Thunder Roads MD-DE-DC 1211 by Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic

Thunder Roads Magazine® MD-DE-DC

From The Editor.................................................... 3

4157 Mountain Road #233 Pasadena, Maryland 21122 www.trmdel.com

BIG CITY Road Hounds......................................... 5 ABATE of Maryland.............................................. 6 BIG CITY Mail...................................................... 8

Facebook – Thunder Roads Magazine MD-DEL-DC Twitter – TR_BigCity

Seats & Saddles.................................................. 10

Editor / Owner / Publisher BIG CITY BIGCITY@TRMDEL.com

Ocean City BikeFest 2012.................................... 12 Premier Party at The Blue Ox................................ 14 Surreal............................................................... 16 Center Calendar................................................. 18

Thunder Cam...................................................... 20 Events................................................................ 22

SALES & MARKETING Suzy “Carebear” Leighton Sandy “Cowgirl” Jones 302-383-9041 443-623-3711 Carebear@trmdel.com cowgirl@trmdel.com

Thunder Roads Magazine APP............................. 24 KISS in the Kitchen.............................................. 25

Steve “Hillbilly” Craig Mike “Rhino” Ryan (443) 875-7887 (443) 875-7482 Hillbilly@trmdel.com rhino@trmdel.com Joe “Popeye” Jones Teresa “Blueiz” Christiansen 443-370-7417 301-283-8008 popeye@trmdel.com blueiz@trmdel.com

Biker Friendly Directory....................................... 26 NCOM News Bytes............................................. 28 Red Knights Maryland 1...................................... 30 Joker’s Wild........................................................ 32

Accounting Mike “Bighead” Abbott (443) 875-7597 bighead@trmdel.com

TNT.................................................................... 33 Skin Art.............................................................. 35

Layout & Design Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics Photography Mark Petinga www.markpetinga.com Mike “Bighead” Abbott, Mike “Rhino” Ryan Michael J. Alves, www.usapatriotphotography.com Contributors Mike “Rhino” Ryan, Steve “Hillbilly” Craig, Mike “Bighead” Abbott National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN. 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR 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.

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ON THE COVER: Photography by Kyle Hughes

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE MD-DE-DC

Hello again my Brothers and Sisters. I’m feeling well rested this month. OC Bike Week was a lot of fun, but took its toll on this old guy. Looking forward to all our new adventures in this edition of my Favorite Magazine! I love looking back at all the pictures of you guys and me during OC Bike Week. It is definitely my favorite week of the year. I swear that party gets better every year. It’s always good for me to get out and hang with you folks and let my hair down for a little while. I hope you enjoy reading the stories and looking at the pictures from Ocean City Bike week 2012. Can›t wait to do it again next year! I want to give a BIG congrats to Manny! He won the Tangerine Scream bike featured on our first cover in the Sept. 2012 issue. I just want to warn you Manny even though I only rode it a couple times there were some smells I couldn’t get rid of. LMAO! Enjoy and Ride Safe my Brother! Maybe I can get these lazy humans that work for me to get a picture of Manny and his new ride! Our club of the month is the Red Knights MC. What a great group of people both on and off the job. Don’t forget, these are the men and women that run into the fire. And our featured band this month is Surreal. Check them out, these guys ROCK!! And when you see them, buy’em a beer and tell them you read about them in Thunder Roads Magazine. A special shout out to the Pit and Pub on 27th street in Ocean City M.D. They are sponsoring a run/walk on the weekend of November 17, 2012 to increase your awareness about prostate and colon cancer. This event is near and dear to us at Thunder Roads, the fathers of two of our humans have suffered from this. So, if you’re in O.C. on the 17th, stop by the Pit and Pub for some grub and drinks, and let’s find a cure for this. If you’re over the age of 35, make sure you call your doctor and schedule your prostate exam. Thanks Pit and Pub for looking out for us. Hope everyone has downloaded the Thunder Roads app by now. It›s your one stop info button for all your bike needs throughout MD, DE, D.C. We are expanding and working on the app daily to make it the best app on your phone. Tell your local bar, restaurants, bike shop, etc., to get hold of one of my humans at the Magazine so they can be included in this great selling device. ONLY FOUND AT THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE! I want to take this time to welcome some new members to the PEN; Carebear, Cowgirl, Popeye, and Blueiz all joined the Sales and Marketing Team. Check out our advertisers and their specials they have just for you because you read Thunder Roads. Look for our Thunder Nights coming soon to one of our sponsored locations. We can show our advertisers how we roll! I guess this is all for now. Send me those pics and emails of your events and fun stuff. Charles and Linda did from PA., you can read about them in the Big City Mail. I can help you be a star too, at least for a month. Keep the shiny side up. Keep Changing Lanes, Big City .

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big city

road hounds

London is a beautiful 6 year old, female, lab/ bull terrier mix who came into our shelter when she ran out of time at a high kill shelter. She is a very sweet little dog with a lot of personality. Unfortunately not a lot of people look at her because she is a bit older then some of our other dogs. London is fully housebroken and has done really well with other dogs at our facility. She likes to be around people and when the caretakers go in to clean her cage, she will follow them around all day. Jazz is a 1 year old purebred Doberman Pitcher who came into our shelter when her previous owners had to move and could not take their dog with them. Jazz is an absolutely beautiful dog that has a great personality. She is a very curious dog and when she hears a noise she will jump a little and then head in that direction to investigate. Jazz loves to show you her love and if you get down to her level be prepared for some kisses, she loves to lick people faces! She has also done very well with other dogs at the shelter and would make a great play buddy for any dog. Tye is a 2 year old male pit bull who came into our shelter in March when his owner could not have a dog that is labeled as a Pit bull where they were living. Tye is such a cute dog, when he sits for a treat he gets very excited and will start to dance back and forth on his front feet in anticipation of goodies. He is also very quick to flip on his back for belly rubs! Please note for the month of September all the SPCA’s pit bulls are half off, so if Sasha or Tye look like the perfect dog for you please come into the shelter to adopt them soon!

amazing companion.

Sasha is a young female pit bull mix who is a staff favorite. She came to our shelter a few months ago when her owner brought her in for not getting along with the cat in the house, she is a very playfully dog and apparently a little too much for the cat to handle. Sasha is a social butterfly who does great in a huge crowd of people especially if she can be the center of attention. She knows all of her commands and will make an

Oden is a 1 year old neutered Male tabby with a lot of white markings. He originally came into our shelter as a kitten who was adopted about a year ago. Unfortunately, he had to be returned to the shelter this past May when the owners mother in law moved in and she was allergic to cats. He was adopted and came back with his brother Sponge Bob who he is very attached to. Oden is the shyer of the two, but he will come to the front of the cage if you call him. He also has a cute little smudge of brown right on his nose that makes him stand out from all the other cats. Sponge Bob is Oden’s brother. He is the more outgoing of the two and will come up to people and rub his forehead right on your hand as you go to pet him. He has a cute little pink nose and loves when we put a stuffed animal in the cage with him. Both of these cats do great with kids and have lived with small children as young as 4 years old. Sponge Bob is a very curious cat, when he comes out of his cage for play time he is interested in everything! He will get into the smallest spaces and after he is done exploring he will jump up on our desk to get our attention.

Stop by our shelter to visit the animals shown or the many others up for adoption! SPCA of Anne Arundel County 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue Annapolis, Maryland 21403 410-268-4388 – www.aacspca.org The SPCA of Anne Arundel County is not affiliated with, or supported by any other SPCA or humane organization. There is no national structure for SPCAs and we are not a chapter of any larger organization. We are a private, non-profit organization that serves Anne Arundel County. We receive no funds from local, state or federal government. The SPCA relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses in our community to ensure that homeless companion animals receive the best possible care. 4

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What has ABATE done for you lately? We wrote and lobbied for laws that:

*Allow you to run accent lighting on your motorcycle. *Allow you to park in any publicly funded parking garage. *Changed the size of Maryland motorcycle tags so they can fit in standard sized license plate brackets. *Increased penalties for drivers who cause accidents that would maim, wound or kill motorcyclists (anybody actually) *Enacted Motorcycle Safety Program legislation in 1983. *Defeated an attempt to impose catastrophic health insurance that would make motorcycling unaffordable for most riders. *Enacted a lemon law that protects consumer interests of motorcycle purchases. *Enacted a parking law that allows two motorcycles to park in one metered spot instead of only one.

We worked with state agencies:

BY GARY WESTPHALEN THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA PHOTOS BY MOE VETTER

*MVA to promote “Fast Track” motorcycle licensing. *Toll Facilities to ensure motorcycles with sidecars and trailers pay the same two-axle rate as any motorcycle. *Maintains relationships with other motorcycle rights organizations, including MRF, AMA and NCOM.

What are we working for now?

*Modification of motorcycle helmet laws to allow trained and experienced adult motorcyclists the right to choose when to wear a helmet. *The right to know how old your “new” tires really are. *Handicapped tags for motorcycles. ABATE of Maryland, Inc., is the only motorcycle rights organization in the state of Maryland. We are here for you the motorcyclist. Michelle Holcomb Executive Director ABATE of Maryland, Inc. 6

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r bicycles I built these choppe for just for the boardwalk week. e bik . MD ty, Ocean Ci baby, But then we had the ke it ma t Emily, and did no ars ye down for the past 2 bigger. until she got a little r so she I then built the traile The next could ride with us. a trike be r project will eithe e with on chopper bicycle or n a Harley a side car. I do ow t chose Davidson Fatboy bu uldn’t not to bring it so I wo baby the g feel guilty leavin time will e and wife behind. Th ing down come when I can br anks for the next project. Th are some re he st, taking intere e week. bik m more photos fro Fees Charles and Linda And Baby Emily

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Seats & SADDLES

速

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A Premier Party to Remember!! By Hillbilly The Blue Ox Bar and Grill on 127th Street was the site for the Thunder Roads Premier Party and what a party it was!! The weather that night was so comfortable that everyone got to hang outside on the deck enjoy the music from the DJ. The place rocked and the G.O.T. girls (Girls Of Thunder) pulled many to the dance floor and showed us all how it’s done. They really fired up the crowd. The bartenders and wait staff were spectacular and very accommodating. We can’t wait to party there again! There is no way we could have pulled this party off without the help of some GREAT sponsors! The Original Greene Turtle, The Blue Ox bar, Tobacco Stop in Laurel, Great Scott Broadcasting and OC promotions, to name only a few.

each and every one of you that came by to say hello, party and jam with us that night. We’re so glad you came out and hope you remembered your copy of the magazine. A special thanks to all our readers for the suggestions and ideas about what you want to see in your Magazine. Keep those stories, ideas, and pictures coming! Enjoy this month’s OC Bike Week review and let us know where we can leave you a copy of Thunder Roads Magazine in the future. Wherever you shop ask for Thunder Roads!

We at Thunder Roads Magazine want to THANK 14

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TOP CALIBER Maryland Security Services

Investigations Crime Prevention

Crime Deterrent

Community & Business Patrol Reliable Well Trained Staff Private Investigation Services In an uncertain world, allow Top Caliber to provide you with the protection you deserve. Nov 2 Nabb’s Creek, Pasadena, MD Nov 3 Ape Hanger’s, Bel Anton, MD Nov 10 The Coon Club, Hampstead, MD Nov 17 McAvoy’s, Parkville, MD

ou don’t get to be one of the most popular classic rock bands in the Mid-Atlantic by sitting around. You tour, and tour they have! Surreal is made of 4 seasoned musicians from in and around Maryland. Brian, Walt, Will, and Rene have been together for 18 years now, since Walt answered an ad in the paper and the band IROCK became Surreal. Their musical background includes everything from Bluegrass to Classical Music. They play everything from Journey and Boston to Styx and Metallica. Surreal has played up and down the east coast from New Jersey to Key West, Florida. They’ve played in small venues for just a few hundred people to larger venues for thousands of people. Brian said they don’t care how large or small the venue is; “as long as people are jamming in front of them they’ll play.” Their advice to new bands and affirmation to those that have been around have been - “Stick to your guns, don’t play anything you don’t want to play, and write as much music as you can, before you get old.” When asked what they do to keep it fresh for them and their audience, they said they drink a lot and rely heavily on audience participation and knowing how to read the crowd. In fact, on this night, Surreal took the stage just hours after the Baltimore Orioles lost to the New York Yankees in game five of the American League Division Playoffs. It was a close game, and it came right down to the final out. The crowd was still talking about it. So, towards the end of their first set, Walt asked everyone to raise a glass, and a toast was made, “To the Baltimore Orioles, One hell of a season, thanks for the ride.” It was a simple gesture, and the message was clear; It’s not the loss we she dwell on, but the fact that the Orioles played into the post season for the first time in over 14 years. It

Nov 21 The Office Bar(Formally Billy V’s), Pasadena, MD

Tel: 301.526.9093 www.topcaliber.org Topcaliber@live.com

Nov 24 Sylvester’s, Rosedale, MD Dec 1 Bamboo Bernie’s, Pasadena, MD Dec 7 Stables, Wexstminster, MD Dec 8 Memories, Waldorf, MD Dec 14 Fish Head Cantina, Arbutus, MD Dec 15 The Coon Club, Hampstead, MD

was exactly what the crowd Dec 31 Hanover Eagles, Hanover, MD needed to hear, and with a raise of a glass, a nod of their head, the funk was lifted. Surreal knows how to entertain and deliver a live show. It’s not all just rock-n-roll, these guys are family, “Brothers” as Brian said. They all work full time jobs and have families of their own. They coach baseball for their kids, go fishing and love Maryland steamed crabs. In fact, Walt has a fire pit in his back yard with a TV in a box, so they can sit around drink beer, watch TV, and shoot the shit. And, they ride too!! Everyone who rides knows; nothing will clear your head like a motorcycle on an open road. Brian rides a 02’ Harley Davidson Dyna and Walt rides an 83’ Harley Davidson Sportster. They’ve ridden to Daytona bike week together, and every year for the past 10 years, they’ve ridden to Myrtle Beach for bike week. last month, Surreal played at the Purple Moose during Ocean City Bike Week. You want to check out a great band with down to earth musicians, here are some upcoming gigs. (www.surrealrocks.com) Buy’em a beer and tell them you read about them in Thunder Roads Magazine. – Mike “Bighead” Abbott

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DELAWARE Saturday, December 8, 2012 @ 9:00 PM 1st Annual Hardwired Pole Princess Contest Pole Princess, bring your A Game...1st place $750 plus diamond bracelet, 2nd place $250. Celebrity Judges, $10 sign up fee. This contest is not for amateurs, all dancers welcome to enter to compete!!! www.hardwireddover.com

Maryland Saturday, November 3, 2012 11:00 AM Italian Motosports Day at Battley Cycles Join us as we celebrate Italian motorsports. We have teamed up with Competizione around the corner to bring you Italian motorcycles and Italian sports cars. The Ferrari Club of Washington will be bringing the cars, and our customers are welcome to bring their Ducatis. We will have a Ducati motorcycle show with trophies and a Ferrari car show with trophies. Try your luck at our spaghetti eating contest! Opera music and Italian food round out a perfect day! www.battley.com Sunday, November 11, 2012, 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM Veteran’s Day Ride to Arlington Cemetery Gather at Battley Harley-Davidson at 7:30 am for free coffee and doughnuts then it is kickstands up at 8am sharp as Bernie leads the group down to Arlington Cemetery. Bernie does this every year so he knows where to park and what time to see things. www.battley.com

is a social event for folks that want to enjoy a nice evening ride and get to know some other bikers. Our HOG chapter has agreed to plan and lead the ride, you just need to show up and have fun! All bikes makes and models are welcome on these rides. www.battley.com

19551. Doors open at 12 noon auctioning begins at 1:00 PM until finished. Seating is limited so reserve your spot early. All proceeds benefit the Wreaths Across America Project. Cost is $5.00 per bidder’s number. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. www.ironhorsehelpers.org

Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 2 East Coast Indoor Nationals Car And Custom Motorcycle Show The Largest Indoor All American Car and Custom Motorcycle Show On the East Coast. 300 Of the Finest Rods, Customs, Muscle cars, Antiques, Pro-Street, Nostalgia Drag Cars And Custom Motorcycles. Cars and Trucks Pre-1973 And Custom Motorcycles Any Year. Large Vendor Area, Free Parking, DJ, 50/50. $10k In Cash Plus Awards. www.eastcoastindoornats.com

Saturday, November 10, 2012 10:00 AM Toys for Tots Run Join our Toys for Tots run, ride cost is a new unwrapped toy ($10 value or more), monetary donations are also accepted. Coffee and donuts provided at registration, ride length depends on weather, ride ends at Jay’s Sports Bar & Restaurant in Southpointe for Free Buffet and non alcoholic drinks! www.steelcitymotorcycles.com

Saturday, December 1, 2012 , 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Battley Holiday Open House Party Stop in for some Holiday Cheer. There will be specials throughout the store, music, and food. Donations benefit Second Chance Wildlife. www.battley.com Sunday, December 9, 2012 9:00 AM Midshore ABATE Chapters Toys for Tots Run Everyone Welcome, Toys will be collected for the Lakeview Fellowship Church in Grasonville www.abateofmd.org

PENNSYLVANIA Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern PA Toy Run Registration will start Classic Harley-Davidson. Ride will follow a 25 mile route to the Stadium. Music will be provided by MillerKeystone Blood Drive. Your donation of a new unwrapped toy will get you into the festivities at First Energy Stadium. www.classicharley.com

Wednesday, November 14 7pm-8:30pm MEN ONLY HARLEY-DAVIDSON BOOT CAMP Men only Harley-Davidson Boot Camp for male non-riders. If your looking to break into the world of motorcycle riding, this is your chance! www.oldgloryhd.com

Sunday, November 4, 2012 9:00 AM 32nd Annual Toy Run for the Kids A.B.A.T.E. Of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Chapter. Please join us to escort Santa Claus & Grand Marshall’s Seamus McCaffery & Pierre Robert on America’s Largest Rolling Toy Run to Sugar House casino.(Toy Drop and Festival). Each participant is asked to bring a NEW TOY (no stuffed animals for health reasons). No Santa suits please. RAIN OR SHINE ALL MOTORCYCLES WELCOME www.delawarevalleyabate.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Dealership Dinner Ride at Battley Cycles Take a pleasant ride on back roads with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts in search of a good meal, good fun, and good camaraderie. This

Sunday, November 4, 2012 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Benefit Auction The Iron Horse Helpers will be holding a benefit auction at Johnny and Hons’ Smokehaus located at 924 West Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA

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Sunday, November 11, 2012 9:00 AM VA Benefit Run The VA 5th Annual Run to benefit the Lebanon VA. Police escorted ride departs American Legion Post 910 at 10 am. Visit the Lebanon VA and Ft Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Veteran’s Day Service before returning to Post 910 for hot food. Cost is $15 per person with 100% of profits going to Lebanon VA. www.legionpost910.org Saturday, November 17, 2012 9:30 AM Sons of God MC Toy Run Bring new unwrapped toys - No toy weapons please - Monetary donations also appreciated. Proceeds benefit children of incarcerated moms. Here’s your chance to bring joy to a child growing up without a mom at home. Join us early for donuts and coffee. After the ride we return to Brian’s HD for their famous free lunch on the 2nd floor. www.sogmc-philadelphia.org

11 am. There will be free gift wrapping for purchases made that day. Our complimentary lunch buffet will be served from 11 am to 3 pm. Come out and enjoy the camaraderie, holiday cheer and Santa! www.classicharley.com Saturday, December 15, 2012 10:00 AM Pictures with Santa on a Harley Santa will be stopping here at Steel City H-D this Saturday, getting a tune up on his sled before his big day! Bring your pets (NO BARNYARD ANIMALS PLEASE), children, couples or bring the whole family. Santa pulls in at 10 a.m. and will be here until 3 p.m. Ovation Images Photography will be taking professional photos - still for the same $5 donation! All proceeds from Pictures with Santa benefit the Washington County Children & Youth Service Group. Refreshments will be provided. WJPA will be broadcasting live! www.steelcitymotorcycles.com

west Virginia Sunday, December 9, 2012 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pictures with Santa on a Harley Have professional photos taken with Santa on a Harley, or perhaps even a Triple S Elf. Kids, adults, couples, even pets! Professional photos will be taken and photos will be printed on site for $10. www.triplesharley-davidson.com

Virginia Saturday, November 3, 2012 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tank Museum Car & Bike Show The museum’s 9th Annual Indoor Car and Bike Show will be held on November 3rd, 2012, and will be bigger and better. With just as many classes and a few more added surprises. So mark your calendar for Southern Virginia’s best Indoor Car and Bike Show! www.aaftankmuseum.com Saturday, November 3, 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM Robert A Hill Sr FOP Cops and Kids Toy Ride Toy Ride for Robert A. Hill, Sr. Place: F.O.P. Lodge #56 Main St., Courtland, Va Time: 10:00am, Riders $10.00, Passengers: $5.00 Please bring a new unwrapped TOY, or checks payable to: FOP#56. Ride starts at the FOP Lodge in Courtland. Food and drinks provided for all participants. For more information call: Rick Walker: 757-617-1052 or e-mail: walkerra1@Live.net

Sunday, November 4, 2012 8:30 AM Toys For Tots Poker Run 14th Annual Toys For Tots Poker Run to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program Donation - $10.00 and a new, unwrapped toy per poker hand K-Mart Parking Lot, 401 Oriana Rd., Newport News. Saturday, November 10, 2012 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Vets Day Poker Run The Desert Knights of America Motorcycle Club will be hosting their 7th Annual Veteran’s Day Poker run. Take a ride through Virginia, gather your hand, and win some cool prizes. There will be a 50/50 raffle, high/low hand prizes, and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Fisher House in support of our wounded Soldiers and their families. All makes of bikes and all vehicles are welcome. All colors welcome. $15 per hand. www.desertknightsmc.com

New Jersey Sunday, November 18, 2012 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Liberty HOG Annual Toy Run 14th Annual Toy Run to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. Rain date, November 25th, 2012. Meet at Liberty Harley Davidson, 12 W. Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ. www.libertyharley.com

Saturday, November 17, 2012 12:00 PM Brian’s Famous FREE Lunch Ride in, Shop and join us for a nice hot lunch. Lunch served @ 12 noon. While supplies last. Happy Harley Holiday! www.brianshd.com Saturday, December 8, 2012 - Sunday, December 9, 2012 Motorcycle Extravaganza Bring us a new unwrapped Toy for Toys for Tots and receive a free Photo on a custom Bike with Santa’s Helpers or Pin up Model Laura Lynn. There will be Live Entertainment, Face Painting, Vendors, Bike Show, Tattoo Contest, Jewelry, and much more. Admission is only $10.00 Children under 5 FREE www.mextrashows.com Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Christmas Open House We thank you for your support and loyalty this past year. Please join us as we celebrate the Christmas season. Bring the family for pictures with Santa as he arrives in true Harley style. Photos with Santa are free and will start at THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE MD-DE-DC

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upcoming events

TRMDEL is not responsible for inaccuracies or the specifics of the information provided. If you would like your event listed, please email details and your contact information to: Events@TRMDEL.com

The Thunder Roads Magazine APP A MUST for all bikers

By Hillbilly

n this new world of technology, an old school biker could get lost. Thank goodness Thunder Roads Magazine has an App for that! It will help even the technologically challenged, like me Hillbilly, enter the next century of technology. The best part is it’s FREE. I know that›s hard to believe, but yes, it’s FREE! Once you download this App, I doubt you will go on any rides or trips without it. Our vendors and sponsors will love it as well because you will be able to find them with the push of a button. From the first day I learned about the App, and every day since, I still can›t believe how easy it is to use and how much information is in my phone under one little button. The first thing you need to do is download the app from your particular App store on your phone. Click on search and type in Thunder roads magazine. Download and install the app on your phone. When you first open the App give it a couple of seconds to find you and what state you are in. That›s right I said it will find you! Maryland edition will pop-up for everyone in MD, Delaware, and D.C. We are the same App for all three and the listings will come up for all three. When you hit the events/calendar part, a listing will come up letting you know all the rides and events that are coming up and where you can go for more info. If you are looking for a place to eat, hit advertisers and then hit bars/restaurants. You’ll see our advertisers and the specials they are running. You can also find apparel, and other business services that are biker friendly. If you hit the map button, it will show you where you are at that time and show you where you need to go to find the business or event you are looking for. You can also visit their website or call them from the App. If your memory is not as good as it used to be, like mine, you can set a reminder about the event or advertiser you want to visit. Sounds too good to be true doesn›t it? Now if you go to another state that has Thunder Roads Magazine, the app will automatically switch to that state and you can browse their events and advertisers. Please remember to shop with all the Thunder Roads advertisers; without them we don›t have a magazine. We now have Thunder Roads Magazines in 21 different states and we are working to get all of them. As with all new technology, there have been some glitches with the app and sometimes you have to manually switch to the state. We are working everyday to fix these minor issues. If you find yourself having any problems with the app please don›t hesitate to call Hillbilly at 443875-7887 and I will do my best to have your problem resolved. Soon the app is going to be your number one source when you’re on the road. It will help you find events, places to shop, and eat, that caters to bikers and who would LOVE to have you stop by. Don›t wait DOWNLOAD it TODAY!

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K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon aka “MaMa Thunder” of Thunder Roads Tennessee

CABBAGE & SAUSAGE STUFFING (for any meat) 1 lb. Bulk Italian Sausage (get at Deli; run thru grinder) 3 Cups of Chopped, Fresh Cabbage 1 Large Carrot; Shredded 1 Celery Rib; Chopped 1 Small Onion; Chopped 2 Tbls. Half & Half 3/4 tsp. Poultry Seasoning Sa;t & Pepper to Taste 3 Cups of Seasoned Stuffing Cubes 1 Egg; Lightly Beaten 3/4 Cup of Chicken Broth or Stock In a Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium high heat and just let it sit. Don’t move it around. Let it get good and brown on the bottom......brown = flavor. Remove with slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels, keeping one Tbl. of drippings at bottom of pot. Add the cabbage, carrot, celery and onion to reserved drippings. Cook over medium heat until tender. Stir in cream, poultry seasoning and salt & pepper. Add stuffing cubes, egg and sausage; toss to combine. Stir in enough broth/stock to reach desired moistness. Also add a half stick of butter at this time. Transfer to a greased 11x7 baking dish. Bake covered for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Uncover, spray with butter cooking flavored spray and bake an additional 15 minutes longer to get a good, crunch-crispy top. Fabulous!

FRESH, SHREDDED BEET SALAD 1 Tbl. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 1 Large Beet; peeled & shredded 1 Tbl. Real Horseradish 1 Squeeze of Lime Juice (use little plastic lime as the leftover keeps good in fridge) 2 Tbls. of Parsley 4 Stalks of Scallion Stalks; chopped thin 1 Tbls.of Regular Mustard or Gourmet Toss everything together with your fingers, gently; making sure that all of the shredded beet if completely coated with dressing. If you like beets, you are going to love this recipe!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, BIKERS! MARIO BATALI’S SIMPLE PEAR TART

*I copied this down from the show in shorthand, but go to their on-line site for more in-depth elaboration.

5 Ripe, Firm Pears; peeled & cored and then halved lengthwise 4 Tbls. Real Butter 1/2 Cup Sugar or Splenda 1 tsp. Salt 1/4 Cup of Cinnamon 1 Pkg. of Quality Puffed Pastry Premium Vanilla Ice Cream or Homemade Whipped Cream Preheat oven to 375 degrees POTATO PUMPKIN MASH-UP In a large ovenproof saute pan, melt better 3 Cans of Pumpkin Pie Filling over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling, 1 Box of Premium, Instant Idaho Mashed Potato Mix sprinkle in the sugar. Add pears to pan, cutUse Half & Half for Instant Potatoes, not regular milk side down. Cook until sugar begins to turn light 2 Tbls. of Parsley golden brown. Sprinkle generously all over pears 1 Stick of Real Butter with cinnamon. Take off heat and top with puff Salt & Pepper to Taste pastry; tucking edges down into the pan. 2 Tbls. of Rosemary Transfer to oven and cook for 25 minutes or until Mix instant potatoes as per box directions. Heat up your pasty is a darker, but still golden, crispy brown. pumpkin pie filling in microwave. Gently fold your pump- Top with ice cream or whip up a bowl of homekin into your prepared mashed potatoes. Add in the other made whip cream with just a cup of heavy whipseasonings and blend together. This has the most richest ping cream and one cup of confectioner’s sugar texture and unique taste. Divinely Different. and a Tbls. of real Vanilla. Whip in a cooled aluminum or glass bowl until stiff peaks form. This OFFER UP A GRATITUDE PRAYER FOR THAT tart is so simple you’ll be making it often. WHICH BRINGS YOU TRUE JOY. It is absolutely scrumptious.

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Dealer & Shops Premier Collision & Customs 621 Central Ave. Edgewater, MD. 21037 410-798-9727 IGS Auto Body, Inc. 1230 Cronson Blvd. Crofton, MD 21114 410-451-7405 Old Glory Harley Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 www.oldgloryhd.com 301-575-0575

Bars & Restaurants Bamboo Bernie’s 8359 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Pasadena, MD. 21122 www.bambooberniesusa.com 410-647-6100 Cancun Cantina 7501 Old Telegraph Road Hanover, MD. 21076 www.cancuncantina.com 410-761-6188 Hardwired 4123 N. Dupont Hwy. Dover, DE. 19901 302-526-2735 Pit & Pub 2706 Philadelphia Avenue Ocean City, MD. 21842 www.pitandpub.com 410-289-2020 Reckless Ric’s 1702 Furnace Drive Glen Burnie, MD. 21060 www.recklessrics.com 410-590-2280 26

Triple nines Bar & Billiards 7540 Washington Blvd. Elkridge, MD. 21075 www.tripleninesbarandbilliards.com 410-799-1818

Outback Leather 309 Main Street Laurel, MD. 20707 www.mdoutbackleather.com 301-604-2211

Business Services

Pouliot Accounting Service Certified Public Accountant www.tpacpafirm.com Email: info@tpacpafirm.com 800-313-3713

AJK Events Event planning and Promotions www.ajkevents.com Email: ahilz@ajkevents.com 410-533-3661 Expressway Office Solutions Next Day Office Supplies www.exposinc.com Email: weikenberg@exposinc.com 410-247-6800 Heartland Payment Systems Payroll / Card Processing HeartlandPaymentSystems.com Email:William.Fine@e-hps.com 410-493-8467 In Step Leather 7540 Washington Blvd. Elkridge, MD. 21075 www.leathersuperstore.com 410-799-1568 J.K Johnson Marketing& Graphics www.jkjohnsonmarketing.com Email: jenjohnson@verizion.net 410-956-6335 KD Space Lifts Structured Solution for an Organized Environment kdspacelifts.com Email: kd@kdspacelifts.com 410-804-0207 M&T Bank 39 Shipping Place Baltimore, MD 21222 Email: cwparks@mtb.com 410-284-8801 NOVEMBER 2012

Roundz Gourmet Market & Catering Wedding & Event Catering www.roundz.com Email: info@roundz.com 443-292-4631 Signs By Tomorrow Annapolis 2134-A Generals Hwy. Annapolis, MD 21401 www.signsbytomorrow.com/annapolis 410-266-3341 Tobacco Stop 3351 Corridor Marketplace Suite #300 Laurel, MD. 20724 301-317-5316 Top Caliber Maryland Security Services Email: topcaliber@live.com www.topcaliber.org 301-526-9093

Home Services AEGIS Technologies Inc. Home Audio / Security Designs Network Cabling / Service Email: tferrante@aegistechnologies.com 703-303-9311

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Master Plan Interiors There’s no Substitute for a Master Plan. www.masterplaninteriors.com Email: Kathy@masterplaninteriors.com 410-867-1111 Grove Heating & Cooling Your Comfort is Our Only Concern www.groveheatingandcooling.com Email: danielg@grovehvac.com 410-721-5595 Covered Bridge Home Renovations & Restoration Steve Bromley Email: stevebromley@comcast.net 410-507-5006

Realtor Services Deborah Wade Your Maryland Realtor Re/Max Executive 443-274-1918 Lakeside Title Company Chris Baker (Settlement Officer) www.lakesidetitle.com Email: cbaker@lakesidetitle.com 410-207-5798

Personal Service Chaney Tire & Auto 3298 Superior Ln. Bowie, MD 20715 301-262-1007 STC Nutrition Nutrition Consultant www.stcnutrition.com Email: helene@stcnutrition.com 410-437-3325 Fast Frame Expert Picture Framing www.fastframe.com Email:djhreframed@verizion.net 410-267-7007 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE MD-DE-DC

Creative Memories Plaques & Digital Photo Books www.mycmsite.com/geli Email: gelib@verizon.net 443-254-3789

Photography Michael J. Alves US Patriot Photography www.uspatriotphotography.com

Cakes By Rachael Artisan Cakes, Chocolates & Pastries www.cakesbyrachael.org 443-995-1691

Mark Petinga Photography markpetinga.com Email: info@markpetinga.com 443-630-4124

Ron Treacy Automotive Certified Master Technician All Makes and Models Mobil at Rte 3 & 450 Bowie, MD 301-262-0003

Tattoo

Total Lawn & Landscape Brad Robinson www.totallawnservice.net Email: totallawn2@gmail.com 410-353-9566

Florist

Orange Tattoo Company 2020-A West Street Annapolis, MD. 21401 www.orangetattoocompany.com 410-224-6088 Walls Of Wonder Tattoo 1022 Lafferty Lane Dover, DE. 19901 302-730-9196 _____________________________

Little House of Flowers Your First Choice in Flowers www.littlehouseofflowers.com Email: getflowers@verizion.net 410-923-3170

Apparel Itz Done Custom Apparel & Embroidery www.itzdome.com Email: heidi@itzdone.com 410-279-1676

Insurance Company

Thunder Roads Magazine MD-DE-DC If you would like to be listed in the Biker Friendly Directory, please contact Sales and Marketing or email BFD@TRMDEL.com for more information. If your Club, Foundation, or Association would like to be listed in our Directory, please email BFD@ TRMDEL.COM with your name and contact information and someone will be in touch with you.

CNR Insurance The Right Coverage at the Right Price. www.cnrinsurance.com 410-897-9890

NOVEMBER 2012

biker friendly directory

Home Services continued...

News Bytes

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

the lowest number of thefts was North Dakota (21) followed by Wyoming, South Dakota, Vermont, Alaska, and Montana.

traded in his old bike on a new Harley-Davidson. “When I went to the registry I expected to pay about $1,100 in taxes,” he said. “When I got done, it was like $1,700!”

Recoveries of stolen motorcycles were largely proportional to thefts, with California the leader in recoveries (2,085) followed by Florida (1,334), Texas (965), Indiana (769), and North Carolina (725). The overall average time of recoveries was 31 days.

FATALITIES FALL IN MICHIGAN AFTER HELMET LAW REPEAL “The numbers speak for themselves,” said Vince Consiglio, president of ABATE Michigan, in announcing a decrease in motorcycle deaths since the state repealed their mandatory helmet law. Despite dire predictions to the contrary, motorcycle fatalities actually have dropped by 7% based on statistics obtained from the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Secretary of State.

That’s because Unsworth was charged sales tax on the full price of the motorcycle, even though he had a trade-in valued at $7,500. “My trade-in was taxed back in 1999,” he added. “I’m paying again for the same $7,500! I don’t believe it’s fair.”

July and August were the biggest months for thefts in the U.S. last year, with more than 5,000 each, compared with 2,147 in February, the report shows.

An investigation by WPRI-TV Call 12 For Action uncovered a law in Rhode Island that only allows passenger vehicles to get a reduction in sales tax for the trade-in. Passenger vehicles, according to the law, do not include motorcycles or pickup trucks.

On April 12, 2012, the requirement for motorcycle helmets was amended to allow adult choice for bikers 21 and older, providing they completed an accredited motorcycle-safety course or had a minimum of two years riding experience. According to an ABATE press release, from 2011 (pre-amendment) to 2012 (post amendment) motorcycle fatalities dropped from 89 to 85 in Michigan, a 4.5% reduction. During the same time period, the number of motorcycle registrations increased from 261,658 to 266,589, so ABATE concludes; “If the fatality rate is adjusted to the total of motorcycle registrations it shows that the fatality rate has decreased from 0.034% to 0.031% since the helmet-law amendment a seven percent reduction.” “This data proves conclusively that the helmet-law amendment had no adverse effect on motorcycle safety,” Consiglio told The Detroit News. DEER TAKE DEADLY TOLL ON MOTORCYCLISTS “When a deer collides with a vehicle that weighs a couple of tons, the fragile animal almost always gets the worst of it. When a deer meets a motorcycle on the roadway, both the rider and the deer may suffer the same fate,” stated the Washington Post in reporting on research by AAA that found that seven of the eight people who died in crashes involving deer over a three-year period in Maryland and Virginia were motorcyclists. Nationwide, the auto club said, about 70% of deer-crash fatalities involve motorcycles. “Because they are riding on two wheels, motorcycle riders and their passengers are especially vulnerable when they smash into a deer,” said John B. Townsend II, an AAA spokesman. The deer mortality rate becomes most evident this time of year, as the mating season has more deer on the move. Their carcasses by the roadside attest to the danger that the lure of romance poses for them and for drivers. In 2010, the latest year for which there are national statistics, 403 people were killed in accidents involving deer. MOTORCYCLE THEFTS DECLINE A total of 46,667 motorcycles were reported stolen in 2011, and 17,199 of them were recovered, according to a report released today by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That compares to 49,791 stolen bikes in 2010, a decrease of 6%. California, the most populous U.S. state and the one with the most stolen motorcycles since the NICB began collecting data in 1996, retained its top spot with 5,927 thefts last year. It was followed by Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Indiana. The state reporting 28

Whereas the number of thefts increases dramatically in the warmer months, the day of the week seems to be of no significance. On Mondays, the day of the largest number, there were 6,962 bikes stolen. The number on Sundays, the day of the lowest number, there were 6,422. More than 500 motorcycle makes were among those stolen last year, but the highest percentage of bikes stolen were of the Honda brand, at 24%. Yamaha was next (19%), followed by Suzuki (16%), Kawasaki (11%) and Harley-Davidson (7%). “UNFAIR” TICKETS LEAD TO PROPOSED FREE MOTORCYCLE PARKING IN NYC City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), an avid Harley-Davidson rider, is pushing for legislation that would make motorcycle parking free throughout the five boroughs. “We get tickets a lot,” Vallone said of motorcyclists in the Big Apple. “That is unfair.” At issue are muni-meters; “There is no way for a motorcycle rider to affix a muni-meter (receipt) to their bike in a way that it won’t blow away and it won’t be stolen,” Vallone said. State Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights), a fellow motorcyclist who recently received a $65 parking fine, has joined with Councilman Vallone in supporting a law to give motorcyclists a free ride. Due to what he calls “a faulty system,” DenDekker said making parking free for some 38,000 motorcyclists in New York City would put the brakes on the problem while being an environmentally sound move because motorcycles generate less pollution, need little space and use minimal gas. “It would be a great idea to encourage other alternate forms of transportation like we’re doing right now with bicycles,” DenDekker said. “We also need to do that with motorcycles.” Joe Sessa, director of New York City Harley Owners Group, said the parking situation in the city is only getting worse, and American Brotherhood Motorcycle Club president John Cartier said bicyclists get help from the city, while motorcyclists don’t. “We pay $42.50 in registration fees and pay our taxes, too. We make our contribution and we’re not getting anything back. We just want a level of equality.” R.I. SALES TAXES HIGHER FOR MOTORCYCLES THAN CARS Normally, if you’re buying a new car and you have a trade-in, you will only be charged sales tax on what you pay. But Rhode Island riders are roaring mad about an old law that forces motorcycle buyers to pay taxes on the full price of the bike regardless of the value of your trade-in. Richard Unsworth of North Scituate, RI complained to a local news station that he was burned by $600 in excess sales tax when he

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“This was a law that was actually passed in the 1940s when pickup trucks were mainly used by farmers and motorcycles weren’t that popular,” said RI Tax Administrator David Sullivan. “Now that it’s 2012, things have changed, but clearly the law hasn’t.” According to Sullivan, the revenue hit would be about $5-10 million a year if the General Assembly were to change the law to include all vehicles. That’s not expected to happen in the near future. Although there have been several attempts by legislators to make the change, but it’s been shot down every time. LEGAL BATTLES CONTINUE OVER MONGOLS CLUB COLORS An unprecedented federal government effort to seize the Mongols Motorcycle Club’s trademark has quietly become a quarter-ofa-million-dollar headache for the Justice Department, reports McClatchy Newspapers. Four years after prosecutors grabbed national headlines by seizing the Mongols’ logo, an appellate court must now sort out what the federal government might owe the club’s attorneys. It could be a lot, in a free-speech case that’s also a cautionary tale about aggressive federal use of forfeiture to seize private property. “What they did was an outrageous violation of the First Amendment, and an absolute abuse of forfeiture and trademark laws,” American Civil Liberties Union attorney David Loy told the paper. Rebuking prosecutorial overreach, a federal judge in Los Angeles ordered the Justice Department to pay $253,206 to Loy and Alan Mansfield, an attorney with Consumer Law Group of California, who successfully challenged the prosecutors’ attempt to seize the Mongols’ trademark. Forfeitures are big business for the federal government. Last year, the Justice Department seized some $1.8 billion worth of forfeited assets. Typically, these are ill-gotten gains from drug trafficking, financial fraud and other criminal activity. Los Angeles-based prosecutors claimed a huge haul in October 2008 when they announced mass indictments of Mongols MC members, and in addition to physical assets such as motorcycles, firearms and other property, prosecutors sought to claim the Mongols’ trademarked name and logo. “If any law enforcement officer sees a Mongol wearing his patch, he will be authorized to stop that gang member and literally take the jacket right off his back,” then-U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien declared at the time. But a judge in Los Angeles ruled last year that prosecutors had gone too far. The judge reasoned that the trademark belonged to the organization, not to individuals, and therefore unindicted club members should still enjoy the right to use it.

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Last February, another federal judge added that the Justice Department had to pay for the trademark fight because the government “violated settled First Amendment and trademark law.” “The novelty of the government’s position did not make it substantially justified,” U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled. “Rather, it took unlawful action based on an ungrounded and unsubstantiated legal theory, and without sufficient factual support.” Because the complex case “arose at the intersection of forfeiture, trademark and First Amendment law, “ Carter added, attorneys deserved the fair-market rates of between $525 and $650 an hour for the 461 hours spent challenging the government. The Justice Department is appealing the judge’s order to pay, however, with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals likely to hear the case next year. PALESTINIANS CRACK DOWN ON MOTORCYCLES Lawmakers in Gaza have continued their draconian campaign against motorcycle usage, taking the bold step of banning the import of spare parts for motorcycles into the ancient Palestinian city. Interior Ministry official Hassan Akashed has admitted that the move aims to directly reduce the number of motorcycles, which he claims are a main cause of car accidents. According to visordown.com, motorcyclists in the city have been subject to an ongoing crack down, banning them from riding after midnight, and restricting women from riding. The Interior Ministry recently announced that it was banning women from riding bikes or being pillion passengers, to limit accidents and “protect community values.” Israel’s blockade of Gaza has meant that parts for cars have been impossible to get hold of and the cost of maintaining them has become unsustainable for most. As a result, motorcycles have seen a huge surge in popularity. Just five years ago there were only about a dozen or so motorcycles in the city, but the number of motorcycles in Gaza had grown to around 15,000 by 2010. EUROPEAN BIKERS PROTEST VEHICLE-INSPECTION PLAN Thousands of motorcyclists rolled into Belgium to protest an EU proposal for regular mandatory bike inspections. The law would be “expensive and useless,” said representatives from the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA) who met with European Union officials EU headquarters in Brussels as more than 4,500 motorcycles roared through the city’s streets, protesting the proposed law that would introduce mandatory EU-wide roadworthiness tests for motorcycles. The new EU-wide regulations would supersede national safety inspection rules for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles, and FEMA said the law would offer “no benefits expected in terms of safety, as proven by several independent studies.” Members of Belgium’s Federation of Angry Bikers (FBMC) turned out in large numbers for the protest. “Only 0.3 percent of motorcycle accidents in Belgium and 0.6 percent in Europe are due to technical problems,” FBMC head Joe Verrecke told the Belgian news agency Belga. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We keep having to choose among candidates who are so stupid they want the job, and so egocentric they think they can do it.” Orson Scott Card (1951-), American author and political activist

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RED KNIGHTS MARYLAND 1

The biggest ride that Red Knights Maryland 1 is a part of is the Red Helmets Ride to the National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD at the National Emergency Training Center. The Red Helmets Ride is held in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation Memorial Weekend each October. The members gather at the Headquarters of Anne Arundel County Fire Department and ride to Frederick and gather more riders and then proceed to Emmitsburg. Each year there are well over 300 riders and passengers in attendance to support the families who’s loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice. This event has been running successfully for nearly 15 years with the efforts of Senior Road Captain Tomy Baker and his assistants; Ron, Rick and Amber Leizear.

Laurel, MD

n June of 2002, several local firefighters met and wanted to form a motorcycle club. A number of independent club names were discussed, but the final decision for the group was to join the Red Knights International. The MD 1 Chapter Charter members came from a number of Departments from around the State (mostly from Prince Georges, Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties); centrally located, Laurel became home base.

Since they were the first official Red Knights Chapter in Maryland, our membership grew rapidly; pulling firefighters from all over the state. Our first meetings were held at Laurel VFD. As with all organizations, officers were elected, appropriate papers were filed and plans were made for decisions what goals and mission would be. Ultimately because of the growth, some members decided to form different chapters closer to where they lived (Southern MD and Eastern Shore). Over the last several years, a total of 8 Red Knights’ Chapters have been formed throughout the state of Maryland with well over 300 members. 30

Their main event is the annual celebration/wreath laying ceremony and ride to the Maryland Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial in Annapolis. Each year on the first Sunday in June, riders from all over come to pay their respects to Maryland firefighters and emergency personnel that have died in the line of duty.

In the beginning, MD 1 wanted to be involved with charity work, so the first endeavor was to raise funds for the DC area Children’s Burn Unit. The chapter successfully raised money so that the children could attend a Burn Camp in central Virginia. On two occasions, a large group of MD 1 Chapter members rode to the camp to present a check and to have pictures taken with the kids and their bikes. They took FD hats and T-shirts, and many bags of caramel corn, thanks to our faithful member Mark Pena.

RKMC MD1 not only supports the firefighters but has also supported numerous military organizations including Wreaths Across America; where they escort tractor trailers to Arlington Cemetery carrying thousands of wreaths to lay at the headstones of all laid to rest at Arlington. Maryland 1 was also part of the benefit ride for fallen police officer Richard Findley who was killed in the line of duty in Prince George’s County.

Throughout the years, RKMC MD1 has participated in many events and causes to benefit firefighters and the general public. They have successfully held Poker Runs, a display stand at the Motorcycle Show in Baltimore, and many more activities to numerous to mention. One of their major achievements was collecting personal items to be sent overseas. MD 1 collected over 1000 lbs of supplies that were sent to our troops in the Middle East.

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For more information please visit our website www.redknightsmd1.com. (Submitted by the Secretary, Red Knights Maryland Chapter 1)

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A Koala is sitting up in a gum tree ... ……smoking a joint, when a little lizard walks past and looks up and says, “Hey Koala ! What are you doing?” The koala says: “Smoking a joint, come up and have some.” So the little lizard climbs up and sits next to the koala and they have a few joints. After a while the little lizard says his mouth is dry and he is going to get a drink from the river. But the little lizard is so stoned that he leans too far over and falls into the river. A crocodile sees this, swims over to the little lizard helps him to the side, and then asks the little lizard: “What’s the matter with you?” The little lizard explains to the crocodile that he was sitting smoking a joint with the koala in the tree, got too stoned and fell into the river while taking a drink. The crocodile says he has to check this out, so he walks into the rain forest, finds the tree where the koala is sitting finishing a joint, and he looks up and says “Hey you!” So the koala looks down at him and says: “Shiiiiiiiiiiit, dude ...........what in the hell is in that water you drank?!!” Mike had been in police work for 25 years. Finally, sick of the stress, he quit his job and bought 50 acres of land in Alaska as far from humanity as possible. He sees the postman once a week and gets groceries once a month. Otherwise, it’s total peace and quiet. After six months or so of almost total isolation, someone knocks on his door. He opens it and a huge, bearded man is standing there. Name’s Cliff, your neighbor from forty miles up the road. Having a party Friday night. Thought you might like to come at about 5:00....’ ‘Great’, says Mike, ‘after six months out here, I’m ready to meet some local folks. Thank you.’ As Cliff is leaving, he stops. ‘Gotta warn you. Be some drinking.’ ‘Not a problem’ says Mike.. ‘After 25 years being a cop, I can drink with the best of ‘em’. Again, the big man starts to leave and stops. ‘More’n likely gonna be some fighting too.’ ‘Well, I get along with people. It’s all good. Thanks again.’ ‘More’n likely be some wild sex too.’ ‘Now that’s really not a problem’ says Mike, warming to the idea. ‘I’ve been all alone for six months! I’ll definitely be there. By the way, what’s the dress code?’ ‘Don’t much matter. Just gonna’ be the two of us.” 32

I mowed the lawn today, and after doing so I sat down and had a couple ice cold beers. The day was really quite beautiful, and the brew facilitated some deep thinking on various topics. Finally I thought about an age old question: Is giving birth more painful than getting kicked in the nuts? Women always maintain that giving birth is way more painful than a guy getting kicked in the nuts. Well, after another beer, and some heavy deductive thinking, I have come up with the answer to that question. Getting kicked in the nuts is more painful than having a baby; and here is the reason for my conclusion. A year or so after giving birth, a woman will often say, “it might be nice to have another child.” On the other hand, you never hear a guy say, “You know, I think I might be ready to try another kick in the nuts.” I rest my case.

TNT

Women or Men....Blonde Jokes Are Fun: I was telling a blonde man friend of mine: “Christmas is on a Friday this year.” My friend replied; “Let’s hope it’s not the 13th.” A woman phoned her blonde neighbor man and said: “Close your curtains the next time you & your wife are having sex. The whole street was watching and laughing at you yesterday.” To which the blonde man replied: “Well the joke’s on all of you because I wasn’t even at home yesterday.” A blonde man spies a letter lying on his doormat. It says on the envelope “DO NOT BEND “. He spends the next 2 hours trying to figure out how to pick it up. A blonde man was driving home, drunk as a skunk. Suddenly he has to swerve to avoid a tree, then another, then another. A cop car pulls him over, so he tells the cop about all the trees in the road. The cop says, “That’s your air freshener swinging about!” While creating women, God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all the corners of the world. And then He smiled and made the earth round.

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S K I N A R T 34

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photo by

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Sara Purdy

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