Cover Story - Widowmaker Custom Design & Repair

Widowmaker Custom Design & Repair

Widowmaker Custom Design and Repair out of Rougemont / Roxboro, NC is in their 18th year of business. When asked, Hank Thibodeau, owner / chief mechanic, contributed the business’ success, “First and foremost to a strong level of support from my family and our growing clientele base. Beyond that my desire to always want to move forward.” Hank has demonstrated that desire over the years as he continues to expand his knowledge base through classes sprinkled with some plain and simple, good ole “OJT” – On the Job Training. As a result, you never know what you may see when you pull into the shop. Widowmaker is not “Harley Only”. There is no brand prejudice at all. Hank enjoys the challenge of variety, what some would call the spice of life. Hank has performed work on a Ridley Trike, a CMC, Moto Guzzi’s, CB750’s, and a 1954 Servi-car, just to name a few. I will pause while you look some of those up that you have never heard of. If you have ever talked with Hank, you know two things about him. There is no other color besides black (some would call him anti-chrome) and he wants everyone to go fast BUT not as fast as him! In the last six months, he has performed countless cam and engine builds, with one currently on the lift and another scheduled. If you follow him on Facebook or Instagram, you already know this. While he frequently posts updates, he keeps the “secret sauce” hidden. Look closely at the pictures; you will only see what he wants you to. Hank also attended a class specifically on the tuning software that he uses. He can hook a computer to most motorcycles and see exactly how you drive and how your bike performs. Every bike is different and he patiently and methodically tunes each one to get the maximum performance and ride-ability! Of course, Widowmaker offers preventive maintenance for your bike; to include bike services and tire changes, as well as repairs, installation of upgraded parts, insurance jobs and fabrication. Hank can fabricate anything from exhausts, handlebars, intakes, fenders, gas tanks, sissy bars, etc. They are truly a one-stop-shop for all your motorcycle needs. Labor rates are still a low, low $50 per hour. Great service at a reasonable price! AND offer pickup and delivery service for a nominal fee. While the Widowmaker name is daunting, this is a family oriented shop. Hank is joined in the shop by Patrick Murphy. When they are not seriously working on motorcycles, they are joking and carrying on like brothers. Watch for flying O-rings or tools if Hank is riled up! This year, Hank was joined full time by his wife, Anne. Anne has always been a “behind the curtain” part of the business, doing the paperwork on weekends and listening to Hank talk endlessly about the bikes he is working on. Now she is putting faces with names and enjoying every minute of it. Anne is now the voice of Widowmaker and will work with you to schedule your work. Additionally, if you spend any time at the shop, you will meet Hank’s in-laws, Jimmy (some call him Pops) and Mildred Glenn. Hank will be quick to tell you that they are his biggest fans and on point to do a parts run whenever needed. To round the family out, Hank and Anne’s son, Dawson, breezes in and out. When you see (or hear) his truck, you will know he is Hank’s son. You never know if he will take the road or the field from their house to the shop. The best part is the Widowmaker family wants all their customers to feel like family. Come in; sit a spell, chat and joke. There is no smoke and mirrors when you have your bike worked on. You can see the mechanics, talk directly with them when you drop off or pick up your bike. With all of that being said, you won’t see a billboard for this shop or zoom by it on an interstate. The Widowmaker shop is a destination. Unless you are from the local area or just plain lost, you don’t just happen upon the shop. Tucked away in the southern country portion of Person County, it can be a great ride to get there, wherever you are coming from. Make sure you know where you are going because there is no cell service there! I have even heard they pump in sunshine! The Widowmaker family enjoys being a family owned destination shop. Whether your bike is new or has a few miles on it, a Harley or metric bike, has two wheels or three – give them a call and get some “Widowmaker” on your bike. Official Hours M-F 10-6 and Sat 10-3 Pick Up and Delivery Service Available 5582 Mt Harmony Church Road, Rougemont, NC 27572 (336) 364 - 8535