FROM THE PUBLISHER

MAIN OFFICE: 12467 Kinsman Rd, Burton, OH 44021 • (440) 273-9000 • (440) 425-0314 fax

RETAIL STORE & OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday - Friday • 10am - 4pm

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Derek Armstrong Smith • ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com • (440) 785-7331

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So how did you spend 2020? More importantly – how will you close it out?

This has been a challenging year for many of us. COVID has essentially turned our country upside down in many ways and cancelled countless rides, rallies, and events which were otherwise considered staples of our summer routine. Even OHIO BIKE WEEK – “The Largest Motorcycle Event in the Midwest” was cancelled due to restrictions by the State. As Summer draws to a close and we enter into the Fall riding season, many of the local bike nights and rides are starting to re-appear as we seem to simply accept the risk (and the masks) and choose to RIDE ON. We were able to finally host THE RIDE TO BE HEARD and the 8th Annual Sassy’s Poker Run went off and raised the most money it’s ever raised! The B-Club and Odd Fellow’s worked together and pulled off a great event – and then presented a check for over $23,000 to a local family in need! Thunder Roads Ohio has been a partner since this ride started, but this was one for the books as hard working volunteers and Sassy’s remained focused on the event and their commitment to help a young man struggling with Cancer. The event wasn’t what everyone wanted or originally envisioned – but much like everything this year, we worked through the challenges while keeping an eye on what really mattered. In this case, it was making a difference for folks in need. As 2020 has progressed and we’ve come to terms with a lot of the new realities – many have started to make the most of things and maybe even celebrate the opportunities they have presented. Pro-sports and movie theatres have given way to outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, and of course riding! Powersports sales have exploded and used kids quads sell for twice what they went for last year on Facebook marketplace. Families are getting re-acquainted with each as folks were forced to work from home – while daycare closures kept the kids there as well. In most cases, people started looking for new things to do – and many times this involved riding and powersports! I spent the summer teaching my boys how to ride quads and race through the woods. We just got back from our first trip to an off-road park – where we had one of the most incredible experiences as a family. My youngest – just 5 – remarked as he went to bed, “That was the scariest thing I’ve ever done! Can we do it again tomorrow?!” It turns out that riding is the perfect opportunity to social distance – as you head out onto the road and escape, often by yourself or with a close loved one. And more and more new riders are getting out as well, with new rider classes selling out all across the country. Fall is now upon us – and our country continues to re-awake! I’d urge everyone to stay focused on the basics and what really matters. Let’s get out and ride – not just for the big events and organized rides, but for the sake of getting out and enjoying the company of friends as you explore new roads. Certainly let’s support the local events and ride stops – but not just the ones we already know, let’s stop at that little burger place you’ve always heard about. Even if it is a 3 hour ride…

As with much of life – 2020 is really what you choose to make of it.

Let’s make the most of the Fall riding seasons and make up for lost time this summer!

That’s my plan and I hope to see you out there!

FEATURES

16 LONG WAY UP

20 SPORT TOURING

24 HILL CLIMB FEATURE

27 INDIAN RETURNS TO THE HILL

DEPARTMENTS

02 FROM THE PUBLISHER

06 ROAD TALES

08 MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY

15 BUCKEYE THUNDER RUN

22 CALENDAR FEATURE

28 TRO NETWORK: Where to get the mags!

30 KNOBLE MOTO

31 SERVICE SPECIALISTS

34 MARKETPLACE

36 UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS

40 FUNNY STUFF

42 RECIPES

43 WORD SEARCH

44 SPONSOR LISTING

44 SCAVENGER HUNT

ON THE COVER:

Race fans are returning to the Devil’s Staircase AMA ProHillclimb Races on October 11 in Oregonia. Pg 24 for more details.