakerssaloon.com

Clutch Bar & Grill*1485 General Booth Blvd (Behind Hooters)


www.clutchbarandgrill.comemail: [email protected]

myspace.com/clutchvenue

Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill *7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Rt 17 North

Gloucester, VA (804) 693-7218 www.damonsbar.com

HOOTERS – 3 locations Richmond – Chester *

2401 West Hundred Road(804) 425-WING

Richmond – Midlothian *1211 Huguenot Road

(804) 378-WING

Richmond – West Broad *7912 West Broad Street

(804) 270-WING

Knuckleheads Roadhouse *401 North Witchduck RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 644-6200www.knuckleheadsvb.com

Thunderbird Grill *201 Battery Park RoadSmithfield, VA 23430

(757) 357-7001www.ThunderbirdGrill.com

Maryland

ROCKABILLYS*Bar & Liquor Store

2101-2111 Old Orems RoadBaltimore, MD 21220

(410) [email protected]

rockabilys.net

MOTORCYCLE RACING & EVENTS

Maryland International Racewaywww.mirdrag.com

Virginia Motorsports Park *8018 Boydton Plank Rd.Petersburg, VA 23803

(804) 862-3174www.virginiamotorsportspk.com

Dirt Drags at Slade’s Park111 Mount Ray Drive

Surry, VA 23883Contact Joe Brookman (804) 221-3959

TATTOO STUDIOS

City Limits Tattoo & Piercing, Ltd. *119D Boulevard

Colonial Heights, VA 23834(804) 504-0600

www.citylimitstattoo.com

Graffiti’s Ink Gallery – 3 locations *2311 Hungary Rd.

Richmond, VA 23228(804) 261-5689

www.graffitistattoo.com

111-A W. Williamsburg Rd. *Sandston, VA 23150

(804) 328-6989www.graffitistattoo.com

7122 Mechanicsville Turnpike *

Mechanicsville, VA 23111(804) 559-4658

www.graffitistattoo.com

PERSONAL SERVICES

Kuttin Station *For ALL your hair needs!

13509 Boydton Plank Road (Route 1)Dinwiddie, VA 23841

Biker Specials!(804) 469-9003

REAL ESTATE

Virginia

Susan Tate, Realtor *6150 Mechanicsville Turnpike

Mechanicsville, Va. 23111Cell: 804-339-6603

Toll Free: 877-746-1850Email: [email protected]

Website: www.Love4RealEstate.com

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

********************************

THE WILDFIRE BANDFeel the Heat

Country & Southern Rock Cover Band

For Booking info call

Jody @ (540) 455-9280 or

Wayne @ (540) 220-4825

www.myspace.com/wildfirebandrocks

*********************************

Thunder Jams

* Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locationsTHUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 33

ABATE OF VIRGINIA

WANTS YOU TO

JOIN USOur efforts promote your right to choose:

• What to wear

• What to ride

• Where to ride

ABATE of Virginia believes that measures such as rider education and driver awareness

programs will reduce the incidence of crashes involving motorcyclists and have far greater

potential for reducing injuries and deaths than more government restrictions and

interference.

Join for the preservation of your freedom to ride a motorcycle, on and off road, today and into the future. Learn how to affect the laws and potential laws that govern us here in Virginia. We want YOU, regardless of who you are or what you ride!

For more information check out our website at www.abateva.org or call an ABATE

State Officer to answer your questions.

Executive Director, Sharon Keaton 540-937-3924

Operations Manager, Lisa Bilotta 757-839-1179

Financial Director, Joe Wagner 703-368-7782

Our dedicated Membership Director, Maryann Sowle, can be reached at [email protected]

Or by phone at 703-963-1116

Complete and mail this application, with a check or money order to:

ABATE of VA, PO Box 426, Oakton, VA 22124

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR $400

Name(s):_____________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

City: ________________________________________

State: _________ Zip:__________________________

Phone: _____________________________________

Signature(s): _________________________________

____________________________________________

Category: Single $20.00 Joint $30.00 Add $10.00 for each additional member in the same household


News BytesMISSOURI GOVERNOR VETOES HELMET REPEAL BILLAs most bikers across America were celebrating Indepen-dence Day weekend, riders in Missouri were reeling from their governor’s veto of a bill to partially repeal the Show-Me state’s 42-year old mandatory helmet law to allow freedom of choice for adult motorcyclists. Despite overwhelming approval from both the State Senate and House earlier this summer, on July 2nd, Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed Senate Bill 202, denying riders 21 and older the right to ride without a helmet. In 30 other states, most adult motorcyclists have the right to make wearing a helmet a personal choice. The legislation also would have prohibited insurance companies from reducing claims from injured motorcycle riders, deeming them at-fault solely on the basis that a motorcycle is a hazardous vehicle. In 1999, Freedom of the Road Riders for Missouri (FORR-MO) and other concerned riders and groups succeeded in lobbying a helmet repeal bill through the legislature and onto the desk of then-Gov. Mel Carnahan, who vetoed it. “It’s a basic freedom of choice,” said FORR-MO chairman Mark Chapman, “An-other human being should be not be able to make a choice for someone else.” HIGH COURT TO HEAR CASE AGAINST MYRTLE BEACHTom McGrath, the Virginia-based AIM Attorney (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) who is personally representing Myrtle Beach, S.C. residents William and Carol O’Day and 47 other motor-cyclists who received tickets for not wearing helmets in protest of the city’s new helmet law, told The Sun News that he is awaiting a decision from the state’s high court involving their case. McGrath, on behalf of the O’Days, filed the first constitu-tional challenge against Myrtle Beach seeking a court order to stop the city from enforcing two of the myriad new ordinances it passed last fall to dissuade bikers from attending the spring and fall rallies held there for decades, including the mandatory helmet requirement and noise law. But the O’Days were also among 47 others who received tickets during a Feb. 28 protest ride when the new law took effect, so they are now part of the helmet lawsuits the Supreme Court has agreed to hear. Mc-Grath said there might be little point in moving forward with the Circuit Court lawsuit now that the high court is going to issue a ruling. The South Carolina Supreme Court became involved after attorney Thad Viers, representing his brother Bart in a helmet lawsuit, and the group Business Owners Organized to Support Tourism appealed directly to the state’s highest court for a ruling. The two cases have been combined for the sake of oral arguments before the Supreme Court, and McGrath’s and Viers’ helmet arguments will be heard at the same time. So far, no court date has been set, but McGrath speculated about a hearing in November. Another case involving busi-ness owners suing the city to stop it from enforcing some rally ordinances, including the helmet law, is still pending in fed-eral court. The lawsuit claims some of the 15 new municipal ordinances are unconstitutional because they are vague, chill freedom of speech or infringe on interstate business rights. SOUTH CAROLINA CONSIDERS LEGALIZING POKER RUNS Not all of the news coming out of the Palmetto State is as controversial as Myrtle Beach’s anti-biker ordinances, and

recent actions by the State Senate could eventually legitimize poker runs. The S.C. Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation in May that would have revised the state’s 207-year-old gambling laws which ban “any game with cards or dice.” Although the bill died at the end of the legislative session, bikers were able to educate some legislators that banning all such games is not in the best interest of charities. Currently, the state’s centuries-old gaming laws are enforced at the discretion of the local law enforcement agency and typically only when someone complains. South Carolina’s Lions clubs have lost roughly $500,000 since last year when state law enforcement officers - responding to a complaint - threatened a club that was raffling off a motorcycle. Traditional motorcycle poker runs, which have historically raised tens of thousands of dollars for local and statewide charities have been severely curtailed as a result of an Attorney General’s ruling that the events were illegal under the current State stat-ute. A separate proposal would ask voters whether the state constitution should be changed to allow nonprofit groups to hold a limited number of raffles yearly. Currently, the only legal raffle is the state lottery. GOVERNMENT MAY MAKE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MANDA-TORY ON MOTORCYCLES Citing spiraling motorcycle acci-dent statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-tion may require new safety features on bikes. For example, the federal agency plans to decide by next year whether or not anti-lock brakes should be mandatory equipment on motor-cycles. The government report also mentions an insurance industry study that shows that the rate of fatal crashes are 28% lower for bikes equipped with optional ABS braking sys-tems than for those same motorcycles without them. Though NHTSA frequently enforces the implementation of safety technology into automobiles, their involvement in motorcycling tends to focus more on helmet usage and the prevention of drunk riding. Anti-lock brakes are now standard on some Harley-Davidsons and optional across a variety of manufactur-ers on everything from dual purpose bikes to scooters -- and in many cases, they can be disabled if the rider chooses. ENGINE REVVING MAY BECOME A CRIME IN ALBU-QUERQUE Revving your engine in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, may soon be a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment and seizure of your bike or car. Mayor Martin Chavez (D) proposed adding a blip of the throttle to the city ordinance listing “nuisances” that the city uses as a justi-fication to seize automobiles. The city council is expected to vote on the idea soon, and may expand ticketing to the entire city. “It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in exhibition driving in the Downtown Quiet Zone by operating a vehicle in a manner that willfully creates excessive engine noise because of revving the engine to magnify the engine noise,” the pro-posed ordinance states. At first, Chavez will ask police set up traps to ticket motorcyclists before going after other motorists. CALIFORNIA SMOG CHECK BILL HELD OVERABATE of California would like to thank everyone who helped lobby against Senate Bill 435, which would establish biennial


News Bytesemissions testing for motorcycles. According to Tim Tenni-mon, ABATE Executive Director, SB 435 is now a two year bill and will be held over until next session....no amendments have been submitted, so it still appears as a smog check bill. “Despite the promise by Senator Pavley to amend the bill to be more about catalytic converter inspections, rather than smog check...there have been no amendments to the bill,” explains Tennimon, adding that the bill won’t be eligible to be heard again until January 2010. “Stopping this bill for this legisla-tive session is a huge victory for us...and a testament to Jim Lombardo’s (ABATE lobbyist) hard work...we really weren’t sure we could stop this bill once it hit the Senate floor...but you guys did it!” However, Tennimon cautions, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned; “The smog debate ended up being a noise debate on the Senate floor...and there was much discus-sion about loud pipes...and, not coincidentally, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has just released a new standard for sound tests on motorcycles which will make it easy and con-sistent to test bikes...in addition, the MIC has called for a focus more on noise than emissions...all of which means that we will have to look at all new legislation because it is very possible that there will be attempts at new sound standards and emission standards...and they could pop up anywhere...Unfortunately, this is the message you have heard from us for over a decade...we must police ourselves...we know you love the sound...but not everyone feels the same way...and as much as i hate boom-ing cars and loud trucks, etc...we are an easy target and those behaviors are coming back to get us now.” U.S. MOTORCYCLE CRASH STUDY STALLS: EUROPEAN MAIDS 2.0 STUDY RELEASED The bikes crashed. The data was collected. And the information from the 53 accidents investigated in the Southern California pilot phase of the U.S. motorcycle crash causation study are now sitting -- waiting for an assessment of its efficacy and, more importantly, a huge infusion of cash. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, “The long-awaited follow-up to the 1981 Hurt Study is short at least $2 million, and it’s unclear whether that funding will come through any time soon. Or ever.” So while the first nationwide motorcycle-crash study to be con-ducted in the United States in almost 30 languishes in limbo due to differences in focus and funding between government entities and advocacy groups, filling the void is MAIDS 2.0: An update of the Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study of 921 accidents investigated from 1999-2000 in five sampling areas located in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. Among other things, the European study found that just over 50% of the motorcycle accidents in the subject cities were caused by drivers, with 69% of those resulting from “percep-tion failure” which can include not seeing the rider, misjudging distances and space on the road. MAIDS 2.0 focuses on the 100 crashes out of those 921 accidents that resulted in death -- 25 of which occurred on bikes under 50 cc and 75 of which happened on motorcycles 50 cc and larger. Of the under-50 cc bikes, the rider, not another vehicle, was responsible for his or her own death in 64% of the fatal crashes; most often, the rider failed to perceive a road hazard and, as a result, failed to react to avoid that hazard. Most of the fatalities occurred

in urban areas. For motorcycles 50 cc and up, the most fatality-prone class was sport bikes. A bike’s displacement and maximum velocity were not significant factors in predicting a rider’s death. As with bikes under 50 cc, the rider, not another vehicle, was at fault in most crashes that ended in death. The most common rider error for motorcyclists was making the wrong decision in reaction to a road hazard; 44% of motorcy-clists also lost control in their avoidance maneuver. Most of the fatalities occurred in rural areas. How applicable the MAIDS 2.0 data is to the American market is a subject of debate, not only because the study is dated, but also because the Euro-pean market is so different,” wrote Susan Carpenter in the LA Times article. “Its riders are more commuter-oriented than those in the leisure-minded U.S. and the bikes are, on aver-age, smaller. Still, the MAIDS update points to some intriguing findings that, at the very least, could serve as cautionary ad-vice as the U.S. motorcycle market becomes more transporta-tion-oriented.” Some of the more relevant takeaway messages for riders of bikes both big and small: - Nighttime riding can be deadly. While most accidents in the MAIDS report hap-pened during the day, fatal accidents were significantly higher at night. - Major roads are hazardous. The majority of fatalities occurred on straight roadways and “major arterials.” - Get a license. Riders who weren’t properly licensed were more likely to crash. - Wear protective gear. The 921 accidents in the study resulted in 3,417 injuries -- 31.8% of which were to the lower extremities, 24.3% to the upper extremities and 18.4% to the head. ON THE ROAD TO ROMANCEMotorcycling opens the road to romance, love and sex appeal. Famous faces increase their x-factor when they get onto two wheels on the big screen, and Hollywood has provided us with many cool biking images -- remember Quadrophenia? The Great Escape? Easy Rider? And they’ve recognized that girls like to ride too, from stylish Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday to more recently the modern Charlie’s Angels and glamorous Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Plenty of celebrities like to pull on a pair of leathers and enjoy the freedom of riding on two wheels, from actors and musicians to politicians, comedians, and chefs have all joined the growing numbers of people who like to ride. But at least in Britain, romantic bikers would rather ride with their other half than movie megastars like Kate Winslet, or Tom Cruise. In a Motorcycle Industry Association survey, when asked to name who they would most like to take a fantasy ride with, twice as many bikers nominated their part-ners than petite pop star Kylie, Star Wars’ Ewan McGregor, or Bond’s Pierce Brosnan. So if your partner doesn’t already ride, why not get them onto two wheels so you can “Get More Out of Life” together, as promoted during National Motorcycle Week in England, held July 12-18…“More freedom, more fun, more friends, more action and more opportunities.” QUOTABLE QUOTE: Our lives begin to end the day we be-come silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968) civil rights leader & clergyman


Hello everyone,

I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe 4th of July. I was on vacation at our little camper on the shores of Cozy Cove Campground on beautiful Lake Chesdin. I traveled all the way to the other side of Dinwiddie County. What a trip! We had a week of relaxation. We really needed it. Since the month of April, we have had 9 close friends and/or family go to be with the Lord. That’s a lot. One good thing is they all were Christians and are in Heaven now.

I want to touch on a subject that no one really likes to talk about: Death. To most of us, it is a subject we try to avoid. But have you ever thought about it through the eyes of the person that is dying? I had never been in the presence of a person as they lay dying until now. I was with four of these people when they took their last breath. It wasn’t scary. It was a very peaceful transition.

I believe God allows those who are getting ready to enter His Kingdom to get a sneak preview of where they are going to be living at. One precious saint we called “Mama Dot” was telling of the “beautiful blue sky and the big white fluffy clouds”. She said she had never seen the sky so blue. While saying this, she was staring at the ceiling. When asked if she saw any people there, her response was, “Oh yes! I see Ernest and Tommy and they have their arms open waiting for me.” Ernest was her husband and Tommy was her son that got killed on his bicycle.

My friend Charlie died in April and he was talking to someone we could not see right before his passing. His son, Colby, had died one year earlier by an accidental overdose. Colby was 13 years old. Charlie was talking to Colby and telling him he would be there soon. He was also talking to his daddy that had also gone to be with the Lord.

Acts 7:56 tells us about Stephen the Martyr being stoned to death. During the stoning, he looked up and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God”. At this time Stephen was seeing what was awaiting him. And I assure you, if you are “born again”, you have nothing to fear. Hell, on the other hand, is not a nice place. It is a real place. In the Book of Matthew, Hell is described as furnace of fire, everlasting punishment, unquenchable outer darkness, everlasting destruction, weeping, whaling and gnashing of teeth, and where the worms

die not! Doesn’t sound like a place where I want to spend eternity. And there are the people who joke about it and say, “Yep, I’ll be there drinking a beer with all of my friends”. I promise there will be no beer and you may see your friends, but they will all be crying out in agony.

Not one of us is promised tomorrow. We could die at any moment! If there is any doubt about where you will spend eternity, you need to make sure. Ask Jesus into your heart and make Him ruler over your life, repent and ask forgiveness of all your sins and you will have a ticket to Paradise! It won’t cost you a thing. Jesus paid the price for YOU, because He loves you!!! You don’t have to get ready for Jesus. He will gladly take you as you are, bad habits and all! Until next time I am a... New Creation in Christ,Pastor T

Pastor Tammy Hayes preaches at “New Creations in Christ Ministries” in Dinwiddie, Virginia. It is a non-denomination and traditional place of worship. She is ordained through “Ministers for Christ Outreach”. Anyone travelling through Dinwiddie is invited to stop in on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to join us in worship.


OKLAHOMA 405-409-5742

Advertisers Index August 09

ABATE of Virginia……….......................................................……..34Atlantic Hotel’s 8th Annual Atlantic Bike Week Party (Event)…..38Bad Mo’s Custom Cycles….................................................……10Baker Street…..........................................................................…..27Big Daddy’z Cycles………….................................................………7Chix Custom Cycles…..............................................................….29Clutch Bar & Grill………..............................................................…11CycleHearse.com...........................................................................22Cycle Thunder….......................................................................…….7Delmarva Bike Week (Event)…............................…Front Cover & 18Eagle Rider Winchester…...................................................……….31Graffiti’s Ink Gallery….........................................................……….22Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson................................................…25Home Subscriptions….................................................................…10HOOTERS……………..................................................................…7Iron Core Powdercoat…..........................................................…..15OBX Bike Show (Event)............................................Inside Back CoverRick “Preacher” Saunders Devotional…...........................................7Rockahock Campgrounds-Hawgs Hosses & Hinies ..................Calendar TopShenandoah Harley-Davidson.....................................…Back CoverSouthern Motorsports……..............................................................15Suffolk Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally (Event) …........................29Susan Tate, Realtor…….......................................................………15Thunder Roads Harley-Davidson...............................................…..1Thunderbird Grill……...............................................……………….10Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group…...........Inside Front CoverVA’s Eastern Shore 10th Annual Motorcycle Rally (Event) ...........35 No problem nappin’ on a Harley


thunder roads virginia magazine - august 2009

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