thunder roads virginia magazine - january '07

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 2

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

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

Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.com

OWNER / EDITOR SALES:

Kelly Werrell

Warren Ells, Art DirectorThunder Publishing

[email protected]

WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & CONTRIBUTORSKelly Werrell, Beth Albert, Cindy Mease, Dave Sutton, Garth Hines, Linda Barboza, Matt Allan, Mike “Hammer” Vecchione (local &

overseas), Randy Kidder, Reverend Rock, Rick “Preacher” Saunders, Ricky Derby, Tim Wilmoth, Brian Barboza, Curtis Matthews, “Little Debbie” Burnett, Melissa Ashcraft

Special Thanks to: “Rod The Magnifi cent”, Warren Ells our wonderfully talented layout guy who puts all the pieces together for us

each month & Troy Uhl, 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 – You ALL are what keeps the Thunder rolling through the Mid-Atlantic!

Layout & Design

Correspondents

On Eagle’s Wings Writers

Bo Albert Garth Hinz

Randy Kidder Cindy Mease

Tim Wilmouth

Reverend Rock Rick “Preacher” Saunders

Mid-Atlantic Thunder RoadsMid-Atlantic Thunder Roads

Sales / Correspondents

Mike “ Hammer” [email protected]

Phone: (757) 645-0871

Beth [email protected]

Phone: cell (804) 536-1299 offi ce (804) 265-5166

Thunder Roads Crew

Ricky Derby

[email protected].

Matt Allan

LETTER FROM THE EDITORGreetings 2007! We hope you all had a great time ringing in the

New Year. By now hopefully things have calmed down some from the holiday craziness where the balances in our check books have gone down & the weight on the scale has gone up. It happens every year…we make those New Year’s resolutions to shed some pounds, quit smoking or whatever adjustments we’re trying to make in our lives to make things better for us. I’ve decided not to make any new ones this year…heck, I’m still working on last year’s hard promises to myself! I’m very determined though & I have high hopes that I’ll accomplish them by the time Spring rolls around. If you want something bad enough…you’ll eventually get it.

With the temperatures really dipping down in the Mid-Atlantic states & ole jack frost blankets our lawns & windows, most bikes are covered up in our garages for the winter, anxiously waiting for the warmer days to start peeking back into the forecast. This is a really good time to get your bike to the shop for a tune-up, oil change or any regular maintenance that may need to get done. For some of us, we ride like there’s no tomorrow & put aside those regular checkups…just throw oil in from time to time & keep the gas tank fi lled (that is SO me!) & we wait til something breaks before we fi x it. Our bikes can’t take care of themselves & they give us so much enjoyment & freedom out there on the road so be sure to take care of your baby’s needs while waiting for the next riding season to roll in. You might even think about a new paint job or a little customizing for your ride. We’ve got just the right people for the job here within our magazine. That’s why they’re here…for you & anything that you would need & want for your bike.

There’s a lot of new & exciting things happening here at Thunder Roads for the year so we hope that you’ll stay with us. Our Biker Friendly Directory has a new look this month & we’ll be introducing our newest addition next month, “The Sound of Music”, that will feature a different band or artist each time so be sure to check it out. We try our best to get the word out on your rides & events each month but we can’t list them if you don’t tell us about it. You can put your info right in the body of the email if you’d like. We want your ride/event to be a big success so PLEASE send us your info.

We do have correspondents spread out around the region but not always can they cover things right in your own backyard. If you’d like to see a little write up & some pictures about your local ride or event, please contact me at [email protected] & I’ll tell you how we can arrange it. Our deadlines are the 15th of every month prior to the following month’s issue so please plan ahead so that we can get it in on time.

Until next month…we wish you all peace, love, prosperity & harmony in your lives for this New Year. Be good to each other, stay warm & ride safe out there! See you then…

Kelly

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

READERS RIDES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THE JOKER’S WILD

NATIONAL BIKER NEWS

HOT SHOTS

4253544382616

NATIONAL FOUNDERSToni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon

1421 Chapmansboro RoadChapmansboro, TN 37035

Offi ce: 615-792-0040 Fax: 615-792-7580e-mail: [email protected]

© THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THUNDER PUBLISHING. 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 OC-CUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REA-SONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.


CALENDAR OF EVENTSDECEMBER 2006

Dec 30th & 31st Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle Spectacular – Chantilly, VADulles Expo Center. Saturday 11am – 6pm & Sunday 10am – 5pm. Bike Builders, Motorcycle Parts, Leather & Apparel, Bike & Tattoo Show, Fashion Show, Live Music. After Party on Saturday at 7pm @ OMalley’s Pub. Admission $15/Adult, kids under 16 free w/paid adult. Purchase your tickets online. Enter your bike for prizes. Vendors reserve your space EARLY! No Weapons, No Colors, No Attitudes! For more information call (386) 252-3101 or visit www.cycleprousa.com. Sponsored by Cycle Promotions USA.

Dec 31st

New Year’s Eve Dinner Special – Virginia Beach, VAKnuckleheads. One seating only 6:30 – 9:30.Choice of Seafood, Pasta or Steak, with fresh bread, salad, garlic mashed potatoes & vegetable. Includes Chocolate or Strawberry Cheesecake and bottle of Champagne. Only $45 a couple. Make your reservations soon. Call us at (757) 644-6200

JANUARY 2007

Jan 1st

HAPPY NEW YEAR’S!!! Have a good time ya’ll but please drink responsibly – We want to see you all in one piece out on the road in 2007. Most importantly of all…real friends don’t let friends drink & drive. Look out for each other & be safe! Another year – look out…Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 1st Annual New Year’s Day Ride – Catlin Kustom Cycles – Colonial Heights, VA check out www.ckccustoms.com or call (804) 526-2208

January 6th – 7th The 8th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Hartford CT Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford CT featuring bike builders, celebrities and more. Saturday January 6th - 10AM to 9 PM and Sunday January 7th - 10 AM to 5 PM. Saturday don’t miss the fi lming of the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build off, with Hugh King, builders: Greg Westbury and Bryan Fuller. All brand motorcycle show: “Best of Northeast” Custom Bike Show, Iron Angels Biker Models, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids, Team Extreme Motosphere Stunt Team demonstrations. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: Exit 33 off Interstate 91. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production

Jan 12th – 14th Cycle World International Motorcycle Show – Washington, D.C.Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, Washington, DC 20001www.dcconvention.com. Friday, January 12, 4:00pm

- 9:00pm, Saturday, January 13, 9:30am - 8:00pm, Sunday, January 14, 9:30am - 5:00pm. Admission $13.00 Adult, $5.00 Children 6-11, Children 5 & under free. Buy your e-tickets online! Cash only at the ticket booth. Be prepared - the convention center may not have an ATM. Discounts: Check back for a list of dealerships in your area offering Discount Coupons. Also, AMA members who show their membership cards at the onsite box offi ce will receive a $1.00 coupon redeemable at the AMA booth at the show. (Only one type of discount per attendee will apply. Discount Coupons are only applicable to adult ticket purchases. Hurry into your local dealership - they go quickly!) Parking:There is no parking available at the facility. ADA: Wheelchairs are available at some shows. Please call the show offi ce to make arrangements or to obtain the phone number of local wheelchair rental companies. Show Offi ce, Phone: 202-249-4001,Fax: 202-249-4002 Valid from Thursday - Monday. Numbers subject to change.

Jan 12th – 14thCome visit the Renegade Classics booth at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at the DC Convention Center. Meet the Renegade Girls, get their free poster and take a picture (your camera) with the Grls. Some brand new products will be available.

January 13th – 14th The 7th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo, Shiners Auditorium - Wilmington MA (15 minutes north of Boston) featuring bike builders, and more. Saturday January 13th - 10AM to 5 PM and Sunday January 14th - 10 AM to 5 PM. All brand motorcycle show; Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Hooters Girls of Salem NH, music by Jonathan Scott and the Blazing Hearts, and entertainment for the kids. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $13.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $6.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: Exit 39 off Interstate 93 and follow signs. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production

Jan 14th & 15th

VCOM LOBBY DAY – Richmond, VA Virginia Motorcycle Lobby Day Flex your political muscle! Come to Richmond and be heard at the State Legislature.On Sunday, January 14th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm, VCOM lobbyists will lead an information meeting at the Comfort Inn to discuss legislation affecting motorcyclists, and how to take your case to your legislators. We leave the Comfort Inn at 8:00 am sharp on Monday, January 15th for our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will attend the opening of the House of Delegates daily session, and be recognized from the fl oor. Lunch will be provided by The Law Offi ces of Tom McGrath after we leave the Capitol. Host Hotel: Comfort Inn and Conference Center, 3200 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA. For Room Reservations Call (804)359-4061 and ask for the VCOM rate. For other info call VCOM at (800) 437-9434

Jan 27th

2007 Easy Riders V-Twin Bike Show Tour – Charlotte, NC Centerfold Tour featuring Paul Yaffe, Kandall Johnson, Detroit Bros, Ralph Randolph-Rockem & Sockem, Bill Rucker-Rucker Performance, Austin Weiss-Streamline Design. Interested Exhibitors or to enter your bike call (800) 962-9857. Sponsored by Lucas Oil. www.easyridersevents.com

January 27th – 28th The 10th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Rockingham Park, Salem NH Featuring bike builders, and more. Saturday January 27th - 10AM to 5 PM and Sunday January 28th - 10 AM to 5 PM. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Hooters Girls of Salem NH, music by Jonathan Scott and the Blazing Hearts, and entertainment for the kids. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $13.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $6.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: New Hampshire exit 1 off Interstate 93, Rockingham Park is approximately 1/8 of a mile on the left. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

January 27th – 28th The 1st Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Philadelphia PA Valley Forge Expo Center featuring bike builders, celebrities and more Saturday 10AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10AM to 5 PM. Come meet “The Chopper King”, Hugh King from the Discovery Channel’s Bike Build Off show as well as Builder Billy Lane. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, models: Iron Angels, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids, Team Extreme Motosphere Stunt Team demonstrations. Hundreds of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: on our website. For more information contact 1-877-BikeXpo(877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

FEBRUARY 2007

Feb 3rd – 4th The 5th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Bayside Expo, Boston, MA (NEW LOCATION) featuring bike builders, celebrities and more. Saturday February 3rd - 10AM to 9 PM and Sunday February 4th - 10 AM to 4 PM. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Hugh King: Discovery Chanel’s Chopper King, Builders: Dave Perewitz, Sara Liberte, Detroit Brothers and Connie Cohen. Also Iron Angels Biker Models, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids, Team Extreme Motosphere Stunt Team demonstrations. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 5cont. page 12

CALENDAR OF EVENTS5 and under free. Directions: From the North take exit 15 off Interstate 93, left off the exit ramp. From the South take exit 14 off Interstate 93, follow Morrissey Blvd. For complete direction see our web site. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

Feb 7th – 14th

Get your biker sweetie a gift. All accessories 15% off. Renegade Classics 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

Feb 9th – 11th

Timonium Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle Show – Timonium, MD Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. One exit north of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) & I-83 North (York Harrisburg Expressway). This was the best East Coast show in 2006! Although this new horizontal show format will feature more new & customized Harley-Davidson’s than any show in the region…it will also showcase everything from Cruisers to Cross Country Racers, from Speedbikes to Trikes, from Superbikes to Scooters, from AMA Racers to ATV’s, from SuperSports to Sport Tourers, from Extreme Sport to Extreme Custom, from Trials Bikes to Trail Bikes, from Outrageous to Antiques, and everything in between, including all the aftermarket and accessory products and services that cater to On & Off Road riding and racing. Custom & Antique Bike Show – All makes welcome. Big cash prizes. Impressive awards for each class. Free parking for cars & trailers. Professional judging. RV Hookups available. Free electrical outlet. Engraved show commemorative plaque for each entry. Call, write or email us for attendee, exhibitor info or Custom & Antique Bike show entries. American Recreational Promotions, 1818 Pot Springs Road, Suite 112, Timonium, MD 21093, (410) 561-7323, fax (410) 561- 3032. [email protected], www.cycleshow.net

February 10th – 11th The 6th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Garden State Expo Center, Somerset NJ Featuring bike builders, celebrities and more. Saturday February 10th - 10AM to 5 PM and Sunday February 11th - 10 AM to 5 PM. Builders: Dave Perewitz, The Detroit Brothers, and Connie Cohen. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Iron Angels Biker Models, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids, Team Extreme Motosphere Stunt Team demonstrations. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: Exit 10 off Interstate 287, left at the lights onto Davidson Avenue 1/10 of a mile on left. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

Feb 14th Happy Valentines Day – Take your sweetie out for a ride!

February 17th & 18th 2nd Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Fredericksburg VA Fredericksburg Expo Center - featuring bike builders, celebrities and more Saturday February 17th- 10AM to 5 PM and Sunday

February 18th - 10AM to 5 PM. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Iron Angels Biker Models, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids, Team Extreme Motosphere Stunt Team demonstrations. Dozens of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under free. Directions: Exit 130B off Route 95. For more information or dealer space contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

Feb 17th & 18th

Come visit the Renegade Classics booth at the Northeast Motorcycle Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. Meet the Renegade Girls, get their free poster and take a picture (your camera) with the Girls. Some brand new products will be available.

Feb 23rd Queen Beez Motorcycle & Social Association’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Richmond, VA “Pardi-Gras Style” Over 2300 in attendance last year so make your reservations now . www.queenbeezmsa.com

Feb 24th – 27th

Washington, DC Ride Into Political Action Seminar – Washington, DC The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is hosting a Washington, DC Ride Into Political Action seminar for motorcyclists who want to learn how to infl uence governmental decisions, whether in Congress or in their local communities. The seminar, to be held February 24-27, 2007 at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, DC, allows participants to meet and learn from the AMA’s Washington staff as well as other political experts. Besides learning about state and federal issues facing motorcyclists today, participants will get tips on building relationships with government agency offi cials and on lobbying elected offi cials. The instructors will also prepare participants to meet face-to-face with members of their own congressional delegations. A registration form is available in the American Motorcyclist magazine or by contacting Sharon Smolinka at the address below. Mail the completed form to AMA, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. For more information, contact Sharon Smolinka at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1252 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Feb 24th – Mar 1st

Get ready for Daytona and Summer. All summer shirts are 10% off, Renegade logo shirts 15% off. Renegade Classics, 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

MARCH 2007

Mar 2nd – 11th

Daytona Bike Week – Daytona Beach, FLVisit www.BikerBeach.com for more info

Mar 11th

Daylight Savings Time Begins – Spring Forward…set your clocks ahead one hour! WooHoo! An extra hour of daylight to ride!

March 17th

Happy St. Patty’s Day! Don’t forget to wear something green when you roll out!

March 24th & 25th The 1st Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Long Island NY Suffolk Community College Exhibition Center, Brentwood, Long Island, NY, featuring bike builders, celebrities and more Saturday 10AM to 5 PM and Sunday 10AM to 5 PM. All brand motorcycle show: Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Iron Angels, music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the kids. Hundreds of vendors, displaying biker accessories and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under free. For more information contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv Production.

Mar 31st

Blessing of the Bikes – Woodbridge, VATentative 10AM, veteran’s Park, Woodbridge. Don’t be foolish, get extra protection for a blessed riding season. Renegade Classics, 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

APRIL 2007

Apr 4th – 7th 1st Annual Big Daddy Leather Spring Break Cruisin in the Carribean – Charleston, SCDeparts Charleston, SC stops include Grand Cayman, Cozumel & Key West Florida. Details, pricing and reservation info contact Big Daddy Leather, 1900 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA ph. 540-899-0048 www.bigdaddyleather.com, email [email protected]

April 8th

Happy Easter! Put all your eggs in one basket & let’s roll!

Apr 13th – 22nd 5th Annual Heritage Motorcycle Rally - Charleston, SC This the Grandfather of Bike Week Charleston. Rally Central, located at 9850 Hwy 78, Ladson, SC 29456, is home to “the wildest bike show in the south” and the Million Dollar Bike Build-Off. Top name bands, Vendors, scheduled rides daily – Beaufort to the south, Myrtle Beach to the North, the Islands and Historic Charleston. Charity Runs. 10 full days of laid back enjoyment! Gates open at 10am on Friday. Info call 843-767-4258 or visit www.heritagemotorcyclerally.comApril 13 - 22, 2007

Apr 14th – 15th

The IRS (irresistible retail sale) has arrived. Take a break form doing taxes and enjoy 30 – 50 % off all winter items. Includes a parking lot party on Saturday. Renegade Classics, 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

Apr 14th - 21st Heritage Million Dollar Bike Build-Off – Ladson, SC The “SUPERBOWL” of the Bike Building World! 15 Builders * 1 Winner * 1 Million Dollars. The Playoffs begin April 14th, 2007, held during the 5th Annual

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 6THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 6

TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE Knuckleheads Roadhouse Virginia Beach, VA

This is the time of year for giving and I don’t mean just presents. It’s giving thanks to the US Soldiers who protect your freedom while you polish your chrome or when you’re just hanging out with your friends. It’s also for giv-ing to people who are less fortunate than you. You save up for your next custom bike part while there are children out there wondering when they’ll be getting to eat their next meal. Well, at Knuckleheads Roadhouse on Dec 17th, you got a chance to do both. The US Marine Corps was there in full force for their annual Toys For Tots char-ity. This had to be the best toy run I have ever covered & one of the most charitable with over $10,000 raised for the Toys For Tots. My hat goes off to J.R. Riley, one of the owners of Knuckleheads & founder of the Virginia Beach Bike Classic, for the effort and planning he put into this event. I had the pleasure of arriving early while Mike, Mark and Phil of 850AM Motorcycle Mania, broadcasted from a live remote. Catch them every Sunday from 10 – 12 am. I got a chance to get on the air for a bit while ev-erything was being set up. People just never stopped roll-ing in. There were over a 1000 people at the event. The US Marine Corps Color Guard posted the American fl ag as well as the Marine Corps fl ag. They were in full dress uniform complete with M-14 rifl es. Being active duty my-self, it gives me chills every time I see that. Tom Tanney and Ann Mullins from the Vet Brotherhood sang the Na-tional Anthem. After that J.R. gave a patriotic speech that drew out tears from several patrons. He spoke of a young Marine recently killed in a hit and run car accident and of those fi ghting for our freedom every day. There was a bike show with 70 bikes that entered in over 8 classes. This was by far the most quality oriented bike show I have ever entered. There was an OCC bike in the show as well

as a very tricked Boss Hoss and Pro Bikes (Chesapeake VA), had several entries as well. Pro Bikes even had a chopper on display on top of the main bar! The trophies were top notch and there was a table full of goodies that were being raffl ed and auctioned off. The 50/50 came to a total pot of $1,000 dollars! As if all this was not enough there was an Alcohol Funny Car driven by Melinda King out in the parking lot. I was told just starting it to warm it up burns over 8 gallons of fuel. Don’t think any Christmas event was complete without Ole’ Saint Nick. Santa drove up on a wild chopper with Mrs. Claus holding tightly on the back. I guess he traded in the sleigh for something more modern. By the size of the crowd and from talking to people in attendance, Knuckleheads raised the bar for future Toys for Tots events. I, as well as everyone who was there that day, left knowing that they helped people who needed it during this time of year. When the Marines raised our fl ag and everyone stood up, removed their hats and placed their hands over their hearts, I got that tingle through my body that reminds me of why I joined the service. If you missed this one, you REALLY missed it! Swing by Knuckleheads Roadhouse down in VA Beach for lunch, dinner (the service is fast & very friendly & most of all...the food’s incredible!) or just meeting your friends - you’ll probably make some new ones too. They’re at 401 North Witchduck Road or visit them on the web at www.knuckleheadsvb.com. They’ve got a lot of exciting things planned in 2007 so be sure to check ‘em out!

Mike “Hammer”


How Crazy Is This?How Crazy Is This?

In the Christmas Spirit - Boyce Performance Cycles, Suffolk, VA

Many thanks to Garth Hinz for turning us on to the AMA News & Notes from their October 2006 newsletter:

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the release of a new video public-service announcement that reminds motorists to watch for mo-torcycles when they drive. The 30-second PSA -- which also is available in 20- and 10-second versions -- de-picts a distracted driver’s near-collision with a passing motorcyclist who, as the driver learns later that day, is his dentist. Produced by SOS Video Communications of Columbus, Ohio, the PSA is intended for free distribution to television networks and local stations nationwide. In-terior scenes were recorded at the dental offi ces of AMA member Dr. Doug Kowalczyk, and AMA Life Member Colter Rule contributed his well-known voice to the proj-ect. The new video PSA, along with three radio PSAs re-leased earlier this year, is available for download in the “Rights Resources” section of the AMA’s website at http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/resources.asp. The AMA offers other valuable information for new and expe-rienced riders in the “Rider Resources” and “New Rider” sections of AMADirectlink.com, and at RideStraight.com.

AMA Government Relations News & Notes is a monthly service compiled and edited by the AMAGovernment Relations Staff to keep motorcyclists informed of hap-penings around the world. We welcomeyour news & views. Please submit all material to Terry Lee Cook, Grassroots Manager, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pick-erington, OH 43147; fax 614-856-1920 or e-mail to [email protected].

Under the Leather and Behind the Shades

Under the leather and behind the shades stands a biker. We ride for the sense of freedom it gives us. The encouragement to take the road less traveled in the chance that we may encounter something new. We ride for the friendships we make along the way, as well as, the solitude of the open road. We don’t really care what you ride, just that you do.

Under the leather and behind the shades is a beat-ing heart. A heart fi lled with compassion that on any given day will be riding for those in need. Ask one of us for help, but don’t be surprised when all of us show up.

Under the leather and behind the shades stands a proud American. We are as diverse a group of people that you could possibly assemble. We are men, women, tradesmen, doctors, lawyers, retirees, military, civilian and on and on and on. We stand silently with reverence and one voice that, in the silence, can be overwhelming.

Under the leather and behind the shades stands an invited guest to the funeral of a soldier that we most likely have never met. We hold the fl ag of our nation as a tribute to the greatest sacrifi ce anyone can make. Out of respect for the fallen, we travel to stand fi rm for a family, a community and a nation to lean on.

Under the leather and behind the shades stands a biker with sons, daughters, brothers and sisters of our own. Beneath the rough exterior we tremble and weep at your loss. You may not see that, for we are there to support you. That’s why we stand so silently under the leather and behind the shades.

Respectfully,David Meyers IIHogJR


THUNDER FOR THE PARK

It was a very cold morning at the Virginia Beach Sport-splex where the packs of riders gath-ered to brace for the chilly cruise through the city to help raise money for the rebuild-

ing of the Skatepark at Mt. Trashmore. It was sort of a “mystery tour” Poker Run with each stop directions only containing the turn by turn directions & the ad-dress of the very next stop (a clever idea thought of & mapped out by Trey Hodges of Oceana Cycles, Va Bch). They didn’t know where they were headed until reaching their stop & then picking up directions for the next. Knuckleheads Roadhouse was the 1st one, where many enjoyed a hot delicious breakfast & then to Fast Lane Biker Gear for a little shopping. The ride route took the bikes past the skatepark on their way to Oceana Cycles where Trey & his boys had freshly grilled hotdogs that everyone raved about & then to Diva Customs where Tami & her lovely crew welcomed the riders into her stylish shop for some fun & to thaw out a little. Finally they headed down the home stretch to Dirty Dicks Crabhouse at the oceanfront.Once everyone rolled into Dirty Dicks, the host with the most, Dale Thomas, greeted the leather clad bunch with open arms & had his friendly wait staff on hand to make sure that everyone was well taken care of & served up a delicious lunch snack buffet for the hungry crew. The main feature of the day was the music….& there was LOTS of it!!! The Rhythm Pigs generously gave their musical talents for the entire afternoon & brought a bunch of their friends along to keep that restaurant rockin all day. Kickin it up was 10 Foot 6, Used Music, Mike Hayman & Triple Shot, 54 Steps, Crossroads & of course the Rhythm Pigs them-selves. The Pigs also brought a very special guest, 11 year old Grant Austin Taylor, who had the whole crowd gathered around in amazement watching this young kid tear the place up with his guitar. It was truly incred-ible to see a boy that age with so much talent….unbe-lievable!!!! Many Thanks to Timmy from the Rhythm Pigs for making all the arrangements for a fantastic concert & also to all of the bands who played & kept Dirty Dicks jammin’ down at the oceanfront that day. Thanks go out to Amy Woodson & the staff at the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Department for their help in coordinating the event. Also to Stepha-nie Grubbs, President of the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation Board, who personally came out to thank all the riders for their support of the fund to help rebuild the skatepark. Bob & Zach from MAX-FM radio station came in to visit for awhile – they had done numerous radio announcements in support of raising money for the skatepark. Mike Gooding of WVEC Channel 13 News ran a television announcement during a couple of local news broadcasts so that local businesses or residents could send in their donations to the fund.Artist Rick Romano donated a print that was pur-chased by a nice couple that was there that day also.

11

There was a ton of cool door prizes given away through-out the afternoon given by so many big hearted people & businesses. Artist Rick Romano donated a print that was purchased by a couple that had attended. The list is extremely long but would like to mention some of the businesses that gave us some wonderful things such as gift certifi cates, riding apparel & many other neat prizes for the bikers that participated in the day’s run. The City of Virginia Beach Parks Tourism Dept., Dirty Dicks, Oceana Cycles, Southside Harley-Davidson, Bone-shakers Saloon, Knuckleheads Roadhouse, Fast Lane Biker Gear, DIVA Customs, Two Feathers Tattoo, Reeps Riders/E & J Canvas & Leather Works, Blue Horseshoe Tattoo, Hoss’s Deli, The Smoke Shack, Hooters, Bakers Street & Mr. D’s Leather…just to name some of them. One of the feature prizes was an awesome skateboard donated by the owners of Cardinal Skate Shop, Dave & Michele Berard. Dave came out to do the run while Michele offered to help out for the day & did a fantastic job greeting the riders with her heart warming smile & personality while handling all the registration for them. After the last bike pulled out she rushed over to one of the stops to also help with drawing of cards – thanks Michele! We hope that by having this event & the media coverage given, that it gave the community a better awareness of what most motorcycle riders (“bikers”) are all about. We’re always out there, nearly every weekend of the year, raising money for those in need. There’s nothing like gathering with friends (or even coming alone & mak-ing some new ones), taking a nice cruise, getting a little bite to eat, throwing in a few dollars & at the end of the day when you’re heading home, you know that you’ve been apart of something that’ll make a big difference in the lives of others. You all give the gift that keeps on giv-ing…yourselves! Big hugs & mucho thanks to you all!


CALENDAR OF EVENTSHeritage Motorcycle Rally in Charleston South Carolina. The teams are: Kendall Johnson * Paul Cox & Keino* Joe Martin * Aaron Greene * Roger Goldammer * Roger Bourget * John Dodson * Darrian Tefft & Mario Audia * Jerry Burrow * Russell Marlowe * Vinnie Minichiello * Eddie Trotta * Roland Sands * Bruce Mullins * Arlen Ness. The 15 distinguished custom motorcycle builders are right now in their shops, putting their all into what they hope will be named the “2007 Heritage Million Dollar Bike Build-Off Winner”. These builders will transport their entries to: The Exchange Park outside of the Charleston, SC to arrive no later than 7 PM April 13th 2007 for the Unveiling. And then place those entries on display for 8 full days for judges & spectator looks. And then they, (the builder themselves), must ride these bikes 100 grueling miles as a group. (Lose the group & they could lose the prize). Check it out at: www.heritagemilliondollarbikebuildoff.com

April 25th – 29th

5th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week – Outer Banks, NCThe 5th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week is packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Poker Run. Bike Show. Live Music. Scenic Rides. Offi cial Night-time party sites. www.outerbanksbikeweek.com

April 26th – 28th

North Carolina State H.O.G. Rally 2007 – Outer Banks, NC “Cruzin the Outer Banks” 100 miles of beach cruzin at it’s best! This H.O.G. event offers riding, sight-seeing, activities – something for everyone. Register by March 8t, 2007 for your chance to win a brand new 2007 Sportster. “Get your Crabs” Poker Run - $1,000 1st prize. Bike Show, Field Games, Live Beach Music. Guided ride to Ocracoke Island and Lighthouse Tour. Police escorted bike parade to the Wright Bros. Memorial. New Kitty Hawk H-D dealership, located only ½ mile away from the rally site. Call the hotline or visit the website for more information. NC Rally Hotline: 1-252-221-4657 www.ncstatehogrally.com

MAY 2007

May 11th – 20th

Myrtle Beach Bike Week – Myrtle Beach, SCwww.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

May 13th

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mama’s out there!!! It’s YOUR day so let’s ride ladies!!!

May 27th

Rolling Thunder XX – Washington, DCwww.rollingthunder1.com

May 28th

Memorial Day - Take a slow ride in honor & remembrance of those who have died serving our country

May 31st – Jun 3rd

Dam Bike Rally - Fontana Dam NC Fontana Village Resort will host the Dam Bike Rally, May 31-June 3, 2007. We are only 10 miles from the famous “Dragon” and 25 miles from the Cherohala Skyway, and

of course, our own Hellbender 28. Live Music; cookouts; vendors; contests; poker runs. Please visit our websites at www.fontanavillage.com or www.smokymountainbikeweek.com or www.hellbender28.com Make your reservations early by calling 800-849-2258. We look forward to seeing you! Sponsored by Fontana Village Resort. Contact: Marketing & Groups Sales Department, Email: aburchfi [email protected], Phone: (828) 498-2211, Fax: 828-498-2209 Website: www.fontanavillage.com

JUNE 2007

Jun 9th – 17th LACONIA Motorcycle Week – Laconia, NHVisit www.laconiamcweek.com

Jun 14th FLAG DAY – Fly ‘em proudly!

Jun 15th – 17thVNV M/C USA Road Dog Run - Sanford, NC 23rd Anniversary Celebration of Viet Nam Vets M/C of North Carolina and 5th Anniversary of Second Brigade M/C. Donation at the gate includes admission, camping (Electrical Hookups $10/Night extra) & live entertainment. POW/MIA ceremony at noon on Saturday. Bike Games, 50/50 Raffl e, Contests & more fun than ought to be legal. All of this excitement nestled along the banks of a gently rolling creek and surrounded by working components of an antique mill. Come out enjoy Father’s Day weekend with America’s favorite Vets, The Viet Nam Vets M/C USA of North Carolina. Sponsored by Viet Nam Vets M/C USA - North Carolina, Contact: Doc Ski, Email:[email protected] Phone: (919) 662-6229, Fax: 919-933-7934, Website: www.vnvmcnc.org

Jun 17th

Father’s Day – No honey-do lists today Big daddys...let’s ride!!

Jun 20th – 23rd

Honda Hoot – Knoxville, TNVisit www.hondahoot.com for more info

Jun 21st – 23rd

VA State HOG Rally – Williamsburg, VAVisit www.vastatehogrally.com

JULY 2007

Jul 4th

Independence Day – Happy 231st birthday USA!

Jul 5th – 7th

Delaware/Maryland State HOG Rally – Dover, DE Visit www.mddestatehogrally.com

Jul 18th – 22nd

West Virginia State HOG Rally – Canaan Valley Resort, WV

July 20th – 22nd

Carlisle Summer Bike Fest - Carlisle PA Thousands of motorcycles, acres of vendors, a motorcycling paradise with 82 cares of two-wheeled

entertainment. Motocross competition, motorcycle giveaways, beauty contest, seminars, stunt riders, dyno testing, burn-outs, a swap meet, celebrity guests, custom bike builder roundtable, and sponsor Midway. The Carlisle Summer Bike Fest: the bikes, the people, the excitement. For information visit the web site: www.carlisleevents.com or call us at (717) 243-7855. Sponsored by Carlisle Events. Contact: Mike Blake, Email: [email protected], Phone: (717) 243-7855.Website: www.carlisleevents.com

AUGUST 2007

Aug 6th – 12th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, SD Visit www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

August 16th-18th 7th Annual America’s 9/11 Ride – From Somerset, PA to Arlington, VA ‘POLICE ESCORTED’. Join with the foundation on the 7th annual ride to all three crash sites and Honor the Heroes and Victims of September 11 2001. August 16th group rides from across America to Somerset, PA. Friday August 17, the ride begins @ 7:30am depart Somerset, PA heading to Pentagon in Arlington VA. Saturday August 18th, @7:30am departure the Pentagon heading to the site of the World Trade Center (NYC). Ride both days or just one. Don’t forget to buy your chance on the 2007 Chopper, ‘The Day After’. Proceeds go to college scholarship for First Responders Nation wide. For more Information please visit www.americas911foundation.org or www.americas911ride.org or call 877-771-0118.

OCTOBER 2007

Oct 3rd – 7th Myrtle Beach Fall Rally – Myrtle Beach, SC www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

Oct 18th - 21st Biketoberfest® - Daytona Beach FL Annual Motorcycle Festival held in the beautiful Daytona Beach area. Ride with us before the cold of winter sets in. Many, many great events countywide! Sponsored by Daytona Beach Area CVB. Contact: Janet Kersey, (866) 296-8970, Fax: (386) 255-5478. Email: [email protected]. www.Biketoberfest.org

NOVEMBER

Nov 4th Daylights Savings Time Ends – Fall Back - Set your clocks back 1 hour! Dang! Lose an hour of daylight riding time…

Nov 22nd HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

DECEMBER

Dec 25th MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

cont. from 5


Route 17 Ladies’ and Men’s Night

During the month’s of No-vember and De-cember, Route 17 decided to honor its Male and Female cus-tomers by hold-ing two separate events. The fi rst one was Ladies’ Night. Lori Hen-derson the owner of Route 17 put on a spectacular event, which not only doted on the visual senses of the ladies but the taste depart-ment as well. For eye-candy, Lori hired the South-ern Gentlemen to come out and entertain the ladies. The models from Southern Gentle-man did a fashion show, which showcased some of the fashions sold in the store and gave some gift ideas to the ladies for their men for the holidays. What is a holiday

party with-out Santa? That’s right, Santa drove his Hard Tail Sleigh onto the roof to stop in and pose for pictures with the ladies in front of the Christmas tree. Rebecca Southall from Ambi-ance Salon and Day Spa in Virginia Beach was on hand doing the ladies hair for a true

glamour experience. Sarah Thieme provided make up and MSV Photography was on hand to take photos of the ladies after their makeover. There was also chair massages provided by Barber Shop Starting Line Up in Portsmouth. The event was catered, including a chocolate fountain, and all money raised went to The Charlie Fisher Foundation and FOPA.

Now the Men’s Night! Sorry if I am partial to this one as opposed to events featuring shirtless men! MSV Pho-tography provided 4 dazzling ladies who were dressed in…well, I will let the photos speak for themselves. There were casino games in house and the food was catered. Did I mention the beer was free? That’s right, FREE BEER! Route 17 had all sorts of give-a-ways such as an HJC Helmet and a Leather Jacket. The ladies drew so much attention, Sheriff Charlie Wells and the Portsmouth Fire Dept. stopped in to check out the festivities and have their photos taken with the models. The event’s sales couldn’t be beat but usually Route 17’s prices can’t be beat on a normal day. I like to say, “If you missed this one, you MISSED it!” Come on out next year and Happy Holidays.

Mike “Hammer”


Operation “Ride Warm Inside”

By Cindy Mease

So… it’s January. Christmas and all of the holiday festivities are past. And you’ve come to the chilly realization that, not only are your chaps a bit more snug than they were in November, they won’t be back in your closet for at least two or three months. Ugh. You’ve come to the even chillier realiza-tion that those New Year’s resolu-tions your Beer Muscles made for you at the Christmas Party will only happen if you actually DO something about them. An even bigger Ugh.

How do you ward off the chill of the Season? If you’re like many, you don your electric gloves, vest, and perhaps even a heated seat

and handgrips. Personally, I hate to even acknowledge the drop in temperature by throwing a wind-shield on my Ride. Let me throw out a radical concept to you- one that is more metaphysical than physical in nature.

Embrace the cold… embrace the cold by warming your heart.

Operation “Ride Warm Inside” can keep the chill at bay regard-less of the level of mercury regis-tering in your thermometer.

Did you participate in a Toy Run last month? I’d bet my last dollar that more than 90% of the people reading this article rode in at least one. Sweet. I’d venture my next to last dollar that you gave back to your Community more than a few other times in 2006. Sweeter. So how do you warm the cold days of January? Commit to giving even more of yourself in 2007. We’ll let you off the hook for your other New Year’s resolutions ;-) if you make a new resolution to partici-pate in at least one charity event in each month of 2007. Sweetest.

We, as Bikers, have come a loooonnnggg way over the past 20 years. “Society” used to look at us with trepidation and con-cern, if not downright contempt. Yup, they were scared of Us. But “Society” is fi nally beginning to see the Hearts inside our leathers. They invite us to their churches, ask us to visit the Elders of their Communities, participate in their Car Shows, pray for their Soldiers, escort their Fallen, and they LOVE us in a Parade. We’ve come a long way, my Friends. But we have even further to go. Not only to promote the Biker Image, but to become better human beings. Each time we give of ourselves, we gain back much more than what we give. You know the feeling you have after giving. You feel pretty awesome- and you feel warm inside. So give yourself a present this January, by giving of yourself. Bring a little heat back into that heart of yours so that you can

Ride Warm Inside.


Direct line:757-897-9790

E-mail:[email protected]

Web site:www.movingwithbob.com

Whether it’s riding a motorcycle, volunteering through his charity involvements, or bringing a distinctive style

of business to his clients, Bob Chapman isn’t one to settle for the status quo. He brings a wealth of knowledge and creative solutions to every endeavor he pursues—including his career as one of the area’s leading real estate professionals. Combining

a rich variety of local expertise, an impressive business

clients a clear advantage when buying or selling their home.

today to schedule a free consultation. You owe it to yourself.

Bob Chapman Knows Unique Needs Require a Unique Approac

Where’s Your Next Stop?

Call the Biker’s Realtor® to get the straight talk about selling or buying a home. My experience will get you moving down the road.

926-A J . C lyde Morr is B lvd.Newpor t News, VA 23601


Do Not Make A Statement At The Scene Of An AccidentBy Tom McGrath, Law Offi ces of Tom McGrath

I travel around the state speaking to motorcycle clubs and organizations about matters involving motorcyclists such as insurance, statutes involving motorcycling, and what to do if you are involved in an accident. In speaking to people, the one thing that always raises eyebrows is when I tell people not to make a statement at the scene of an acci-dent; not even to the police. I often get responses such as “don’t I have to make a statement to the police?” and “why shouldn’t I? I have nothing to hide.” The answer to those questions is you don’t have to speak to the police, and your statement at the scene of an accident may not be accurate, and may cost you any case you may have.

As I have stated before Virginia is a contributory negli-gence state. That means that if the party who injured you can show that you were in some way at fault in causing the accident, then your claim can be denied. Speed, following to close, and not paying attention can be used as contribut-ing factors to deny an injury claim, even if the other party is more at fault than you. In other words, if you are struck in a 35 mile per hour zone and you state you were going be-tween 35 and 40 mph, that can put your claim in jeopardy. Most people are not looking at their speedometer at impact. Therefore, most people guess at their speed. Don’t do that? At the scene of an accident, your adrenaline is pump-ing, you may be in pain, and you may be angry. This is no time to make a statement. You may not be accurate, and the insurance company will rely on that statement to evalu-ate your case. What you should say to the offi cer is that you are in no condition to make a statement at this time and that you just want to get to the hospital to get checked out. You can make a statement at a later date, after you have had time to calm down and refl ect.

By way of example, my associate, Matt Danielson, was in an auto accident a couple years ago. He was making a left at a solid green light when he was t-boned by another driver. His fi rst thought was that he was at fault. If he had a solid green the other driver, who was traveling straight, must have had one as well. Needless to say he was very angry at himself. However, he remembered the advice he gives to others and he refrained from making a statement. The next day, a witness to the accident, who had given him her number, told him that she saw the accident and was on the same side of intersection as the person who hit him. She stated that the light was green as he entered the intersection; however that it had immediately turned yellow. All of the traffi c was coming to a stop when she heard a vehicle rapidly accelerating trying to beat the light. The light went red as Matt was in the intersection and as the rapidly accelerating vehicle entered the intersection and struck Matt’s vehicle. Based on that statement, the other party’s company accepted liability and paid all damages from the accident. Had Matt made a statement at the scene, he

would have been wrong, and he would have destroyed his case.

If you fi nd yourself in an accident make sure to do the following: First; get medical attention just to make sure you are ok. Second; do not make a statement to the police or to any insurance company. Let the police know that you will speak to them later after you have calmed down and sought medical attention. Third; contact an attorney. There is a very good chance you won’t need the help of an attor-ney, but its better to make sure before proceeding with your matter further. This usually does not cost you any money. My fi rm for instance will talk to anyone about their accident at no charge. I would rather you contact me and not need me then unknowingly need legal assistance and not realize it until after you have hurt yourself.

Is your GPS Spying on You? By Matt Danielson, Law Offi ces of Tom McGrath

Beware. Your GPS may be collecting evidence against you. More and more motorcyclists today are using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to plan trips, get directions, and keep track of miles traveled. However, keep in mind that, if you are in an accident, you may be collecting evidence that could be used against you in both a criminal and civil trial.

Many systems allow you to keep track of your speed. We at the law offi ces of Tom McGrath have come across jurisdictions which, at the scene of an accident when speed is a question, will seize a crash victim’s GPS, get a search warrant, and download the information pertain-ing to speed. As a matter of fact, that was currently done in federal court in a case along the Blue Ridge Parkway when a park ranger pulled in front of a motorcyclist whom the parkway ranger later claimed was speeding. That case is still in litigation.

Such action does more than subject the crash victim to a speeding ticket. It can, if the injured party was speeding, put their ability to collect damages for their injuries at risk. Virginia is a contributory negligence state. That means that if the party who injured you can show that you were in some way at fault in causing the accident, then your claim can be denied. Speed can be used as a contributing factor to deny an injury claim, even if the other party is more at fault than you.

Now keep in mind that I am in no way suggesting that you should not use a GPS on your motorcycle. I am merely suggesting that if you do, keep in mind that, de-pending on the system and how you use it, you could be collecting evidence that could eventually be used by the party that injures you to avoid paying for the injuries that they caused.


BIKER’S CREEDI ride because it is pure fun.

I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.

I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.

I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a sym-bol of status. It exists simply for me, and me alone.

My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.

I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex.

I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well being.

I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn its limits, and use my skill to be-come one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the master, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.

I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.

My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.

I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.

I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.

I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreci-ated, it will end.

I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experi-enced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be slapped.

It will be my task to mentor new riders that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall

continue. I shall instruct them, as those before me have instructed me. I shall preserve and honor traditions of bik-ers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.

I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplish-ments as a biker, though I will not fl aunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.

I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help.

I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.

I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and wher-ever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson (HOG) is selling a new source of fuel, one that goes into mouths instead of gas tanks and comes in such fl avors as teriyaki and pepper. The iconic motorcycle maker is joining forces with one of the largest U.S. packaged-foods companies, ConAgra Foods (CAG), to sell beef jerky and tap into the growing meat-snack business. The companies plan to make the announcement today in Las Vegas at the trade show for the National Association of Convenience Stores. The product, thick slices of smoked lean steak, will sell in packs of 3.25 ounces for $5.99 at convenience and grocery stores, Harley-Davidson dealerships and truck stops. Shipments of the three varieties — teriyaki, pep-per and original fl avor — will begin Jan. 8, ConAgra said. It’s the fi rst time that Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson has lent its name and black-and-orange logo to a food product, said Tom Parsons, general manager of general merchandise. The company has considered making edible products in the past, but nothing fi t with the brand and its image like jerky, Parsons said. Riders look for good food on the go, so the jerky will be billed as “Road Food,” he said. “You put it in your pocket, keep on eating and keep on riding,” Parsons said.ConAgra, based in Omaha, makes several types of jerky, including Pemmican jerky strips and Slim Jim, one of the best sellers. Sales of meat snacks rose 75% from 2004 to last year, when they reached $2.7 billion, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores’ 2006 survey.


THUNDER ON THE ROAD

I would just like to wish everyone Happy Holidays. Unfortunately, for this month, I have no travel article for you because even I need to take a break! I’m going to Africa & Europe soon so check back with us next month. Mike “Hammer”

THUNDERTHUNDERon the roadon the road

THUNDERon the road


Just When You Least Expect ItBy Cindy Mease

The best of Life creeps up on you. By “the best” I mean the least anticipated. Something that sticks in your head for a while. Watching a 7 year old open a door that an elderly person is struggling to open… or the feeling you get when a farmer stops what he’s doing to smile and wave at you as you ride past… you know what I mean. Just the “DANG, Life is Good” feeling that makes you warm and happy to your core.

I had a high today that wasn’t anticipated. Dragging my butt out of bed after getting only a few hours sleep, I really didn’t think it would be much of a day at all. But there was a story on the morning news... an eagle was to be released from captivity at Jordan Lake, just outside of Raleigh, NC. I didn’t have time - I NEVER have time. But I took the time. It pays to listen to your heart once in a while...the 9 month old male eagle had been hunting for food, and mistakenly “recognized” a fi shing lure for a fi sh. The hook of the lure became lodged in his beak, and the remainder of it (weights and all), became wrapped snug to his left talon. With his head literally tied to his “foot”, he lost his ability to navigate, and ultimately crashed into the lake.

So ends the life of Mr. Eagle? Thankfully, not so. Today, I was witness to a magnifi cent re-entry of an 11 month old Bald Eagle, given a second chance because a number of people took the time to care. Seeing an eagle set free is a sight that will stir even the most callous of hearts. People from all walks of life worked diligently to get him back to pursuing his passion. He’ll never know the time, effort, and love that went in to his release today. But that is what we Human Beings are supposed to be “about.” The look in his eye as he was fl ying away still sends a shiver up my spine. He’s Bold, he’s Proud, he’s Free. And he’ll never know what it took to get him there. Does it matter that he understood the effort?

Nope. The people that got him back in the air know… and they will be able to grin at their feat for the rest of their lives. Mathias, the person responsible for his rehab and ultimate re-entry, put it very simply. As he watched his Stu-dent fl y away, someone made a comment about the eagle “coming back to thank Mathias.” Mathias just laughed softly, said, “I don’t believe that’s what he’s thinking. They never say Thanks– but that’s okay.”

This Christmas season– give for the sake of giving. Do it to make yourself feel good inside, but do it to help another. Do it for the reasons Mathias displayed today– to put someone less fortunate “back in the air.” If you look for thanks, you may never be completely satisfi ed. Yet maybe, just maybe, you’ll experience the thrill of watching someone you’ve helped along the way soar again.

Create the Best of Life...

Cindy


The Custom Bike Show in Bad Salzuß en, GermanyBy Juergen Wulfert

This show is one of the biggest Custom bike shows here in Germany. This year it held for the 3rd time and it grows every year. The Custom Bike is a must for everyone who wants to know what going on in the scene! The show was held December 01-03, 2006, in the city of Bad Salzuß en, right in the middle of Ger-many. But this one is not only a Bike show, you can see much, much more: clothes, Tattoos + Piercing, Body painting and babes. Outside there was a place for people who love the smell of burning rubber � a burnout pit!The exhibit hall was very much crowed and I didn‛t see an empty parking place. There were 150 companies exhibiting this year. Exhibitors were from all over Europe (Germany, Austria, Italia, Belgium, and Netherlands). What I missed was that there were only a few companies who show maintenance stuff. Very popular here in Germany are wide rear tires and low frames. So every manufacturer offers bikes with an wide rear tire (280 and +) A special part of the event is that everyone gets the chance to present their own bike for the show. Every reader of the Bikers News Magazine got the chance to send a picture of their own bike to the magazine and the month before the shows starts, readers of the Bikers News, Dream Machine and Custom Bike vote for their favorite bike. The winning bikes of the draw-ing were at the Bike Show. Therefore, you can see all different types of bikes: Choppers, StreetÞ ghters, and Sidecars. We have some excellent Custom Bike builders here in Ger-many. Well know names are F.Kodlin (www.kodlin.com) and the only non American Winner of the Discovery channel �Bikers build off� Marcus Walz (www.walz-hardcore-cycles.com). This year he brought his �Mille Miglia� bike especially for this show from Miami to Bad Salzuß en. Another project is a bike for the For-mula 1 driver Kimi Räikkönen, called the Iceman bike. Very popular are the H-Ds V-rods. Normally Harley Davidsons are slow and heavy. This is the kind of bike that German riders love. Very fast � perfect for our highways! A custom bike builder for these V-rod bikes is the NLC Company (www.no-limit-custom.com). F.Kodlin also had his 21R Slim Liner on display. This bike is the Þ rst one with that kind of front and rear end. I asked F.Kodlin what he planed for 2007. He told me, that he still have many ideas, but that‛s all, no details. But he said, that they had many problems right now with the new noise and emis-sions regulations in CA. Other big names here in Germany are Thunderbike (www.thunderbike.de). They had their winner bike �Spectalua� on display or the Lottermann Bike companie (www.lottermanns-bikes.de) and the Habermann performance (www.habermann-performance.com) AT.American-cyles (www.at-american-cycles.de) But we still have many more small independent builders � too many to list! Enjoy the pictures. You can see: wide rear tire, low frame, etc...... There were the well known European parts companies such as W+W Cycles (this company offers since 25 years parts for HD), the Dutch companie Zodiac and Custom Chrome Europe. The spoke wheel manufactur TTS shows his newest style wheels and babes (wide tire and nice back) The Italian company RebufÞ ni showed there whole products: Aircleaner cover, mirrors, hand levers, foot pegs....Really expensive, but nice. The babes at the show were very nice. I think, it is not al-lowed in your country to walk around or sit topless on an bike. But no problem at a German bike show. I enjoy the whole day!!!Next year the CustomBike 2007 will be held 11.30-12.02.2007 in Bad Salzuß en. See you there???


BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

1 Pkg. Cream Cheese, Softened1 Can Premium Chunk White Chicken, Drained1/2 Cup Buffalo Sauce; Mild or Hot, your call1/2 Cup Ranch Salad Dresing2 Cups Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese1 Bag of Tortilla ChipsSpread cream cheese into an ungreased shallow 1-qt. baking dish. Layer with chicken, buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with tor-tilla chips. Double recipe to make extra. Yield: apprx. 2 cups This dip is totally delish!! Try it for your New Year’s buffet table.

GINGERED ORANGE BEETS

1-1/2 Pounds Whole Fresh Beets (about 4 med.) trimmed and cleaned 6 Tbls. Olive Oil; divided1/4 tsp. Salt1/4 tsp. White Pepper1 Tbl. Orange Juice Concentrate1-1/2 tsp. Grated Orange Peel, divided1/2 tsp. Minced Fresh Gingerroot1 Med. Navel Orange, peeled, sectioned & chopped1/3 Cup Pecan Halves; toastedBrush beets with 4 Tbls. olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap loosely in foil; plae on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 75 min. or until fork-tender. Cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, orange juice concentrate, 1 tsp. orange peel, ginger and remaining oil; set aside. Peel beets and cut into wedges; place in a serving bowl. Add orange sec-tions and pecans. Drizzle with orange sauce and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with remaining orange peel. Yummy! And such a fresh, new taste to bring to the table. (Slice beets round if that’s how you prefer them).

NEW YEAR’S BUFFET SEASONED PORK LOIN ROAST

2 tsps. Garlic Salt2 tsps. Garlic-Pepper Blend2 tsps. Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

1 Boneless Rollede Pork Loin Roast (apprx. 5 lbs. )BASTING SAUCE:3 Cups Water2 Tbls. Lemon Juice1-1/2 tsps. Dried Minced Onion1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt1/2 tsp. Garlic-Pepper Blend1/2 tsp. Lemon-Pepper Seasoning1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes1/2 tsp. Grated Lemon Peel Combine the garlic salt, garlic-pepper and lemon-pep-per; rub all over roast. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until meat thermometer reads 160. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the bast-ing sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Brush over roast occasionally while baking. Let the roast stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Sliced yields apprx. 15-18 servings. Slice and fan out on a holiday tray. Pour some hot basting sauce over the slices, yet keep a gravy boat w/ spoon near the serving tray for those who like extra sauce. Currants sprinkled on top of the roast are a nice touch and added fl avor.

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT WITH SOFT & CHEWY CHOCOLATE BITES

4 Squares BAKER’S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate3/4 Cup (1-1/2 sticks) real butter2 Cups Sugar3 Eggs1 tsp. Real Vanilla2 Cups FlourPreheat oven to 350 F. Nuke chocolate and butter in large micro bowl on HIGH for 2 min. or until butter is melted totally. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add fl our; mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until dough is easy to handle. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place, 2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets. Bake 8 minutes or just until set. (Do Not Overbake!). Use a timer. Let stand on baking sheet 1 min; transfer to wire racks. Cool completely. Use your imagination and top with great stuff!!!


News Bytes

cont. 31

CHINESE CITIES CONTINUE TO BAN MOTORCYCLES China, the world’s leading producer of motorcycles with more than 13 million units manufactured annually, has been systematically banning or limiting the use of motorcycles. Most recently, the large Chinese city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, will join over 100 other cities in banning all motorized two-wheelers. As of January 1, the city’s 260,000 registered motorcycles in the city will be forced off the roads, as well as an additional 100,000 unregistered ones and 100,000 electric bicycles, and tens of thousands of people who use the vehicles to earn a living and make deliveries must turn them in for scrap or move them out of the city. After six decades of control, Communist offi cials are accustomed to issuing sweeping draconian edicts such as this, confi dent that they unfailingly act for the benefi t of all citizens, while individual rights are ignored and citizens simply must accept what the one-party state decides is best and are helpless to act on their frustrations. In 2002, Guangzhou shortened the service life of motorbikes to 8 or 10 years from the previ-ous 13 years, and offered cash rewards to owners who discarded their bikes before their “end of life” expired. The city began phasing out motorcycles, leading up to a total ban by 2007. But after motorcycle and scooter prices plunged, throngs of residents eagerly turned to two-wheel transporta-tion, jamming up the roads, contributing to air pollution and increasing snatch-and-run crimes committed by motorcycle-riding thieves. Motorcycles were involved in half of the city’s accidents last year. Since 1994, cities like Shanghai, Tianjin and Nantong have stopped issuing licenses to new motor-cycles. In Shanghai, many motorcycle shops were even shut down recently. Motorcycles are not replacing cars in Chinese cities, they are replacing bicycles so whereas the environ-mental impact of a shift to motorcycles in Western cities would lead to cleaner air, in China it’s the other way around. Analysts estimate that China will not have an urban market for motorcycles by 2010 if more cities continue to ban their use. Nowadays, the Chinese government is following a “no encouragement and no support” policy towards the motor-cycle industry. U.S. DOT ANNOUNCES SEATBELT USE DOWN, HEL-MET USE UP According to a new study recently released by the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), seat belt use in the U.S. is currently at a rate of 81 percent, down slightly from the use rate of 82 percent in 2005. Cit-ing the new data, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters also noted the latest data shows that 51 percent of U.S. motorcyclists now wear helmets, up from 48 percent in 2005. She pointed out that in the West, motorcycle helmet use rose from 50 to 72 percent between 2005 and 2006; and from 42 to 47 percent in the Northeast. However, the use rate fell from 53 to 50 percent in the Midwest and from 49 to 45 percent in the South. Only helmets that comply with DOT standards were included in the survey. According to Admin-istrator Nicole R. Nason, the NHTSA recently started offering federal grants to states for programs that help reduce the number of motorcyclist accidents. For example, this year the agency will make available $6 million in grant funding to states for motorcycle safety training and motorist awareness programs.

NO EMISSIONS TESTING FOR PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA MOTORCYCLES Owners of more than 6,200 motorcycles in Pima County, in which Tucson is located, will soon no longer have to worry about whether their vehicles can pass the state’s emissions tests, but the 22,000 motorcycles registered in Maricopa County, where the city of Phoenix is located, remains one of the only places in the U.S. where motorcycles must pass emission testing. Both areas of the state have had testing programs for years to comply with federal air-quality rules, particularly as they relate to carbon monoxide and ozone pollution. State legislators voted for the exemption in 2005, but the law was contingent on getting the required approval from the U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency -- that order came December 15th as the EPA agreed that exempting the motorcycles from the testing in Pima County will not harm air quality in the Tucson region. “This is a big step in the right direction,” said Bobbi Hart-mann, a lobbyist for the motorcyclist groups in Arizona and a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Legislative Task Force. Motorcycle groups such as ABATE of Arizona, the Modifi ed Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs had backed the legislation, hoping to get their vehicles exempted from what they call unfair and unnecessary emis-sions regulation. State records had shown that 26 percent of the motorcycles taking the test failed while cars fl unked at the rate of 16 percent. MSF AND TEAM OREGON EMBROILED IN LAWSUITS The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has fi led a lawsuit against Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program of Oregon State University alleging the parties infringed on MSF copyrights, and charging that they “willfully misappropriated the MSF’s motorcycle safety and training curriculum materials in con-nection with the development and publication of Team Ore-gon’s Basic Rider Training (BRT) curriculum materials, and prepared derivative works based on the MSF’s copyrighted curricula,” and other charges. The suit seeks to permanently enjoin the defendants from using the Team Oregon BRT, as well as from marketing or offering the Team Oregon BRT to other states or entities. “The MSF has worked with the state of Oregon in connection with motorcycle safety training and policy for more than 20 years, and continues to support Oregon motorcyclists,” said Dean Thompson, director, com-munications of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “The MSF currently works with the Oregon Division of Driver and Motor Vehicle Services on licensing issues.” “This is the fi rst time in its history that the MSF has initiated legal action,” Thompson said. “We would prefer to focus on our mission of making motorcycling safer and more enjoyable. But if an organiza-tion does not protect its intellectual property rights, it can lose them. The MSF does not object to another entity developing a different basic riding curriculum. However, the MSF does take issue with any entity that takes a shortcut by misap-propriating the MSF’s curriculum and misrepresenting it as its own.” BikePAC of Oregon Executive Director Ken Ray re-sponded to the lawsuit, stating in part, “We are disappointed that MSF has chosen to fi le a lawsuit after their curriculum was deemed inadequate for Oregon. Although BikePAC is not involved in this legally, all motorcyclists in Oregon will

The World’s Fastest Indian“All my life I’ve wanted to do something big... something bigger and better than all the other jokers”Burt Munro

The World’s Fastest Indian a movie review

By Tom Corr

The World’s Fastest Indian is an astonishing fi lm that was released in theaters last year and is now available on DVD. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro, the New Zealand racing legend, who rode his modifi ed 1920 Indian Scout into the history books.

The inspiration for The World’s Fastest Indian was a 1971 documentary about the life of the New Zealander, “Offerings to the God of Speed”. Munro, one of the oldest people to ever set a land speed record at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Spent a lifetime, (44 years to be exact) perfecting his Indian, ultimately setting a new land speed record in 1967, at almost 185mph. And achieving unoffi cial but timed speeds of 201mph on other visits. (The 1967 record remains unbroken to this day).

“The Worlds Fastest Indian” was funny, inspirational and captivating, Hopkins did an outstanding job portraying the social misfi t and self-confessed (but lovable) dirty old man Burt Munro.

Burt loves the ladies and loves racing his “modifi ed somewhat” vintage Indian Scout along the open beach of Invercargill in Southern New Zealand. Hopkins nailed the accent sounding like a true South Landler. South Landers are folks from the bottom quarter of the South Island of New Zealand.

And even though the movie is more about the man than the machine it has an all-round appeal for everyone, not just Indian owners, the cinematography is clear, the action scenes are free of special effects, this movie is a must see.



This Wind Chill Chart is provided to help deter-mine how cold you will feel on a motorcycle even in warm tem-peratures with a slight breeze. The wind chill factor is a measure of how fast heat is being removed from your body. For example, if the air temperature is 40 de-grees and you are riding at 20 miles per hour, it feels the same as 20 de-grees with no speed at all. So, be sure to dress appropriately so you can enjoy your ride!

CHILL OUT!CHILL OUT!

Hawaiian Chopper Winterfest Hawaiian Chopper Winterfest December 3, 2006December 3, 2006Aloha from Oahu, the most traveled Island of the Hawai-ian chain. As a mainlander visiting the 3rd largest Island I was tickled to hear there was a charity ride being held the week my wife and I were visiting, but blown away to fi nd out the Marines Toys for Tots Charity Ride has an average of 5,000 bikes attend this event (on a Island?) , and raises around $100,000 annually in toys and donations. This event has gotten so popular folks ship there bikes from the mainland and other Islands to participate. The day starts with the riders leaving from Ala Moana State Park, riding thru Waikiki, up Diamond Head to the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) with expansive views of the Island and Pacifi c Ocean. The parade of bikes takes over an hour passing by on the way to KCC, at the College rid-ers fi ll 4 parking lot areas plus areas in between as riders dismount to go in to the vender and show bike area. This years featured Biker Build-Off projects were created by Bike Mike of BMC Choppers, Bend Oregon, and 26 year old Norio Akai from Phoenix Customs Waipahu, Hawaii. Spectators got to vote for there winning choice and check out the builds and wear’s from numerous local talents and those of established builders such-as: legendary builders Mondo of Denver Choppers, Shannon Alkau of Counts Kustoms, Todd’s Cycles, Salina’s Boys Custom, Chica, and El Pitts of Vegas City Choppers. An impressive event in both size and quality, I recommend when planning your Hawaiian vacation for next winter be sure to include the dates for next years Hawaiian Winterfest. Mahalo and Aloha - Garth Hinz.

BAYSIDE HARLEY DAVIDSON’S MEN’S’ AND LADIES’ NIGHT

If any of this sounds familiar to you, you are not reading the same article twice. Bayside Harley-Davidson, who you all know and love as the sponsors of The Rumble Through the Tunnels, sponsored two special nights to honor the men and women they serve. First they had the ladies night, which was a country western theme. There was a line dance instructor on hand to make sure everyone kept their feet to the rhythm and taught many popular line dances. Who would have thought you could get dancing lessons from Harley! Bayside had a chocolate fountain but this was no tabletop model, this monster stood 4 feet tall! There was of course food on hand and the ladies who attended were treated to free wine. The treat of the night as far as I was concerned was a mechanical bull that managed to whip me off in 13 seconds. Subsequently my girlfriend managed to stay on for 60! I’ll stick to my bikes. All money raised went to the Make A Wish Foundation. There were of course in store give-a-ways and sales for the holidays.

Again I would like to direct your attention to the Men’s night (my personal favorite). The theme was casino night. Ally, Bayside’s Marketing Director, actually brought in real live dealers on full size regulation tables. They had Texas Hold Em’, Black Jack, Craps, and Roulette. You weren’t gambling with real money of course; it was for funny money used to pick the fi nal contestants for the give-a-way. One lucky gentleman won a beautiful set of Harley riding leath-ers. MSV Photography had fi ve beautiful ladies on hand who were selling Nicaraguan cigars for the Make A Wish Foundation and were of course, available for pictures. What I liked was the “Best Tie” contest. Several of the ladies were judges and the best tie was picked. It belonged to a gentle-man who had pictures of his grandson on his tie. Sponge Bob came in close second! Both nights raised quite a bit of money for a worthy charity at a time when children need it most. Everyone has special holiday wishes and Make A Wish makes that happen for many who would otherwise be without. I better you see all out next year!

Mike “Hammer”



News Bytessuffer when money and energy that should go to rider train-ing is having to be used to defend Team Oregon against MSF attorneys.” Ray went on to explain that the “MSF has implied or threatened legal action for several years ever since Team Oregon began phasing out the MSF curriculum and began using one developed by Steve Garets and other Team Oregon instructors. MSF has maintained that printed material dealing with motorcycle training is their intellectual property. Most recently the Motorcycle Safety Foundation attempted to have their motorcycle-training curriculum certifi ed to meet Oregon standards to replace a DMV skills test for motorcycle endorsements. Although a fi nal decision has not been reached by the Oregon Traffi c Safety Com-mission on the MSF proposal, the Governor’s Advisory Board on Motorcycle Safety after a year of analysis and testimony unanimously voted to recommend disapproval by OTSC.” PELOSI TARGETS GRASSROOTS LOBBYING House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) has pledged to take up a lobbying reform proposal that would impose new regulations on speech by grassroots organizations (such as motorcycle rights organizations), while providing a loop-hole in the rules for large corporations and labor unions. The legislation would make changes to the legal defi ni-tion of “grassroots lobbying” and require any organization that encourages 500 or more members of the general public to contact their elected representatives to fi le a report with detailed information about their organization to the government on a quarterly basis. The report would include identifying the organization’s expenditures, the is-sues focused on and the members of Congress and other federal offi cials who are the subject of the advocacy efforts. A separate report would be required for each policy issue the group is active on. “Right now, grassroots groups don’t have to report at all if they are communicating with the public,” said Dick Dingman of the Free Speech Coalition, Inc. ”This is an effort that would become a major attack on the 1st Amendment.” The Lobbying Transparency and Ac-countability Act, which made some of these changes, was actually approved by both the House and the Senate in the 109th Congress, but failed to make it through a conference committee. OKLAHOMA BILL WOULD REDUCE MOTORCYCLE TOLLS An Oklahoma state lawmaker is proposing giving a break to motorcycle riders on the state’s turnpikes. State Representative Paul Wesselhoft says it’s not fair for mo-torcyclists to pay the same price as a car on the toll roads because motorcycles cause less wear and tear on the roadway. And he says the bikes cause less pollution and are more fuel-effi cient. His proposal calls for motorcycles to be charged half the toll currently charged to two-axle vehicles such as cars and SUVs. Rep. Wesselhoft says he doubts the state would lose any revenue by reducing the toll because he believes more bikers would drive the turnpikes if the toll were lower. Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore, OK) has been coordinating with ABATE of Okla-homa regarding advancing this legislation, which ABATE of Oklahoma’s State Board has voted to fully support. ABATE contacted the Central Oklahoma HOG Chapter to provide

a Harley for a photo-op for Rep. Wesselhoft, who has prior motorcycling experience, to introduce his proposal to the media. “We appreciate Representative Wesselhoft’s deci-sion to introduce this measure, which will be benefi cial both to our state and to improving motorcycling Quality of Life in Oklahoma,” said Tiger Mike Revere, State Coordinator of ABATE of Oklahoma and a member of the National Coali-tion of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Board of Directors. UK LICENSING PLAN FOR ALL MOTORCYCLES A plan to crackdown on teenage motorcyclists plaguing estates and shopping centers was unveiled by Labour MP Chris Bryant, who wants to bring in a new law calling for all bikes - including off-road scramblers and mini-motorbikes - to be forced to have license plates. Many of the bikes used by hooligans to terrorize others are unlicensed as they are of-fi cially classifi ed as off-road machines, he said. Police are reluctant to chase them fearing riders could be thrown off and be killed or injured. But Mr. Bryant believes by putting number plates on bikes offi cers would know who owns the vehicles and track them down. He told the London Mirror that, “Unlicensed so-called ‘off-road’ bikes are a lethal nui-sance. The racket they make and the danger they pose to pedestrians and drivers means it’s time we licensed them.” Sales of mini-motorcycles, which can go up to 60mph, have soared ten-fold since 2002, to 100,000 last year. WEIRD NEWS: Bees mistake motorcycle cushion for real fl owers. Vivid fl owers on a cushion used by a woman for her motorcycle were so lifelike that hundreds of bees attempted to collect honey from it, the China Daily news-paper reported. Seeing so many bees fl ying over the motorcycle, parked at a village near Shenyang of Liaoning Province, the rider was scared out of her wits and cried for help. She was rescued from the spot only after fi re fi ghters were called in to drive the bees away. CNN POLL REVEALS MOST AMERICANS THINK GOV-ERNMENT IS DOING TOO MUCH A quarter century after the Reagan revolution, a CNN poll found that most Ameri-cans still agree with the Gipper; “Government is not the answer to our problems -- government is the problem.” The poll showed that an overwhelming majority of Americans perceive, correctly, that the size and cost of government have gone up: discretionary spending grew from $649 bil-lion in fi scal year 2001 to $968 billion in fi scal year 2005, an increase of $319 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Offi ce. Queried about their views on the role of government, 54 percent of the 1,013 adults polled said they thought it was trying to do too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses. Only 37 percent said they thought the government should do more to solve the country’s problems. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States & 33rd Governor of California

Eddie Trotta Gets Thunder RoadsShouldn’t You?

To get Thunder Roads Magazine In The Mail Send Check Or Money Order For

$24.00 Made Out To:Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads 1920 Centerville Turnpike,

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


The World According to JeffBy Beth von Kelsch

“The fi rst rule of riding in Central America is never ride past dark.” I am shown a photograph. A narrow, two lane road, with a pothole

approximately 10 feet across, deep enough to escape capture in a 2 dimensional photograph and encircled by a few pieces of broken asphalt. “Those bits of broken asphalt are the locals’ way of warning you. There are NO road signs.” Jeff Munn, a short, kind faced man of middle age with a head of prematurely grey hair, continues showing me his collection of self-photographed international road hazards. Tires in the middle of the road to warn a driver that the road turns from a two lane paved road to a dirt path. A piece of wood to indicate a fallen bridge. A sign with a guardian angel that states in the native language of the country “Give your guardian angel a chance. Drive slowly.”

Asked why he can’t just stay at home, Jeff answers, “I travel to broaden my understanding of the world.” Jeff has studied and tried to learn the culture of every country he has visited in order to understand it better. Whether he’s in Morocco, Australia, Kosovo or Italy, Jeff tries to see his surroundings from the eyes of the locals.

Jeff and his wife, Teresa, moved to Petersburg, Virginia last year. The Historic Old Towne District was a perfect fi t for Teresa’s Polish pottery shop, “Signature Style Decor” (www.signaturestyledecor.com), with its ante-bellum store fronts, cobble-stoned Farmer’s Market, and small town hospitality. The Munns soon got a reputation in town for their friendly neighborhood get-togethers, and their consistent offers of help with any-thing anyone needed. This is where our friendship began to grow.

I run a not-for-profi t art venue two doors down from their store and home. We produce 6 theatrical productions, install 12 gallery exhibits, and mount over 100 concerts each year. With a staff of a mere 3, when Jeff offered help, I jumped at the chance. Jeff began helping us build sets, did some word of mouth marketing, and even volunteered as a waiter. And then I had an idea.

As the Associate Director of Sycamore Rouge, one of my duties is to fi nd and schedule 12 rotating exhibits per year for our art gallery. I ap-proached Jeff about exhibiting some of his motorcycles—my idea being that motorcycles are indeed a work of art and should be displayed as such. It was then I learned that Jeff is not only a motorcyclist, but also a photographer. Jeff showed me over 200 photographs taken during his trips, carefully categorized by country. The fi nal exhibit showed off 150 photographs, his 2001 BMW R1160GS, journal entries, a fully restored 1966 BMW motorcycle, and items a rider could not survive without when on long distance journeys—tire repair kit, tent, air compressor, etc. It was Jeff’s fi rst showing as an artist, and one of our most successful exhibits.

But even with new experiences lurking all around him in Petersburg, Jeff will soon be leaving for Istanbul. He was recently hired by GlobeRid-ers, the premier, long-duration motorcycle expedition company in the world. They offer guided, international motorcycle tours across Asia, Europe and Africa. (www.GlobeRiders.com)

Jeff wants to make one thing very clear to anyone wishing to travel. “I’ve learned that no matter who you were in the USA, when you are in a foreign country you are a visitor, and if you can’t show respect and admiration for anyone you meet, then you haven’t earned the right to their respect, and perhaps you need to ask yourself why you are traveling in their country.” For more of Jeff’s photos and journal entries please visit his website http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/5246/mcyclelink.html To learn more about Sycamore Rouge please visit www.sycamorerouge.org

This gem found by one of our staff, Beth Albert - nice!.


The ANACONDAThe ANACONDA The World’s only 10-Seat Three-Wheel Motorcycle Limo Trike

By Tom Corr TRM AZ

Steve “Smokey” McGill is a man with a long imagination and is responsible for a wild creation named the Anaconda, a 10-passenger Harley-powered trike.

McGill said he came up with the idea for the Anaconda while he was Christmas shopping and saw a Harley trike displayed by Wright Brothers Bikes of Kansas City KS. On the way home he began thinking that trike was the Cadillac of motorcycles.

McGill says, “Then it hit me! Why hasn’t someone built a limo motorcycle”? When he got home he made several copies of the trike photo from the Wright Brothers fl yer, and says, “I cut them up and taped the pieces together to roughly illustrate the concept of a 10-passenger Harley trike”.

A few days later he called Ron Wright and invited him down to his shop to talk about the idea. After seeing the illustration Ron asked what Smokey wanted from him. Smokey told him, “I want you to give me one of those trikes to stretch”. Smokey said “Ron just laughed and told me I was nuts. But a little later he asked what would be in it for him”.

McGill told him if he would give him a trike to work with he would build and own the vehicle, he would promote the Wright Brothers business everywhere he went and would share any income generated from the project. After thinking about the idea for three days Ron agreed to provide a motorcycle and trike conversion kit, and a partnership was formed. A couple of days later the motorcycle and kit were delivered.

It took Smokey roughly 640 hours, over a six-month period, to complete the Anaconda. It is 19 feet, 6 inches long and weighs 1,420 pounds. It has two engines. The back one is a stock Harley Evo motor and provides the power. The front one is a dummy, for looks only, because there has to be a motor under that gas tank. (It just wouldn’t look right without it).

Smokey found a company in Leavenworth KS that produces fi berglass engine replicas. McGill bought a fi berglass Harley block and added real heads, a primary cover and other chrome goodies. He says It’s fun to watch people stare at that front engine and try to fi gure out how it works. It takes them a while to fi gure out that it doesn’t.

Why the name Anaconda? Smokey said since the anaconda is the longest snake in the world, it just seemed to fi t. And he thought people would remember it.

Smokey’s web site is www.anacondalimo.com.

And on the look out for Smokey’s newest creation “The Bodhisattva” dual chopper limo.


The Joker’s WildThe Joker’s Wild

The Joker’s WildThe Joker’s WildAn Appalachian family from the deep, deep hills, was visiting the city and they were in a mall for the fi rst time in their lives. The father and son were strolling around while the wife shopped. They were amazed by almost every-thing they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again. The boy asked, “Paw, what is it?” The father (never having seen an elevator) responded, “Son, I dunno. I ain’t never seen nuttin’ like that in my en-tire days, I ain’t got no idea’r what it is.” While the boy and his father were watching with amazement, a large, elderly lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular number above the walls light up se-quentially. They continued to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Then the walls opened up again and a gorgeous, voluptuous 24 year-old redhead woman stepped out.The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said very quietly to his son, “Boy..….go git’ yer Momma”.

A girl goes into the doctor’s offi ce for a checkup. As she takes off her blouse, he notices a red “H” on her chest. “How did you get that mark on your chest?” asks the doc-tor. “Oh, my boyfriend went to Harvard and he’s so proud of it that he never takes off his Harvard sweatshirt, even when we make love,” she replies. “I guess it just leaves an im-pression.” A couple of days later, another girl comes in for a checkup. As she takes off her blouse, he notices a blue “Y” on her chest. “How did you get that mark on your chest?” asks the doctor. “Oh, my boyfriend went to Yale and he’s so proud of it that he never takes off his Yale sweatshirt, even when we make love,” she replies. A couple of days later, another girl comes in for a checkup. As she takes off her blouse, he notices a green “M” on her chest. “Do you have a boyfriend at Michigan?” asks the doctor.“ “No, but I have a girlfriend at Wisconsin. Why do you ask?”

A motorcycle cop was rushed to the hospital with an infl amed appendix. The doctors operated and advised him that all was well. However, he kept feeling something pulling at the hairs in his crotch that was very irritating and hurt when he moved. Worried that it might be a second surgery the doctors hadn’t told him about, he fi nally got enough energy to pull his hospital gown up far enough so he could look at what was making him so uncomfortable. Taped fi rmly across his pubic hair were three wide strips of adhesive tape, the kind that doesn’t come off easily. Written in large black letters was the sentence: “Get well quick! From: The nurse you gave a ticket to last week.

Bubba went to a psychiatrist. “I’ve got problems. Every time I go to bed, I think there’s somebody under it. I’m scared. I think I’m going crazy! “Just put yourself in my hands for one year,” said the shrink “Come talk to me three times a week, and we should be able to get rid of those fears.” ”How much do you charge?” “Eighty dollars per visit, replied the doctor.” ”I’ll sleep on it,” said Bubba. Six months later the doctor met Bubba on the street. “Why didn’t you

ever come to see about those fears you were having?” asked the psychiatrist.“ “Well eighty bucks a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot of money! A bar-tender cured me for $10. I was so happy to have saved all that money I went and bought me a new pickup!” “Is that so! And how, may I ask, did a bartender cure you?” “He told me to cut the legs off my bed! -- Dang sure ain’t nobody under there now!!!

The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” he said. “I will bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuild-ing that you won’t be able to wheel back.” “You’re on, old man,” the braggar replied. “Let’s see what you got.” The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, “All right then, get in.”

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties. The fi rst man had married a woman from Oregon, and bragged that he had told his wife to do all the dishes and house cleaning. He said that it took a couple of days, but on the 3rd day he came home to a clean house and all the dishes were washed and put away. The second man had married a woman from Nebraska. He bragged that he had given his wife orders to do all the cleaning, dishes and cook-ing. He said he did not see any results the fi rst day, the second day things were a little better, but by the 3rd day the house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table. The third man had married a girl from Tennessee. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry done, and she was to have hot meals on the table for every meal. He said that the fi rst day he didn’t see anything. The second day he didn’t see anything. By the 3rd day, the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye, enough to fi x himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher, and phone a landscaper. Do not mess with dem’ Girls Raised In The South! Yeeeeeehaaaaawwwwww! Love dem’ G.R.I.T.S.

Panhead had a nephew that moved to South America to work for one of the big oil companies. Every year, at Christmas time, the nephew would mail Panhead some-thing beautiful from the South American culture. This year he sent him a gorgeous Scarlet Macaw. He called about 3 days after it’s arrival and asked Panhead, “So, what did you think of your present this year Uncle Panhead?”. Panhead said, “Well, that bird sure was purty, but he was tough as hell”. “Oh, no, please tell me you did not eat that bird. Oh, no. That bird is very, very expensive. He cost upwards of $1,500. Oh, no, Uncle Panhead, please tell me you didn’t. That bird I sent you could speak 3 lan-guages”. “Well then”, Panhead growled, …”dammit, he shoulda said somethin”.


Support Our TroopsSupport Our Troops


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 states 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 also be found, in bold, throughout this listing

– they are the best of the best at what they do, making a special showing to give you the fi nest in everything that they have to

offer. Most of them ride too, so they know exactly what you want & need. The staff here

at Thunder Roads is greatly appreciative of their continuous support each month, for they are the sole fi nancial 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 their shops for a visit.

Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you would like to join

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

or email [email protected]. We are the # 1 Free Biker Publication in the Mid-Atlantic giving you our best. “Where There’s

Bikes….There’s Going To Be Thunder….THUNDER ROADS”

>>>Maryland<<<

All American Harley-Davidson8126 Leonardtown Rd.Hughesville, MD 20637

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

Harley Davidson of Washington9407 Livingston Rd.Ft. Washington, MD

(888) HDFEVERwww.hdwash.com

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City10716 Ocean Gateway

Berlin, MD (410) 629-1599

Harley-Davidson/Buell Shop of Williamsport10210 Governor Lane Blvd - Suite 2004

Williamsport, MD 21795(301) 223-1800 or (301) 416-3900

Harley-Davidson of Maryland Inc7010 Troy Hill DriveElkridge, MD 21075

(410) 796-1044www.harleydavidsonofmaryland.com

Haus of Trikes12636 Sunset Ave. Unit F5

Ocean City, MD (410) 213-2421

www.hausoftrikes.com

>>>North Carolina<<<

Curly’s Harley-Davidson/Buell 3825 Reidsville RoadWinston-Salem, NC

336-722-3106

Davis Harley-Davidson2215 Hanford Rd.

Burlington, NC 27215(336) 227-1261

www.davishd.com

Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson8739 Highway 158

Harbinger, NC 27941(252) 491-2091

www.kittyhawkhd.com

Nag’s Head Harley-Davidson4104 S. Dare Trail

Milepost 13 (Highway 159 Bypass)Nags Head, NC 27959

(252) 255-5922www.nagsheadhd.com

Outer Banks Harley-Davidson1223 U.S. Highway 17 South

Elizabeth City, NC 27909(252) 338-8866

www.outerbankshd.com

>>>Virginia<<<

Al’s Towing & Nicky’s Custom5570 Raby Rd

Norfolk, VA 23541(407) 455-6667

www.alstowing.com

American Legend Custom Motorcycles10611 Wards Rd

Rustburg, VA 24588(434) 821-5303

www.americanlegendcustomcycles.com

Bayside Harley-Davidson3403 High StreetPortsmouth, VA (757) 397-5550

www.baysidehd.com

The New Black Wolf Harley-DavidsonI-81 Exit 13 Abingdon, VA 24211

276-628-5822www.blackwolfharley.com

Burcham Cycles, Inc.1500 Boulevard

Colonial Heights, VA (804) 526-2300

www.burchamscycles.com

Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles 128-4 Windy Hill Lane

Winchester, VA540-545-8733

Catlin Kustom Cycles1909 Boulevard

Colonial Heights, VA804526-2208

www.ckccustoms.com

Chix Custom Cycles3745 Shore Drive

Virginia Beach, VA(757) 363-2453

www.chixcustomcycles.com

Classic Twins19363 Brandy RoadBrandy Station, VA

(540) 829-0313

Coleman Power Sports 435 S. Washington St.

Falls Church, VA(800) 888-3619

www.wherethepoweris.com

Coleman Power Sports 14105 Telegraph Rd.

Woodbridge, VA (703) 497-1500

www.wherethepoweris.com

Colonial Harley-Davidson/Buell1701 Temple Parkway

Prince George, VA (804) 861-4700

COOL RIDZ265 Sunset Park Dr

Herndon, VA (703)796-1888

www.coolridz.com

Cycle Creations4230 Lankford Hwy

New Church, VA 23415(757) 854-4144

Departure Bike Works5216 Hull St

Richmond, VA(804) 231-0244

www.departure.com

Devil Dawg Custom Cycles14512 Lee Road Units C, D & E

Chantilly, VA 20151(703) 378-4115 or (888) 550-9810www.devildawgcustomcycles.com

East Coast Harley/Buell17975 Main Street

Dumfries, VA(703) 221-3757

Full House Cycles100 Full House Drive

Winchester, VA 540-667-0088

Gator Hole Powersports342 Mecklenburg DriveChase City, VA 23924

(434) 372-1771

Grove’s Winchester Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc.140 Independence Drive

Winchester, VA 22602(540) 662-4468

Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson/Buell6450 George Washington Memorial Highway

Yorktown, VA(757) 872-7223

Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg20452 Timberlake Road

Lynchburg, VA434-237-2381

Harley-Davidson Shop of WythevilleI-77/ 81 Exit 73 Wytheville, VA 24382228-9000 or toll free 1-866-HARLEY5

www.hdwytheville.com

Iron Core977 Chimney Hill Shopping Center


Iron Sports Custom Cycles 3520 Williamson Road

Roanoke, VA (540) 366-0042

Jim McClure’sMaster Performance Cycles

3707 Rochambeau Dr.Williamsburg Va. 23188

757 566-0544 Fax [email protected]

King’s Restoration36 Cloverdale Pl.Cloverdale, VA(540) 966-3911

Mark Long Cycleswww.marklongcycles.com

68 Cool Springs RdFredericksburg, VA

(540) 899-6700&

22890 Quicksilver DrDulles, VA

(703) 661-8600

Nicky’s Custom Auto & Cycle5570 Raby Rd.

Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 461-7097, (757) 455-6667Nicky’s cell: (757) 407-2696

www.alstowing.com

Outkasst Cycles3907 Bellson Park DrMidlothian, VA 23112

(804) 744-7848“SCREW STOCK”

Outlanders4768 US Highway 211 West

Luray, VA 22835(540) 743-2040

www.outlanders.wsemail: [email protected]

Patriot Harley-Davidson9739 Lee Highway

Fairfax, VA(703) 352-5400

ProStreet Cycles8075 Jefferson Davis Hwy

Richmond, VA 23237(804) 271-7766

www.prostreetcycles.net

Revolutionary Harley-Davidson6401 Richmond RdLightfoot, VA 23090

(757) 565-5122

Richmond Harley-Davidson10441 Washington Highway

Glen Allen, VA(804) 550-9280

Riders, Inc 928 Cycle LaneSouth Hill, VA877-913-1379

www.ridersinc.net

Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell1925 Peters Creek Road

Roanoke, VA 24017(540) 562-5424

Rob’s Used Harley PartsHerndon, VA

(703) 476-6607www.robsusedharleyparts.com

Rocker Originals441 Grafton Drive

Yorktown, VA 23692(757) 898-RIDE

www.rockeroriginals.com

Rocket Rogers Old 97 Choppers 2830 Riverside DriveDanville, VA 24540

434-792-3132www.rocketrogersmotorcycles.com

Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell213 Rolling Thunder Lane

Staunton, VA(540) 213-7433

www.shenhd.com

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

Virginia Beach, VA (757) 499-8964

South Richmond Harley-Davidson Shop10011 Hull Street

Richmond, VA(804) 745-3445

Stonewall Cycle705 E. Stonewall

Front Royal, VA 22630(540) 631-7544

Suicide Jack Choppers2520 Waco Street

Richmond, VA 23294(804) 501-0006

Email: [email protected]: www.SuicideJack.cc

Thunder Road Harley-Davidson4960 Riverside Drive

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

www.davishd.com

Tidewater Motorcycles Inc.4324 Godwin Blvd

Suffolk, VA (757) 255-4200

Tom’s Custom Cycles7203A George Washington Memorial Hwy Rt17

Yorktown, VA (757) 898-7702

Waugh Enterprises385 Waugh Boulevard

Orange, VA(540) 672-5550

Whitt’s Harley-Davidson/Buell Sales, Inc.9321 Center Street

Manassas, VA(703) 369-7077

www.whittshd.com

>>>West Virginia<<<

Cole Harley-Davidson1804 Bland St. Bluefi eld, WV 24701

324-8116 or toll free 1-888-HAV-A-HOGwww.coleh-d.com

Mike’s Harley-DavidsonHighway 119 Preece Bottom Rd

Delbartown, WV 25670(304) 426-4241

Help Me Ride – Motorcycle Financing1-800-881-6002

www.helpmeride.com

>>>Virginia<<<

Dye Art Custom Airbrush & Graphics200 Commerce Circle, Suite L

Yorktown, VA 23693(757) 596-1867www.dyeart.com

Hollywood Signs (vehicle graphics, decals)23202 Airport St.

Petersburg, VA 23833(804) 733-8956

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

The Law Offi ce of Tom McGrath1-800-321-8968

www.motorcyclevirginia.com

>>>Virginia<<<

Diva Customs501 17th St.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451(757) 428-DIVA

www.divacustoms.com

Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G

Virginia Beach, VA 23452(757) 340-4446

Harley-Haven1920Atlantic Ave


Mr. D’s Leather & Novelties

9902A Warwick BlvdNewport News, VA

(757) 599-4070

Reeps Rider/E & J Canvas & Leather Works3601B E. Ocean View Ave

Norfolk, VA 23518(757) 362-3971

www.reepsriders.com

Renegade Classics14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy

Woodbridge, VA 22191703-499-9533

www.nova.rcosva.com

Route 17 – The Rider’s Highway3403 High Street (Hwy 17)

Portsmouth, VA 23707(757) 967-8268

[email protected]

The Shade Tree www.myshadetree.net

757-435-2457

Trends6405 Williamson Road

Roanoke, VA (540) 362-9790

>>>West Virginia<<<

C/A Bike Accessories1615 Wichest Ave.

Martinsburg, WV 25401(304) 263-8229

[email protected]

Clark Insurance Agency4709 Mason Rest Ct.

Richmond, VA (804) 271-1961


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

Grandy, NC 27939(252) 453-4153

www.outerbanksbikerally.com

Dirty Dick’s Crab HouseOn the Bypass, Hwy 158

Kill Devil Hills, NC(252) 449-CRAB

Krazy’s SaloonRt 1 South

Rockingham, NC 28379(757) 327-1837(910) 610-3839

Mako Mike’s Restaurant MP 7 – US 158 Bypass

Kill Devil Hills, NC252-480-1919

>>>Virginia<<<

Boneshakers Saloon1297 General Booth BlvdVirginia Beach, VA 23451

(757) 961-8382www.boneshakerssaloon.com

Club Car Café18497 Dunne Ave

Parksley, VA 23421(757) 665-7822

The Cactus Steakhouse & Saloon 6401 George Washington Memorial Hwy Rt 17

Yorktown, VA(757) 898-8500

Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill7104 George Washington Memorial Hwy

Rt. 17 NorthGloucester, VA(804) 693-7218

www.damonsbar.com

Dirty Dick’s Crab HouseRudee Inlet

Virginia Beach, VA(757) 491-DICK

HOOTERs of Chesterfi eld 1211 Huguenot Rd

Midlothian, VA(804) 378-9464

HOOTERs of Chester 2401 West Hundred Road

Chester, VA(804) 425-9464

HOOTERS of Fredericksburg10400 Spotsylvania Ave

Fredericksburg, VA(540) 898-8044

HOOTERS of Richmond7912 West Broad Street

Richmond, VA (804) 270-9464

Hoss’s Deli 806 Old Oyster Point Newport News, VA

(757) 596-9104

Marilyn’s Hot Rod Café4207 Wards RdLynchburg, VA(434) 832-1555

Knuckleheads Roadhouse401 North Witchduck RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 644-6200www.knuckleheadsvb.com

Mary Jayne’s Lazy Horse Bar & Grill565 Cedar Road

Chesapeake, Va 23322(757) 549-0367

Randzz Restaurant & Pub6001 Holland Rd.Suffolk, VA 23437(757) 657-9331

EVERY NIGHT IS BIKE NIGHT!

Talons Sports and Spirits11800 Hull St. Road

Midlothian, VA 23112(804) 744-9541

Suits to Sleeveless EVERYONE’s Welcome Here!

>>>Virginia<<<

Bayside Harley-Davidson2211 Frederick Blvd I-264 Exit 5

Portsmouth, VA 23704757 397-5550

www.baysidehd.com

Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rental 14159 Mariah Court

Chantilly, VA703-802-9860

1-866-268-6782www.eagleriderdc.com

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City10716 Ocean Gateway

Berlin, MD (410) 629-1599

Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson8739 Caratoke Highway

Harbinger, NC 27941252 491-2091

www.kittyhawkhd.com


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

Grandy, NC 27939(252) 453-4153

www.outerbanksbikerally.com

Comfort Inn Oceanfront South 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road

Nags Head, NC(800) 334-3302

CHARTER BOAT AMETHYST. Rehobeth Beach, DE (1/2 an hour north of Ocean City MD) on Indian River Inlet. All types of Salt Water Fishing. Rods,

Bait & Tackle furnished. Call Capt. Paul 1-800-999-8119 website: www.atbeach.com/amethyst

Two Feathers Tattoos“Art With A Pulse”

(757) 575-5977

City Limits Tattoo & Piercing, Ltd.119D Boulevard

Colonial Heights, VA 23834(804) 504-0600

www.citylimitstattoo.com

Southern Attitude BandCountry * Southern Rock * Classic Rock

For Bookings Call Ben Duncan (757) 713-2088

The Rhythm PigsContact: Timmy Fodrey

(757) 961-9020www.rhythmpigs.com

Al’s Towing of Virginia – 24 Hour Service5570 Raby Rd.

Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 461-7097, (757) 455-6667

Al’s cell (757) 407-2735www.alstowing.com

Private Motorcycle LessonsIn The Wind With A Friend

Bonnie French – Certifi ed Instructor(804) 720-6457

Website: www.privatemotorcyclelessons.com

Bob Chapman – The Biker’s Realtor926-A J. Clyde Morris BlvdNewport News, VA 23601

(757) [email protected]

John McCormick Family Realty GMAC

3420 Holland Rd. Suite 107Virginia Beach VA. 23452

(757) [email protected]

www.familyrealtyGMAC.com

Marcus Griffey or Steve Schwab United Capital Mortgage

780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Suite 420 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 619-5712 or (757) 403-0708 100 % FINANCING NO CLOSING COST

WE ARE A BANK/BROKER

Segeleon Racing LLC(757) 651-7451

Email: [email protected]

Trailer World1982 George Washington Memorial Highway

Gloucester Point, VA 23062www.vatrailerworld.com

Valerie Thompson Racing UpdateAHDRA Rockingham, NC Nationals & Testing with Matt Smith

The Hacienda Harley-Davidson and Monster Energy Drink Destroyer had a great test session in Rockingham, NC Friday night with a career best ET 9.30 @ 145.44 mph. The cool weather set in at the Rock and the 9.3’s looked promising going into qualifying on Saturday. Qualify-ing sessions went well. There were over 40 bikes try-ing get into the 16-bike fi eld. I qualifi ed eleventh with a 9.32-second @ 142.58 mph and twelfth in the Super Gas class with a 9.73.(Index 9.70) Later that night Jim Fagan introduced me to Matt Smith-NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racer. He was there with his team (George Bryce-G2 Motorsports) making some spectator runs. Matt Smith ended up helping us thought the rest of the weekend. Sunday, my fi rst competitor was Julie Holiday. I had a great light and 60ft time to start with. We were neck & neck down the track but I took the win light with a 9.45ET to her 9.47. My next competitor was Brian Fox. Again, I cut a great light with a 1.34 60’ ft but he took the win light. I was very happy with the run. I think the nervousness and the anticipation of hitting my shift points on time took over and I ended up short shifting into second and third to quick. His time was 9.22 to my 9.40. Overall, we had a great weekend! The Hacienda-Mon-ster Energy Drink bike ran consistent with great weather. The Rockingham fans were wonderful and I had a blast! Special thanks to Mickey Eddinger (DME Racing), Steve Ray, Matt Smith and Metzler tires for changing last minute tires, Brett DeGood for cutting my chain guard. Brian Batzel from Florida also came up to help. Thank you so much! I also want to thank again Eagle Harley-Davidson of Layette, IN (Larry Edmonson) for getting my new mo-tor back together in time for this race. The new improved Vanson and Hines transmission is working GREAT! IN ADDITION, a big thanks to Rick Hatch (Hacienda H-D Scottsdale, AZ) for getting me back to the track! During the weekend I signed a lot of posters, took many pictures, sold VT Race Girl T-shirts and gave out a lot of Monster Energy Drinks, hat’s, T-shirt’s, Monster wrist-bands, and Hacienda give-a-way’s. It was great to see the return fans from last year and I cannot wait to go back next year. I even got to see my biggest fan Breanne who is 6 year old. I met her in Bristol, TN this year. She made me home made brownies, a bag of candy, and colored another picture for me. In Bristol Breanne cried when she found out that I lost the race…She has been my #1 fan since. After the Rockingham AHDRA race, I was scheduled to be back in Arizona the following weekend for the annual Air Show representing Hacienda HD but I had a deli mina. There was a great opportunity to test-n-tune with NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racer, Matt Smith. I called Rick Hatch (Owner of Hacienda HD) and explained to him of the cirqumanstances. He was very understanding and told me to take this time and learn from the best! (Thank

you Rick!) I did just that…The next day we headed to Valdosta, GA. Matt Smith and Mike Lozano worked out the map issues I had in Rockingham. Lozano did a won-derful job! They got the map perfect on the third try. My Verizon internet wireless connection sure works great at the track! Nine passes later and the bike was consistent 9.36-seconds with great 60 ft times. It was very hot and humid…but had a great time. Matt is great help, he taught me how to read the information from each run on the computer and gave me a great clutch set up. The V-Rod Destroyer class is the most highly competitive classes in the AHDRA. The map, clutch set up and rider are the key to winning rounds. Native Films (Bailey Whitaker & Mike) was there fi lming our runs. Coming soon…New videos, YEAH! The next week, I tested again with Matt Smith, Branon White, and Bailey Whitaker (Executive of Native Films) at the Farmington 1/8 mile track. I made two great passes and Matt said, “Put your bike on the trailer, you done well, and don’t run it till the next AHDRA race”. Matt Smith did what he said he was going to do…Make VT go fast! I was very pleased with 1.29 and 1.30 60-ft time, which is my personal best. Thanks Matt! The next day I headed west bound Hwy 40. I was sad to leave my second home…North Carolina and new room-mate Mickey Eddinger. I had a long journey ahead of me but I wanted to back in time to Las Vegas for the NHRA Nationals to watch Matt Smith. I have to tell you it is very weird going to the racetrack as a spectator but it was nice to relax a little bit. After the NHRA race was over, I got a chance to spend time with my friend Mondo at Denvers Choppers, Hen-derson, NV. He gave me my own work space-lift to work on my bike. My bike was a few pounds over weight and Steve and Mondo helped remove a few pounds off. While I was there, I got to sign the famous wall right by Ray Price! In that same week, we went to the White Cap Sup-ply Hot Rod Truck unveiling. Boyd Coddington presented a beautiful red White Cap truck. As I, endeterd the White Cap Supply store my eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Everything a woman needs…My favorite…TOOLS! It was nice to see my two friends Bernt Karlson and Duane from the American Hot Rod – Boyd Codington. The SEMA show was next. SEMA is the largest af-termarket products on the market. I have never seen 34-inch wheels! The coolest thing I saw was the Montré-al…Monster Energy Drink was completely wrapped from head to toe. I stood there for a long time just trying to get one picture! I also had a chance to go to some great restaurants…my two favorite places…I love sushi and Fellin’s Restaurant in the Sam’s Town Hotel. Later that week I met up with Billy Lane at a dinner party. What a great person. He gave me great advice for my career and I wish him the best of luck! The next and fi nal race of the season is at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, November 10- 12th. I am looking forward to end the season on a winning note! Thank you Neale Bayly and his son Patrick for coming out


and taking some great action photos. By the way, check out my new website VTRaceGirl.com. John Biehl (Media Specialist) from Arizona International Pictures FX did a great job on my home page. AZ International FX offi ce is located 2nd fl oor at Hacienda Harley-Davidson North, 15750 N. Northsight Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ. They do a great job in Promotions, Photography, and TV-Video Produc-tion. www.internationalpicturesfx.com. While your there check out the Hacienda Custom Choppers, see Larry Hickman for a new bike. Hacienda HD North also has a great rental program at the Top Spoke Rentals. Make sure you mention VTRaceGirl to get your discount. To wrap up this month’s article, I want to thank my great sponsors: Monster Energy Drink, Hacienda Harley-Davidson-Rick Hatch, Legend Air-Ride Sus-pension-Jesse Jurrens, Bikernet.com-Keith Ball, PhoenixBikes.com-Kirk Johnson, Dirty Dogg Saloon-Jack, Neato Manufacturing-Mark O’Ravitz, MTC Engi-neering-Eric Hochstetler, Lucas Oil-Don Corsette, and Rance Trailers-Jim Shaffer.

Till month race smart and Make it a great day!

Valerie Thompson #20



Western Maryland Fall MedleyBy Matthew Allan

October 2006 I recently read a

few articles about autumn and the best

rides in Colorado and West Virginia. I sympathize with

the authors as they try to capture in words the vibrant colors and the exhilaration of riding

in fi ne weather on a perfect road. I want to remind all of us how much fun it is to cruise a mountain road and rounding a curve to fi nd leaves cascading down from the trees to swirl around you. When the light is just right the fall scene provides a kaleidoscope of colors guaranteed to fi re up your senses and leave you laughing in the wind. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

One of these places is Western Maryland. The Eastern Continental Divide passes thru here and can be reached by traveling west on I-68 from Cumberland, Maryland. As you climb into the mountains there are numerous second-ary highways to be explored. These roads are generally narrow and steep – enjoy. You have a choice of travel-ing north into Pennsylvania or south into West Virginia. I favor the roads in West Virginia but don’t let that keep you from exploring the Mennonite and Quaker communities in Pennsylvania – these areas have beautiful farmland in the high country. In West Virginia, you can choose to take US Hwy 219 south into the Potomac Highlands and fi nd great riding there.

The best secondary road in Western Maryland is one of the oldest roads in the country. The historic National Pike dates back to 1806 when Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay and others created the fi rst federally-funded road system. The road was designed to support the settler migrations into the Ohio valley and Illinois. The National Pike became US Hwy 40 and stretched from Atlantic City to San Francisco. In the 1950’s, many western sections of US Hwy 40 were decommissioned with development of the interstate system and the highway now ends near Salt Lake City. Nonetheless, US Hwy 40 still contains some really great rides. In Colorado, the highway runs west into Berthoud Pass and on through Steamboat Springs into Utah. This is a great ride in expansive territory.

The section of the National Pike in Western Maryland has many historic sites – most of the Revolutionary period

concerning George Washington’s travels. There are also famous inns and toll houses from the National Pike days when people needed a place to stop and buy goods or livestock for the journey westward.

The LaVale Toll Gate House was built in 1835 as the fi rst toll gate house on the National Pike. (Photo Credit: Charity V. Davidson, 06/96) The town of La Vale is just west of Cumberland on I-68 (US Hwy 40) and is the last major stop before you get to Frostburg near the Continen-tal Divide. These days it is an easy cruise as you climb steeply over the Alleghenies but imagine what it would have been like to drive a team of oxen and a wagon up a dirt road and over the mountains!

Another historical structure on US Hwy 40 in Western Maryland is The Town Hill Hotel near Sideling Hill and built around 1916. Originally a fruit stand, it became a hotel in the 1920’s with the emerging automobile touring industry. Today it is a Bed & Breakfast with access to some premier riding. With some of the most scenic vistas found in the state, it was known as the “The Garden Spot of Maryland” predominated by the many apple orchards seen along the hillsides. This section of US Hwy 40 re-mains quaint with old houses and other historic remnants of an earlier age in American travel – explore.

Safe travels. Life is best just cruisin’.

Matthew Allan is a moto-journalist living in Colorado and West Virginia. He keeps a ride in both places to placate the road demons that haunt him. He is the author of The Zen Guide to Motorcycle Riding.


There are bikers in every crowdThere are bikers in every crowd


Pointman Perspective

New Beginnings

The new year has started,2006 is history. I hope ev-eryone had a wonderful Christmas and I pray that 2007 will be a healthy, prosperous year all of you. Santa didn’t bring me a new Heritage Softail so he’s on my list now.

Tell me, what new years resolutions have you made? Better yet...did you keep the ones you made last year? Not even one? You didn’t lose that weight? You didn’t fi nish those projects? Before you get too traumatic, just know that you’re not alone.

We live in a culture of instant gratifi cation. We want what we want and we want it now! When we don’t get what we want when we want it we have a tendency to get down right unhappy, to put it mildly. Times have changed. We have made tremendous advances in every known fi eld. We have all the creature comforts but something is still missing. We are not content, we don’t have peace in our hearts. We are so busy that we overlook the most important things in our lives; our relationships with our Lord and our families.

What is important to you? Do our wives/husbands know how much we love them? Have we told them? Do our kids feel loved and secure? How about the rest of our family, friends, co- workers? Do we keep our promises or is that like those resolutions we made? “I really meant to do it but “something” got in the way. “Aren’t you glad Jesus didn’t let “something” get in the way on the road to the cross?

Dr Edwin Lewis Cole of Maximized Manhood said “you can change your mind but only God can change your nature.” Why not invite Jesus into your heart and allow the God of all creation to change you. Then instead of making a bunch of resolutions you aren’t going to keep anyway, allow God’s Holy Spirit to direct you in the things you do. As you do, the focus shifts

from our me-centered life to a Christ-centered life. We now seek to serve our Lord and others instead of ourselves.

Jesus is waiting for you. He already knows you and He wants you to know Him. The reward is eternal and you can do it right now!

The Lord bless and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Via Con DiosRocky

Reverend Rock

Rocky is an ordained minister and an outpost leader for Pointman International Ministries.He and his wife Donna live in Chester,Virginia and together have fi ve children and twelve grandchildren.Rocky is the Business Man-ager for South Richmond Harley-Davidson and rides a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic.He and Donna belong to Cornerstone Assembly of God and is a member of The Christian Motrocyclists Association;Richmond Chapter 173,The Virginia Christian Riders.He is also Chaplain for the South Richmond HOG Group and a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.Affectionately ( I hope ) known as Reverend Rock,Rocky welcomes your com-ments and/or sugeestions and can be contacted at [email protected]

Club DirectoryABATE of Virginia welcomes all riders to join in the fi ght to protect our rights.

“No matter what you ride, we want YOU! Info: Mike (703) 321-0714 Leg hotline 800-3-ABATE-4

ABATE of VA/Blue Ridge Meets at 7 pm on 2nd Thursdays at Pano’s Rest. in Harrisonburg.

Info: (434) 248-6211

ABATE of VA/Battlefi eld Chapt. Meets 3rd Wed. @7:30 pm at Guisseppe’s Italian Rest.

Contact Red (434) 535-0608

ABATE Blackwater Chapter of VA Meets 2nd Tues at 7:30 pm, Jordans Rest. 1200 Armory Dr., Franklin, VA

ABATE of Virginia/Ironhorse Cavalry - Lynchburg & surrounding counties. Coordinator Ricky “Rebel” Banks (434) 239-4170. Meetings are held on the 1st

Tuesday of each month at Marilyn’s Hot Rod Café at 7pm

ABATE of VA/Olde Dominion Chapter Meets at JV’s Restaurant at 6666 Route 50, Falls Church, Virginia. First

Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Info [email protected]

ABATE OF VA/Star CityMeets 7 pm, 2nd Wed @ Starters, Colorado Street in Salem VA.

Info:(540) 985-6808.www.starcityabate.freeservers.com [email protected]

ABATE of VA/Tidewater Meets 3rd Tues 7pm at House of Eggs in Norfolk. Info: (757) 560-6892

[email protected]

ABATE/FIRST CAPITOL CHAPTER Meets 1st Sunday @ 10 am at Williamsburg Moose Lodge #757

5429 Richmond Road

ABATE of River City Meets 3rd Sunday - Starting Sunday, Oct. 15 we will meet at 5pm at Talon’s

(formerly known as Beefeater’s). Talon’s is located at 11800 Hull Street Road (Rt.360) (804-744-9541). It’s about a mile east of Rt.288 (third light).

Contact Steve at [email protected] or (804) 743-2038

American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 54 - Chesapeake, VAPresident Jack Wright (757) 465-8578, [email protected]

www.americancruisers.us

American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 57 - Va. Beach,Va. President Brian Brooner, E-Mail [email protected]

The American Legion Riders of Post 284 P.O. Box 57 Colonial Heights, VA 23834, (804) 526-4167, email:

[email protected]

Army of The Lord, Virginia (Virginia Beach) Christian Riding GroupMeets 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. 7:30 pm

Overseer: Rich “Sluggo” Segarra [email protected]

www.armyofthelordva.org

Bayside Hog – Meets 7pm on 3rd Friday at Bayside Harley-Davidson

Outer Banks HOG – Meets 2pm, 1st Saturday at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson

Bikers with Heart Foundation, Inc. 501 ©3 Non-Profi t Organization, National Fallen Biker Memorial Weekend,

P.O. Box 291 Bryantown, MD 20617, Offi ce: (301) 893-2900 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.fi reupthundrout.com/bikerswithheartMotto: We Ride Because We Care

Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA Chapter V – Hampton RoadsMeets 4th Wed every month 7 pm, 110 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake, VA

Club President – Susan Taylor (757) [email protected]

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze4sw29/bkva5.htm

Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA VIIIMeets on 1st Wed at the Charlottesville FOP Lodge

Info: Willie Barnett (804) 589-1824

Blue Knights Virginia Chapter IIIRichmond, VA (804) 379-0578

Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA XIII Danville, Virginia meets on 13th of every month Club President - Keith Johnson www.blueknightsvaxiii.com

Blue Ridge Christian Riders CMA Chapter 264Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30pm Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson dealership. Contact: Steve Lemay (540) 721-1969, Graffan Reynolds (540)

588-6191, Dave Miller (540) 362-3962Buell Owners in the DC areaMeets 1st Sat, 10 am at H-D

Central Virginia Chapter of the Victory Motorcycle ClubBill Robinson, Chapter PresidentEmail: [email protected]

Cell: (804)339-3784 Home: (804) 737-7910

Central VA Trail RidersMeets 7 pm on 1st & 3rd Tues.

At a Richmond Rest. Info: (804) 272-8038

Christian Motorcyclist Association Northern Virginia Chapter 348

www.nvcrcma.com NVCR meets 3rd Sat each month @ Java Rock in Manassas @ 9:30 am, President – Rick Saunders, [email protected]

CMA/Blue Ridge Christian Riders (Roanoke area)Meets 3rd Mon. at RVHD 1925 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA

Info: (540) 588-6191

Concours Owners GroupCOG – Northeast Area www,concours.org/ne

Mid-Atlantic Region Luray, VA #1887Patrick Sprague (540) 743-4874Email: [email protected]

Down By Law 757 MC Clubwww.downbylaw-mc.com President – “Quiet Storm”

Email: [email protected]

EZRR Club, Inc. Richmond, VA Info: (804) 932-4784/www.riders-inc.com

GWRRA chapter K of RoanokeMeets 3rd Thursday, Holiday Inn Airport

Web address: http://www.communities.msn.com/GWRRAVAKChapter Directors: Jerry & Linda Hall (540) 387-0897

GWWRA Chapter D of Richmond VA2236 Cedar Crest Rd. Richmond, VA 23235

GWTA THE LOONEY TOON RIDERSMeets at 460 Western Sizzlin, 2nd Sat each month at 2 pm

For more info call (540) 265-2986

Hampton Roads Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chapter #26Website http//bikers.crusading.org/“Cruiser” Mosher 1st Offi cer HRSC

[email protected] Bound Bikers

Meets 2nd Sat. each month 9am riders in South Hill (434) 372-3785 a great ride after each meeting

Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry4181 Worsham Rd. Powhatan, Va 23139 (804) 598-9026;

[email protected]

Honda Riders Club (HRC), Appalachian M/CMeetings & open rides on 4th Sundays, 11 am at Loudoun Motorsports in

Leesburg, VA Info: (703) 777-1652

Honda Riders Club (HRC)Manassas Honda Rider’s Club Meets 1st Tues 7:30 pm Stonewall Jackson VFD

7814 Garner Road, Manassas, VA Info: (703)361-2233

Indian Riders GroupVA Beach Indian Riders Info: (757)449-6017 www.vabirg.com

LadyRiders, Inc. Motorcycle Club - Northern Virginia Area Meets 2nd Monday of the month, schedules rides 4th wked of month See www.ladyriderinc.com or write [email protected]

Queen Beez Motorcycle & Social Associationwww.queenbeezmsa.com P O Box 35396

Richmond, VA 23235 [email protected]

Richmond Riderswww.richmondriders.com 2nd Sunday every month meets for Bikes in the

Bottom 9:30am Poe’s Pub on Main St. Contact Jason [email protected]

Rolling Thunder, Inc. – Chapter 4 VAMeets the 3rd Monday of each month at Billie Joe’s 2004 Ward Road

Website: www.rollingthunder1.com. New members please email Kirk @ [email protected] or Chris @ [email protected]

Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 VAMeets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

at The American Legion Post 25. 7609 Marshall Ave. Newport News , Va. (757) 245-4532. For more information please contact Walt Troy (757) 874-4751 or Jenelle Barrack (757) 871-1143 or

visit our website at www.rollingthunderva2.orgShenandoah Valley HOG

Monthly meeting @ Verona, Va. Moose alternates 2nd Sunday next month 2nd Tuesday.

hog hotline (540) 946-9992, www.shenandoahhog.com

SONS OF THUNDER MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES1509 Chesapeake Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324 www.sonofthundermm.com

[email protected] meet every fi rst Saturday of each month at thunder alley. Call for directions 757-543-1857 or 757-619-4073. Also we

have JC’S Fellowship Church where bikers are welcome. Come as you are – meeting place: Thunder Alley. Times: Sunday 9 am & 6 pm; Wed. 7 pm;

Thurs.(Recovery Program) 7 pm. All our runs go to JC’S Recovery House – All people that we help through this house are by application and acceptance based

on their desire for help.

The Southern Cruisers Riding Club - Hill City Chapter of Lynchburg, Va. meets the second Wednesday of every month @ Vinny’s Italian Restaurant @ 7:00pm. Please contact the following if interested. Phil Stanley-First Offi cer @

[email protected]. Rhonda Moyers, Second Offi cer: [email protected]. Please visit our web site www.hillcitycruisers.com

Star Touring & Riding Chapter 188

5461 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 http://vbstar.mav.net email:[email protected], contact Lisa Laufer @ (757) 646-6738 or

(757)646-6734 [email protected]

Star Touring & Riding Chapter 208 - Richmond, VaMeets the 3rd Thursday each month, check the website for more info.

http://startouring.org/chapter208/ Contact: Bob Gagne (804)458-4759 [email protected]

STAR touring and riding chapter 260 Winchester VA, meets 2nd Saturday, 9am at Golden Corral in Winchester,VA on 522. 4th Sunday rides also. Email:

[email protected] for info

TAMA – TIDEWATER ALBEMARLE MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION. ALL clubs or any organization that hosts rides/events are welcome to attend. Come

out & meet some good people from all around the area. We’re all working together so that each one our rides/events can be scheduled not to confl ict

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 & Battlefi eld Blvd in Chesapeake, VA

Virginia Freedom RidersP O Box 1387, Suffolk, VA 23439-1387 www.vfr.race.com President: Bernie

Adams Email: [email protected] Membership Offi cer: Sandy Cartwright email: [email protected]

V MAX Owners Association Eric Ellerman- Regional Director, 8009 Robincrest Ct., Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (919) 567-1991 home, (919) 244-4660 cell, 150*132514*24 Nextel

Direct Connect Jimmy Rey - Chapter Leader Virginia/District of Columbia, 5901 Atteentee Rd Springfi eld, VA. 22150-3906, Day: 703-560-0600 x 15, Cell: 703-618-2333 Tony Waterman - Charlotte, NC Chapter Leader, 6144 Roseway Ct.,

Harrisburg , NC. 28075-6509, Eve: 704-454-5753

Williamsburg Riders MC ClubContact: John Heckman at [email protected]. We meet

the 4th Thursday of each month – see web page for location. www.williamsburgriders.org

Wings Over HistoryGold Wing Road Riders Assoc.

Appalachian Region N. Virginia District Georgia & Ken Sladak, Directors9612 Alfaree Rd., Richmond, VA 23237

Women on Wheelswww.womenonwheels.org NOW FORMING VA CHAPTER

Call (800) 322-1969 or email: [email protected]



Why I have a motorcycle!!! It all started in 1993 when my husband, Richard, was awarded a school bus contract with Worcester County. He needed a substi-tute bus driver and wanted me to get a CDL license. I took the training, passed the test and acquired my CDL license on the fi rst try. It was not that hard at all, so as a joke I told him I wanted a motorcycle license

too. I thought driving a motorcycle would be a lot more fun than a school bus. Besides, if something were to happen to him, I could put a sidecar on his Harley and drive it, if I had my motorcycle license. To my surprise he said go for it. So I signed up for the Maryland motorcycle program and at that time it was $50 and passed the test. I was so proud of my license and then Richard said, “and I guess now you want your own bike”. I didn’t at the time, but I did say if you were to get me one, I want it low enough to handle, I want it red with a windshield.” In two days he found me my Red 500 Shadow Honda with windshield. I have ridden it to work and on the Eastern Shore since 1993, but I have never taken an overnight trip on my own bike. So about a month ago I said to Richard, this weekend would be a good time to ride my own bike on an overnighter. So we packed up and headed to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. On our way back we took the ferry across the Currituck Sound. As you can see by the pictures, I made it and we had no trouble and the trip was so enjoyable that Richard and I are still talking about it.Rosalie Ennis works at the Worcester County Library in Snow Hill, MD. She and her husband, Richard, are “HOG” members of both national and the Eastern Shore Chapters of Ocean City, MD.

RosalieRosalie

2002 Harley Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGThis bike started its life as a 2002 Harley wide glide.

unique “Fat Tire” custom. Weighing in at a petite 250 lbs with a shaved head and a nick name of “Big Bald Daddy” I needed a bike that made a statement about who I am and what I ride. This bike does that and more. Chicks dig it and men fear it.

Stats:

·2002 Dyna Wide Glide·Big Boar “250” Fat Tire Kit·Rear wheel chain drive conversion·“Seeger cycle” front end 45 degree rake and 8” stretch·Scooter Works hand bent custom sissy bar·Cool Ridz hand formed handlebars internally wired·Andrews 37G cams·Andrews gear drive·Custom ported and polished heads·HI-4TC single fi re ignition (custom mounted)·Zero defl ection LED sculpted and molded tail lights·V&H short shots exhaust·Mikuni HSR-42 chrome carb·Headwinds billet headlight·Custom Cool Ridz “old school” air cleaner·Custom “Steve Bell” embroidered seat·Custom Cool Ridz hand cut / formed front fender·Exile Sprotor brake kit sculpted into rear swing arm·Custom “Black Pearl” paint


Andy MortensonAndy Mortenson

thunder roads virginia magazine - january '07

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