Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic 4157 Mountain Road #233 Pasadena, Maryland 21122 www.ThunderRoadsMidAtlantic.com
Big City’s Two-Wheel Testament..................................6 Across The Pond............................................................8 Diary of a Biker Chic.................................................. 13
Facebook – Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic Twitter- TR_BigCity Instagram- ThunderRoadsMid-Atlantic EDITOR / OWNER / PUBLISHER
Mike “Rhino” Ryan 443-875-7482 Rhino@BigCityRhino.com Mike ”Bighead” Abbott 443-875-7597 Bighead@BigCityRhino.com
MARKETING SPECIALISTS JB 410-459-2443 jb@bigcityrhino.com (Northern Baltimore/Delaware)
Tonya Harding 703-314-5200 Tonya@BigCityRhino.com (Virginia Sales Crew) David “Mongo” Robinson RAZZ 240-855-4705 571-319-7534 Mongo@BigCityRhino.com Razz@BigCityRhino.com (Big City Ride Card Manager) (Western MD / WV Crew)
Darren Myers 757-286-3377 Darren@BigCityRhino.com (Virginia Sales Crew)
Road Captain’s Report.............................................. 20 Bayside Harely-Davidson Bike Night........................ 24 Riders Tips.................................................................. 26 Bullet Points................................................................ 29 Center Calendar......................................................... 30 Featured Bike............................................................. 32 Big City Rhino Challenge........................................... 35 MAWMR 2017............................................................ 40 Product Spotlight: WolfPack App.............................. 45 News Bytes................................................................. 48
Meredith Hancock Hancock Graphics CONTRIBUTORS Preacher Gordon Bacon “Two Wheel Testament” Joyce “Biker Chic”
Andy Tallone “Across the Pond”
AMA Report................................................................. 16
Christmas in July........................................................ 46
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Leon Brittain “Throttle Life”
Motorcycle Rights Organizations.............................. 15
Throttle Life................................................................. 51 Events.......................................................................... 54 Joker’s Wild................................................................. 57 Biker Friendly Directory............................................. 58 7 things in case of emergency................................. 60
Marc Ritchie & Rose Grant “Road Captain’s Report”
Jim Bull “Brappmag.com” Off-Road/Racing Editor (717-951-5620) DISTRIBUTION Suzy “Carebear” Leighton Mike “Smiles” Johnson David “Barney” Barnhouse NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive, Chapmansboro, TN. 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com
ON THE COVER: Model: Nicole M. Dallo Photography: Bobby T Rocks
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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UGUST IS HERE and the season is on cruise control. So far, this year it has been smooth for us here at Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic. We have had a lot of great events and are looking forward for more. This month we will be riding in the Legion Giving Back Event Aug 26th. Leaving from the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, MD. Also coming this month is the 6th Annual Sgt. Michael “Todd” May Memorial Run Aug 12th starting at Triple S H-D in Morgantown, WV. Then of course we don’t want to miss the Davey’s Battle Brothers Ride Aug 19th starting out at Mason - Ruhren Readiness Center in Fredericksburg, VA.
reason to get out and ride. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic Rolling Bike Nights is sponsored by Rider Insurance. If you have not gotten a quote from Rider Insurance, then you are losing money. www.Rider.com
We would also like to invite all of you to join us this year, as we will be hosting Rolling Bike Nights throughout the Mid-Atlantic. We are looking forward to the rest of the season. So now you all have a personal invite and another
com and be a part of the THUNDER!!
Every month we bring top notch content, and this month is no different. Follow Road Crew Member Darren as he attended several events in VA., and the Road Captain has picked up a new ride and visited the Paw Paw Tunnel. Sunset Cycles gives us some tips on riding in the hot weather. Also, this month we have a special guest writer Alison Cummings. She will give you an inside look at the MAWMR Rally from this For a full list of all the local events in the Mid- year. So be sure to follow us on line at www. Atlantic area, be sure to check out our website ThunderRoadsMidAtlantic.com where you can - www.thunderroadsmidatlantic.com. We have find everything that matters in the motorcycle all the information you will need to plan your community for the Mid-Atlantic area. season as we update our calendars weekly with The Road Crew here at Thunder Roads® Midnew rides and rallies. As always, feel free to Atlantic works very hard at keeping you up to date submit your event to be listed on the site at no with all the local events in your area. We attend charge. Just go to the web page events tab and as many events as we can, more than any of our click the submit your event tab. We will get it up competitors, but we can’t be everywhere. Submit on the site asap. your photos and stories to bigcity@bigcityrhno.
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Living the Lifestyle, NOT just selling It! L&R, Rhino & Bighead
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Tattooed In His Hands Waiting in line to check out at a grocery it is not unusual to noticed a skull and crossbones tattoo on the arm of the man in front of you. His tattoo is a reminder to him of some time in his life. Since You’ve maybe have always been curious about why people get tattoos you asked them about his. They may have pointed to the skull and crossbones and said, “This identified me with my gang when I was in prison.” He snickered a little and added, “I’ll always ’member my behind-bars buddies.” A biker behind you pulled up his T shirt to show a rose tattooed on his chest. “It was my old lady’s favorite flower,” he said. He got quiet, rubbed over the rose, and slightly mumbled, “She’s dead now, but I’ll never forget her.” Listening nearby, an elderly gentleman began rubbing the number tattooed on his arm and said, “I won’t forget Auschwitz.” The prophet Isaiah probably had the same idea when he wrote: “I [God] will never forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” According to some theologians he was alluding to the Jewish custom, possibly drawn from Exodus of puncturing their hands with a symbol of their city and temple to reassure Israel that God had promised never to forget his people (Isaiah 49:14,16). Tattooing is becoming more prevalent in our American culture. A recent study reported that about 36% of Americans ages 18-29
have at least one tattoo, and they enjoy talking about them. Some get a tattoo every time there’s a new thing to remember.” Remember. That’s the word all these tattoos are painted around. All of these individuals wanted visual reminders to remember. When I see these tattoos that are making all kinds of statements, I am reminded that God’s tattoo is also making a statement: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands so that I will never forget you.” God remembers all the names of the stars he’s created, and he’s reassuring us that he remembers all of our names by reminding us where our names are ... in the palms of his hands. God remembers that we belong to him, he remembers to protect and provide for us, and when we have a need, he remembers to guide us. And also, painful as it may be, when we need correction, he remembers to discipline us. When the Lord just wants to express his love and Devotion to us, his omnipotent hands reach down from heaven and embrace us. We feel him holding us close and then hear him so softly whisper, “See, I have tattooed you on the palms of my hands.”
ATTENTION: S
ts & Soldie Hampton Roads Riders ain rs
Looking for a Riding Club that actually Rides a lot?
meetup.com/Saints-Soldiers facebook.com/groups/saintsandsoldiersrc 6
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Mid Atlantic Motocross Association Upcoming Events July 29-30
Pagoda MX
Birdsboro, PA
August 26-27
September 9-10
Dinwiddie, VA
Easton, MD
Virginia MS Park
The Landing MX
September 22-24
Crine Memorial Race Budds Creek, MD
See Full Schedule At: www.mamamx.com
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FROM ACROSS THE POND “TRIUMPH & BSA TRIPLES”
1959 A10 Rocket 650 twin. This was BSA in her prime.
BY ANDY TALLONE Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
Setting the Stage
From the end of World War 2 until the mid-1960s, the British motorcycle industry was widely regarded as a leader in technology, design, manufacture and performance. But, by the early 1960s this was all changing. Japan had begun to flex its industrial muscles, flooding Western markets with their cheap, well-made bikes. While their earlier bikes were fairly primitive, they learned quickly, and very soon Japanese bikes rivaled, and in some cases bested, the finest the world had to offer. The Brits were caught flat-footed, although this gives them too much credit. They knew what was coming and chose to do nothing about it. Triumph 500 and 650 twins and BSA Gold Stars were flying off the shelves as fast as they could be built. What could go wrong, right?
The Trident 750 engine is very compact.
The Triple is Born
This 1970 Trident shows how Triumph would have done it, without BSAʼs interference.
Too Much is Never Enough Triumph started the whole British bike boom with the introduction of the game-changing 1938 500 Speed Twin, the worldʼs first ‘modernʼ parallel twin. Soon, nearly every British bike maker rushed to market with their own 500 twins. Triumph stayed ahead of it by constantly improving its bikes. First the 26-horsepower Speed Twin got a bump in compression and a wilder cam, raising power to 30, creating the T100 Tiger in 1939. Next they bored and stroked it to create the 650cc Thunderbird in 1950. Then, they added compression and a big cam to the new 650 creating an even hotter T110 Tiger model in 1953. In 1956, a new alloy cylinder head added more power still, with the introduction of the TR6. Finally, in 1959, they installed a second carburetor, creating the legendary T120 Bonneville, now making 46 horses. Horsepower was on the rise, and it always seemed to arrive at higher and higher RPMs. More power meant more vibration and it was starting to get really bad. 8
As a possible solution to the vibration problem, in 1962 Triumph engineers Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele patched together three Triumph/BSA 250cc component sets to form a 750cc triple. A common misconception is to call these bikes a “Daytonaand-a-half”, which refers to the Triumph 500 Daytona twin. In fact, the Daytona component set was not used, because it was oversquare (larger bore than stroke), which was believed would lead to an engine that was too wide. So instead, the undersquare (smaller bore than stroke) component set from the 250 singles was used. As much as was possible, the new engine followed the pattern of the older twins, laid out with two cams, one for intake and one for exhaust, gear-driven off the right side, with the primary chain on the left. By early 1965, they had production prototypes running and being tested. The new engine was designed to bolt into the existing Triumph Bonneville frame, so little else had to be redesigned. Three cylinders set the rod journals 120-degrees apart, not exactly harmonics perfection, but still much smoother than the 360-degree 650 twins. And the triples made more power, a lot more, and at higher RPMs. Everything looked good for Triumph, and as usual, it seemed like they were well ahead of the market. Other than a few oddballs, no one had really fielded a mass-produced, highperformance motorcycle with more than two cylinders before. And a three-cylinder was just plain exotic! Triumph wanted to introduce the bike in 1966 as a 1967 model, a move that would have changed history. It would have put the world on notice that the scrappy Brits still had the mojo, could produce something truly novel and great, and that Triumph continued to lead the high-performance motorcycle market. It would have been the worldʼs first multi-cylinder superbike, creating a whole new market, with two full years to dominate that market before the competition showed up.
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change required entirely new bottom-end cases (and there are 4 major pieces to it), new timing cover, gearbox cover and more. It diluted the engineering and capital resources that should have been devoted to making the Trident successful, and introducing it much earlier. The unfortunate result was an 18-month delay. The 1969 Triumph T150 Trident, and BSA A75 Rocket 3 (as they were so named) came out just 3 months before Honda decimated the marketplace with its seminal 750 Four. While the British triples were certainly not perfect, especially at launch, they were still great motorcycles in their own right, but they were completely overshadowed by the new Honda. It didnʼt help that the Honda was cheaper and had an electric starter. The ʼ69 BSA Rocket 3 launched with the horrible “Shoebox” fuel tank and “Ray Gun” mufflers. The Trident looked just as bad.
Bitter Rivalries Alas, it wasnʼt to be. BSA owned Triumph, having bought it in 1951, at a time when BSA was the worldʼs biggest motorcycle company and Triumph was an upstart. Now BSA was struggling, and Triumph was getting all the attention, especially in the burgeoning new US market. Triumphs were selling like hotcakes. BSA should have been proud, or at least happy with their success. But instead, the old-school BSA leadership were resentful of Triumphʼs success. Both brands had similar 500 and 650 twins, yet Triumphʼs sold much better than BSAʼs. It wasnʼt right. The last thing BSA wanted to do was give Triumph yet another hit. So, they sat on the 750 Triple idea for two years. Two critical years.
The 1973 T150V Trident was the first with front disk brake & 5-speed.
The Good News and the Bad News Both the Trident and the Rocket 3 were seriously-fast motorcycles for the times, with impressive handling, typical for British bikes of the day. They were also relatively light, when compared to the continued...
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Identical inside, the Triumph engine (left) had vertical cylinders, while the cylinders on the BSA (right) slanted forward 12 degrees.
Change for the Sake of Change They came to their senses about the time Honda announced it was coming out with a new 4-cylinder 750 for the 1969 model year. Suddenly, BSA came to life. They wanted their new triple to hit the market before the new Honda 750. But, and this was a very big ‘butʼ, to save BSAʼs pride, the Triumph engineers had to come up with a BSA version of the same bike. However, the BSA version had to have a slightly different engine, to be placed in a BSA frame. The Triumph and BSA 750 3-cylinder engines share almost all internal components, but the Triumph has vertical cylinders and the BSA versionʼs cylinder bank is canted forward by 12-degrees. Why? To make it look different than the Triumph. This seemingly minor Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
An Online Index of: * Postwar Classic British Bikes * Arranged by Make, Model & Year * Gorgeous, Eye-popping Photos * Specifications, History & more * Bike Shows, Auctions & Events * Clubs, Rides, Shops & Museums
INCLUDES: - Triumph - BSA - Norton - Matchless/AJS - Royal Enfield - Ariel - Vincent - Velocette - Rickman - Cafe Racers - Choppers & Bobbers - Race Bikes & more
www.Classic-British-Motorcycles.com ...and send us pictures of YOUR BIKE!
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bloated Honda 750. And as was typical of Japanese bikes of the day, the Honda didnʼt handle very well. In road racing, the British triples nearly dominated road racing for a few years, and on the streets would run with or even beat most big Hondas. That was the good news. The bad news was that they were poorly built, with crappy Lucas electrical components. They leaked oil, the lights went off and on, they still vibrated (while they werenʼt as bad as the twins), and they were often less than reliable. Oh, and no electric start, you had to kickstart this bad boy. And when first introduced for the 1969 model year, both the Trident and Rocket 3 came with a particularly grotesque set of bodywork that the geniuses at BSA had specially-designed by an automotive supplier named Ogle. The results were the now-infamous “Shoebox Fuel Tank” and the absurd “Ray Gun Mufflers”, also known as “Flash Gordons” (which actually flow much better than most aftermarket systems). Great bikes, loaded with potential, but esthetically handicapped. Many Trident buyers had the dealers install Bonneville tanks and mufflers before picking them up, and Triumph quickly caught on. By 1970, Tridents were styled similar to the 650 twins for a much more handsome look.
Cleaning Up the Looks 1970 was a bad year for the British motorcycle industry. BSA was in serious financial trouble, and BSA owned Triumph. Triumph was breaking sales records every year, but that was about to change, as Japan kicked into high gear, and entered the heavyweight, high-performance motorcycle market. BSA restyled the Rocket 3 for 1971, which would be its final year. The 1971 T150 Trident benefited from the new bodywork and running gear introduced on the ʼ71 Bonneville and TR6, giving the Trident a more modern look. 1973 saw a front disk brake and a much-needed 5-speed. But still no electric start.
run, so very few 1974 or 1975 Triumph Bonnevilles or TR7s were built. However, Trident production had always been at BSAʼs Small Heath factory, at one-time side-by-side with Rocket 3s. So, Trident production continued right through the strike.
New Co-Op Struggles to Survive What emerged was a worker buy-out of Triumph from Norton, and the formation of the worker-owned Meriden Co-Op. They were hopelessly undercapitalized from the start. Late in 1974 they set about tooling up for the 1975 models, which would be required by US law to have left-foot shifting, instead of the traditional rightfoot shifting like most Brit bikes, and the way God intended. With little money to work with, the clever Brits got it done. And in the process, they completely redesigned the Trident. The new 1975 T160 Trident was the first, last, and only to have an electric starter (although it was made by Lucas, and so only worked at random). It also had the forward-canted cylinders of the earlier BSA triples, front and rear disk brakes, and a much more modern look. Alas, it was to be the final year for this legendary bike. All in all, despite all that greatness, only 27,480 Tridents and Rocket 3s were produced over their seven-year run. The Meriden Co-Op struggled on, producing fewer and fewer Bonnevilles each year, until they finally called it quits in 1983.
Just 1,200 1973 X-75 Hurricanes were built.
The 1973 X-75 Hurricane
The 1975 T160 Trident finally got an electric starter.
Triumph Revolts The last BSA motorcycle was built in 1972. With the collapse of the BSA empire, a merger was attempted with the only other British motorcycle manufacturer still standing, Norton-Villiers. When BSA fell apart, Norton took over Triumph and in late 1973 announced that they would be closing the legendary Triumph assembly plant at Meriden, to move all Triumph production to their own factories in Donington Park. The Triumph workers revolted, barricading themselves in the factory, and preventing any bikes from leaving. They had just begun the 1974 model 10
One interesting off-shoot off the ‘Triplesʼ-story is the 1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane. When BSA was still running things, they wanted a flashy flagship model to steal the show from Triumph. They commissioned American motorcycle fairing pioneer Craig Vetter to customize a Rocket 3 and make it production-ready. What he came up with was certainly a show-stealer! It had sweeping one-piece bodywork, an eye-popping paint scheme, an extended front end, and a wild set of triple pipes. But before it could be released, BSA folded up and Triumph inherited the project. But the bike was already built around the Rocket 3 engine and frame, so it had to continue as such. 1,200 were built in 1972 using the remaining Rocket 3s, but badged as Triumphs. And so it was that the bike BSA built to beat Triumph became a Triumph. The 1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane enjoyed a one-year run. New US noise regs killed the pipes, and BSA Rocket 3 production had ceased, so there was no 1974 model.
For more like this please visit www.Classic-British-Motorcycles.com.
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DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC
BY JOYCE ELAINE
July 15, 2017 This time last weekend, I was in Gettysburg to attend their bikefest. This was my 4th year in a row doing the Gettysburg bike week. It’s by far my favorite bike week, which is funny because most people dislike it. I love Gettysburg which may be why I love their bike week. Last year, I didn’t get to take my bike because it was sitting in the shop trying to get fixed. I’m so grateful that my bike is finally running good and not leaking oil anymore! Thursday was the first day and it was raining…hard…all day. We actually took the car on Thursday since our hotel was booked and then drove back home on Friday to pick up the bikes. The weather was great for the rest of the weekend. Gettysburg bike week has all the usual stuff: vendors everywhere, bands playing nightly, games, prizes, and a lot of bikes! It’s also got some great roads to cruise around on! While shopping through the vendors and looking at the clothes, I realized something that really made me mad. You know those shirts they sell for the men…ya know the ones, they are sleeveless, usually denim, and button downs. I love those shirts but they don’t make them small enough for women! In fact, they don’t sell shirts like that at all for women. I get that us girls are supposed to wear the cute little tight shirts…but if you are a chic like me that doesn’t like being “cute” those girly shirts just don’t cut it for you. Why can’t they make those “mens” shirts with a smaller cut for us chics? I wish I knew how to make clothes because I would have my own line of biker clothing! This year, I finally did something that I’ve wanted to do during Gettysburg bike week. I rode in the “Parade of Chrome.” They do this ride on Saturdays and anyone can join. They ride from the Allstar Complex into town and then back again. It’s only a four – five mile ride one way but so many people line the sidewalks and streets to watch all the bikes, big trucks, and police cruisers go by. I’ve been a spectator for the past three years so it was awesome to finally be a part of it. We lined up at 4:00 and a few minutes before 5:00, all the hundreds of bikes that were lined up, started their engines. Talk about loud! I’ve never ridden with such a huge group before so I didn’t know how it was going to go but it was actually really awesome. The roads were all shut down to traffic so we didn’t have to stop, we got to run the red lights, and everyone standing to the side was taking pictures and videos. I’ve found a few videos online and was able to see myself go cruising by. I also took some photos from a couple of the videos of me riding! It was really cool when the
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bikes started coming the other way to head back but you still had bikes coming so we were passing each other. I had my cameras rolling so it made for an awesome video! I think the coolest part of the parade was all the kids that were watching and waving hello. I would blow my horn at them and wave…especially the little girls. It was good to be able to show them that they can do whatever the men can do and can ride their own bike. When we left on Sunday, the weather was 100% bike perfect weather. It wasn’t too hot, the sun was shining, and the wind had a nice cool feel to it. I didn’t break out in a sweat once on the ride home! I realized after parking my bike that I was totally exhausted. These little bikefest weekends are jammed packed with so many activities that you just go and go and go and don’t actually get any rest…or maybe I’m just getting old! Thanks for reading and ride safe everyone!
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REPORT LEXINGTON, Ohio — Builders Row in the Old Bike Barn Crossroads at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days offered folks a chance to check out the latest custom designs from some of the smaller American shops. Ben Davis, owner of Legion Cycle Works, traveled from Middletown, Del., to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki. It was his first trip to the event. “This is a great event,” he said. “It’s cool to see all the vintage bikes and be around so many people who share the same passion.” Legion is a custom shop that also handles basic repair and service. “We do everything from engine work to exhaust fabrication to custom fuel tanks to complete bikes,” he said. “If somebody has something in their head, we try to make it happen for them.” One booth over, Eric Bess of Flying Tiger Motorcycles was displaying a couple of bikes he built for a St. Louis-area whiskey maker. “We did some work for Rebel Yell on some other bikes,” he said. “Then they asked if we’d like to build a couple of bikes for them, We said, ‘Absoliutely!’” Flying Tiger, located in Maplewood, Mo., built one bike for a local giveaway and another for a national giveaway. Bess said both contests will be text-to-enter. Flying Tiger also carries new Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield and Zero motorcycles, as well as Genuine Scooters. “We actually started of doing vintage restoration and repair,” Bess said. “Then we expanded into the dealerships. Now we are doing custom building, as well.” Other builders at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki included Analog Motorcycles, 6th City Cycles, Chi-Jer’s Vintage BikeWorks and Loaded Gun Customs.
The Thomases shared their adventures during an hour-long seminar on Friday during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. They escorted their audience through the vast Sahara, along “the longest shortcut in the world” across Australia, high into the Bolivian mountains and through the thick, red mud of the Amazon. They shared their fear during a hail storm in the Himilayas and their bravery when a bridge failed, dumping Simon into a river bed, causing partial paralysis and blurred vision — the symptoms of a broken neck that went undiagnosed until the couple reached a hospital three weeks after the crash. All their adventures are logged on their website 2RideTheWorld.com and in the books they have written. And through all their travels, they have had no support team. It’s the two of them, visiting new places and meeting new people. They have covered a half-million miles and visited 100 countries. Their next excursion will be to eastern Canada. “It’s the people that keep us going,” Simon told the audience. “We are meeting people who otherwise we would have known only through TV.” Lisa said that the struggles they sometimes face haven’t blunted their enthusiasm. “If the positives didn’t outweigh the negatives, we would have stopped a long time ago,” she said. The keys to their success on the road: Don’t make decisions based on fear. Don’t plan a trip like this relaxing in bed on a Sunday morning when it all sounds so easy. And be willing to interact with the people you encounter. “Motorcycles make friends,” Simon said. “Everybody wants to sit on the bike and get their photo taken. “All you’ve got to do is ride a bike and say, ‘Hello.””
Simon and Lisa Thomas lead ‘The Search for Freedom’
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki, hosts display
World tourers share road stories at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki LEXINGTON, Ohio — When Simon and Lisa Thomas set out on their world motorcycle adventure in 2003, they anticipated a journey of 16 months. They are still on the road.
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club celebrates 40th Anniversary LEXINGTON, Ohio — During the past 15 years, vintage Japanese motorcycles have become more popular than ever, said Glenn Rumburg, who manned the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club tent on Friday at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki. “Our club is healthy and growing,” he said. “It’s the Baby Boomers and their toys. I think we have about 4,200 members now.” The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club has been a mainstay for years at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
1966 Electra Glide
Raffle Bike ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
A minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested. www.MotorcycleMuseum.org or call (800) 262-5646
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Founded in 1977, the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of North America (www.vjmc.org) is the premier worldwide club dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles. The club defines “vintage” as bikes that are 20 years old or older. “Japanese bikes are much cheaper collectables than cars,” said Rumburg, whose 1966 Suzuki T20 among the 40 or so on display. “The modern bikes are all covered in plastic. They don’t have as much character.” The club has a display in the Old Bike Barn Crossroads and a booth at the swap meet. For a full schedule of events at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki, visit www.vintagemotorcycledays.com. “We’re a bunch of kids reliving their youth,” Rumburg said.
AMA Vintage Grand Champions crowned at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
“It’s a rough three days,” he said. “The trials is my strength. I compete in trials locally — in Michigan — and nationally.” Gawne said he is drawn to Vintage Motorcycle Days by his love of vintage bikes, the racing and the swap meet. The AMA Off-Road Vintage Grand Championship and AMA Off-Road Senior Vintage Grand Championship are based on cumulative points from the three vintage off-road events: hare scrambles, trials and motocross. Moto Armory sponsored the off-road racing portion of the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which included the motocross, hare scrambles and trials competitions. Moto Armory, a collection of more than 600 vintage motorcycles in East Moline, Ill., was also on location displaying some of the coolest vintage machines from its vault.
Quinn Wentzel, Jim Gawne take Off Road honors LEXINGTON, Ohio — Two off road riders demonstrated their mastery of three disciplines over the weekend at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Riders of Kawasaki at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Quinn Wentzel, 23, of Canfield, Ohio, is the AMA Off-Road Vintage Grand Champion for the third time in five years. Jim Gawne, 46, of Oxford, Mich., is the AMA Off-Road Senior Vintage Grand Champion. Wentzel won the motocross and trails events, taking the top spot in two motocross classes. “This is a very special win,” Wentzel said. “The competition was tough. The motocross was really close. It was a hard fought win and a huge accomplishment.” He also was AMA Off-Road Vintage Grand Champion in 2013 and 2014. Gawne said he has been competing in trials at Vintage Motorcycle Days for six years. But this is just the second year he has gone for the grand championship.
It’s about the journey and the destination
AMAHallofFame
#AMAHoF
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147 www.MotorcycleMuseum.org Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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• Make yourself visible. Choose riding gear that increases your visibility in traffic in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night. • Ride so you are seen. There is no one safe place to ride. Use lane positioning to be seen. Ride with your headlight on and consider using a modulating headlight. • Give yourself space and time to react. Allow space for emergency braking or for avoiding a crash. Make your lane moves gradually. • Signal your intentions. Signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. • Be courteous and respect other road users. Being courteous, non-aggressive and cooperative can go a long way in reducing crashes.
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AUGUST 2017
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Welcome to Paw Paw
Rt 250
THE PAW PAW TUNNEL
T
HE LAST 30 DAYS have witnessed some truly ROAD extraordinary events from CAPTAIN’S this side of the mountain. REPORT First, the day after Father’s Day, my status as a father was now shared with that of a grandfather. I now have a healthy grandson, Leo, who arrived six weeks early, so now he’s a Gemini. Rose took in an abandoned kitten, that was certain to die, from our neighbor’s farm next door, which kept us under house arrest for the next few weeks. And lastly, we said goodbye to our beloved Shenny. With over 43K miles, we thought it would be best to sell her before she depreciated anymore, while it was still riding season, and buy something more practical for us.
We found a VTX on Craigslist from the original owner who no longer rode it. It would be my third. The bike had recently been serviced, had fresh tires, Vance and Hines exhaust, and only 8K miles on it. The downside: it was mostly stock, had no storage capacity and needed to be pillionized, and that meant waiting on accessories with a deadline approaching. We finally had the green light. Or so we thought. The kitten, Geisha, had miraculously pulled through, thanks to Rose. Los gatos were able to be left alone for a while. And all of the parts were in except for the windshield and luggage rack, which wasn’t a deal breaker for a day ride. But, as fate would have it, later that afternoon on the
Henry at Oak Flats
The New Ride
So, when is this going to be a riding story? I know, right? Well, we headed to Henry’s early the next morning to get a head start on our ride. He had breakfast cooking, complete with homemade biscuits, while his wife, Joyce, showed off their new den, Harley style. Both were very impressive. And with bellies full, Henry and I made relatively quick work of the modifications and had the X (we still haven’t named her or it) back together in time to head out for a long ride. We stopped in Franklin, WV for gas. It had been a few years since I rode a bike without a windshield. It reminded me when Rose and I first met, and started riding Nauti (our former VTX) together, as I reached back to squeeze her leg. Our crew continued on 220 north, following much of the South Branch of the Potomac River. We were headed to a tunnel in Paw Paw, 100 miles away, built nearly 170 years ago.
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assembly line, the backrest rail did not have enough holes to support the saddlebag supports, and we were in a pinch. Fortunately, our good friends Henry and Mac stopped by on their way home from a ride. And Henry, who has a drill press, said he could drill the holes for me the next day, and ride with us afterwards.
Catching Sweepers AUGUST 2017
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Rose on Top on the Other Side
The New Harley Den
This is cruising at it’s best. There are no words to describe it. But if you grew up riding bicycles, most of us dreamed of someday being able to ride on an endless road, and having all the power we’d need, to glide up the hills and through the turns as fast as we wanted to go. However, I have no recollection, of ever having dreamed, or fantasized about anyone’s grandma hunched over on the side of the road, picking flowers and exposing a thong, as we witnessed along the way. And for legal purposes, we never dreamed of going over the speed limit. There was a patch of shade we eagerly took advantage of at the parking lot. It was over 90 degrees. The hike through the tunnel would be six tenths of a mile in addition to the half mile trail to get there. Inside, the tunnel was noticeably cooler. Henry brought a flashlight while I used the light on my portable gps and camera. It also has a phone that sometimes works. The device also makes animal noises and farts, this 12 year old found humorous while inside. It was about an hour’s walk, there and back, and we got to see something truly unique, and travel back in time. There is no visitor’s center, so a stop at the local gas station, beforehand, will eliminate the need for one of the porta-potties, and provide an opportunity to take a cold drink along. In its day, the tunnel was an engineering marvel. Opening in 1850, with over three million bricks, and 14 years to complete, The Paw Paw Tunnel allowed the C&O Canal to bypass six miles of bends and rock faces along the Potomac River. It was vital to the canal’s completion, enabling millions of tons of coal, agricultural products, lumber, stone, and industrial goods to pass through the tunnel from Cumberland, to compete with the railroad for business. As many bikers in this region are aware, the landmarks along the C&O Canal, not only make for great riding, but can get us all fired up over history.
Modification 101 Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
It was after 4PM and we were all good and hungry, so we stopped in Romney at the Main Street Grill. We were instantly greeted by the friendly staff and the cool AC. But we were all kinda disappointed that they didn’t serve beer in a restaurant as nice as this. However, the tasty burgers and wings made up for it. Besides, we all had a chance to cool off and refuel for the two and a half hour ride home. We stopped in Morefield for one last topoff. The ride towards Brandywine was like it had been most of the day: dreamlike. Only the sun was on the other side, and instead of thongs on the side of the road, there were deer, lots of deer. We said our goodbyes to Henry at Oak Flats, and thanked him for breakfast and his help earlier. What a day it had been. I didn’t know how I would take to the new bike. Although she or it, is no Shenny, aside from some saddle sore areas on Rose and I from a nearly 300 mile ride, it was refreshing to hear a different exhaust note, to listen to the wind, and to ride a relatively basic bike again. I’m fortunate I found one this nice. It was good just to be riding again with my Pillion after a month long hiatus. I’m hoping this brief taste of domestication is behind us. It seemed like an eternity to me. And that’s what I really missed the most: just spending the day together on a bike, seeing different things, and sharing it with friends. I just need to once again, remember to cancel the turn signals. Cheers and thanks for reading! Marc Rithcie Photos By Rose Grant P.S. If anyone would like to suggest a name for the new bike, send any feedback, or check out all the rides, here’s the link: facebook.com/friendsof211.
Heading Home
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BAYSIDE HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE NIGHT On a sticky, hot night in mid-July with the mercury reading at 97 degrees and a heat index close to 110, nothing sounds better than sitting back in the AC on the recliner with a cold one while binge watching your favorite shows on Netflix…except for the Red, White & Blue Bike Night at Bayside Harley-Davidson! Yes, the weather may have been steamy, but the action at Bayside H-D in Portsmouth, Virginia was even hotter. The warm weather was even a better reason to get on your Hog and ride over to the dealership for live music, $2 beverages, good food and fun and games. The Southern Attitude Band was rocking with some great covers of those awesome Rock ‘n Roll tunes we grew up with and still love today. Being that the theme was Red, White & Blue, many people came out in
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patriotic attire to try and win a $200 gift card for the best outfit. Some great food was served up by Pittsburghs Best food truck. Bayside also found some of the hottest looking ladies for an International Bikini Bike Wash which many partook of the opportunity to have their ride washed, even if it wasn’t dirty. Of course, there was a tent with some of the most smokin’ bikes available for people to take home that night. Lots of fun games with great prizes like H-D gift certificates and more. Even the Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic Road Crew was on site to hand out magazines and take these great photos. Congrats to Bayside Harley-Davidson and Event Manager Basha Taylor on a very successful Bike Night. Can’t wait for the next one.
AUGUST 2017
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Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
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Rider TIPS
S
HOTWEATHERRIDINGTIPS
UCCESS – we love it. In this case, we’d define it as
a) not becoming a horrible sweaty mess, b) avoiding belt-sander skinned legs/sandwiched feet/other painful injuries and c) just generally having fun on our bikes in the few months of sunshine we’re likely to get before the weather turns grey again! So here we go with 5 quick tips to help you and your bike stay cool this summer. 1. Ride in Shorts and Flip Flops Not! This is something that you should definitely not do! If you’re riding around in the summer heat in a fully armored onepiece leather suit though, you’re likely to get pretty hot. Hot is not good, it dehydrates you and affects the way your brain works – meaning that you can’t think straight. Fast bike + slow brain = bad combination. What we really need here is a happy medium – maximum protection and minimum insulation if you will. Fortunately, this is not impossible. The first thing to consider is a good moisture-wicking base layer. Although you might usually associate layering up with keeping warm, a properly designed summer piece will carry moisture away from your skin – keeping you feeling fresh. Many are also antibacterial – keeping bad smells at bay and attractive members of the opposite sex within a five meter radius (although results may vary on this one). 2. Stay hydrated Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t drink as much (water) as they should – especially on a long ride. Avoid dehydration by making sure that you carry (and drink) plenty of the H20. Not only will your body thank you, but again, you’ll be thinking clearer – which is the best thing from a safety point of view. It probably goes without saying that you should consider what you eat when out and about too. If you stop for a meal at that country pub mid-ride, it’s probably best not to go for the 40oz steak with a side-order of pulled pork and cheese unless you fancy a bad dose of the meat sweats on the ride home! Your waistline will thank you too! 3. Keep your bike happy 26
We’re going to assume at this point that you’ve already put your bike back on the road (if you ever took it off in the first place!) – so it should be nicely recommissioned and ready to rock. But you need to keep on top of maintenance if you’re going to have a happy summer’s riding on the back of it. To help you do this, we put our heads together and came up with a list of jobs and checks that you should be doing to your bike on a regular basis. We’ve separated these into three categories: ‘daily’, ‘weekly’ and ‘monthly’ (like the military)– but this is for guidance only and will most certainly change if your piling serious miles onto your bike. Anyway, here goes! 4. Have a plan And we’re not just talking about planning your route (although obviously that’s a good idea too!). We’re talking about making plans now for bad stuff that could potentially happen later. If you’re out riding with other people then this isn’t as much of an issue – but when you’re on your own, you really need to go through those ‘what ifs’ and check that you’ve got answers. The best thing we know to give you (and everyone you know) peace of mind is the RealRider App. For the cost of a round in your local, this revolutionary little App could very easily save your life if you come off and are rendered immobile/unconscious. 5. Don’t forget the most important component! That of course being … the grey thing between your ears! That’s right – it’s your bike’s all-in-one guidance, balance and speed control device – your brain! We won’t give you a ‘be sensible’ lecture here (ok, maybe just a little bit – we kinda like you guys), but there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. Daily On a daily basis, you should be carrying out visual checks on all the most important components and areas of your bike. These include your brake hoses, tires, fluid levels, lights and stand. These checks don’t take a long time (in fact you’ll get them down to a fine art after a while), but they could very easily save your life, engine or bike. Weekly Some more in-depth checks are best carried out weekly. Perhaps you can make it part of the ritual before your Sunday morning blast – or maybe they’ll take the sting out of a boring Monday evening? Either way, checking these things will keep your bike happy and keep you happy – making this summer’s riding a much more enjoyable proposition all round. Whenever you do it, the best place to start is by giving your bike a thorough cleaning. Washing and drying your bike weekly will mean that you see all manner of little gremlins as and when they appear – meaning that you can deal with them promptly.
AUGUST 2017
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Monthly On a monthly basis, it pays to get even more in-depth – taking some stuff to bits and checking that everything’s ok. You’re free to do this more often, but you might not reap much benefit from doing so unless you do mega miles. 1) Watch very carefully for signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Your body will send you signals that it’s having trouble with the heat, which can include cramps, nausea, headaches, extreme fatigue, flushed or pale skin, dizziness, and heavy sweating. Left unchecked, you can develop Heat Exhaustion, which is a form of mild shock. If you’re feeling these symptoms, it’s time to pull over, rehydrate, rest and recover for as long as it takes. Don’t be in a rush to get back on the bike – sometimes a rider doesn’t want to inconvenience their friends by holding things up. How long do you think a trip to the hospital will hold up the ride? If Heat Exhaustion is allowed to develop into Heat Stroke, you’re in big trouble. Your cooling system shuts down, and body temperature can rise to as high as 105 degrees. Brain damage is possible and at the very least, you’ll likely have an erratic pulse and trouble breathing. People with Heat Stroke often pass out – not something you want to happen when you’re riding. For more tips on avoiding and recognizing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, visit the American Red Cross website here.
cool, as the sweat will evaporate from the air rushing over it at speed. This means you’ll dehydrate faster. It may seem counterintuitive to cover yourself with clothes in the heat, but look at the Bedouins in North Africa – they’re covered head to toe. Of course, on a motorcycle you need to wear abrasion and impact resistant gear, which can be heavy. I wear a mesh ventilated textile riding suit, Tim wears a leather jacket, based on our personal preferences, but we’re always covered. In our experience, the people who are effected most by the heat are those who don’t cover themselves properly. 5) Wear a cooling vest. When temperatures rise over 90 degrees, a cooling vest is worth its weight in gold. Basically, it’s a vest that is filled with tiny beads that retain water. This is a much better solution that soaking your t-shirt, as cotton doesn’t retain the water and it evaporates quickly. You soak the vest, shake off extra water, and then put it on under your riding jacket. The moisture forms a cooling layer next to your skin, and you feel much more comfortable. Cooling vests are as cheap as $30 and run up to $100. The more expensive vests are better quality garments, and usually don’t bloat up as much with the retained water.
2) Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Water is vital for keeping the body cool, but it also is necessary for digestion, for flushing toxins out of your body, and for lubricating your joints. It also cushions your organs and tissues, so when you get dehydrated, your body just won’t work properly, things will start to shut down, and you’ll physically crash. The worst thing is that by the time you start feeling bad, you’re already in trouble, so it’s HUGELY important to stay hydrated. That means drinking plenty of water before you get on the bike, and consuming 1 liter of water every hour, especially in extreme temperatures. We try to get water that includes electrolytes (like SmartWater) to help replenish vital minerals that are lost when you sweat profusely. 3) Include stops on your route where you can cool off. One of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself is by getting out of the heat, into a cooler environment. You meet interesting people in rural convenience stores, and many have large ice freezers outside. We place our helmets in the freezers while we go inside for a cool drink. A quick stop can enable you to ride another 45 minutes even in the worst heat, so plan your ride along roads that have services and conveniences no more than 1/2 hour apart. If it’s in the 100’s and you’ve got a two hour ride before your next stop, you’re putting yourself through unnecessary misery and risk. 4) Dress properly and keep your skin covered. Seems like simple, advice, but it’s amazing how many people don’t follow it. Any areas of skin that are exposed will be much harder to Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2017 27
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AUGUST 2017
1975 HARMON CREEK ROAD, COLLIERS, WV 26035 1.5 MILES SOUTH OFF US22 EXIT 3 304.748.0290 FACEBOOK/Green Acres Cafe
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Bullet Points SPONSORED BY
ciViLity by Rick Wyatt What ever happened to common courtesy? Most of us grew up in a world where we addressed our elders as “sir” or “ma’am,” opened and held doors for the elderly, handicapped or anybody whose hands were otherwise full. We got swatted for interrupting adult conversation, we needed to be heard as well as seen, and pitching temper tantrums in public attempting to impose our will on our parents? We were often admonished “if you don’t have anything nice to says about somebody don’t say anything at all,” and forever reminded that gossip is the purview of bitter old biddies and their broken down male counterparts. So when we heard an utterance we didn’t care for we most often considered the source and refused to dignify them (or their comment) with a response. But most important of all, we learned to be responsible for not only what we said, but also for how we reacted to what was said by others, because words have meaning and actions/reactions have consequences. Fast forward a couple of generations and it appears that all hell has broken loose. On one hand you have a growing youthful faction quick to lecture about freedom of speech no matter how offensive the subject or presentation. On the other are “social justice” warriors constantly in search of a sympathetic issue to exploit. Both use mayhem as a way to prove their point as a mob destroying property, blocking traffic, shutting down cities and using physical intimidation to shout down any point of view they don’t agree with. They resort to anarchy in order to make their point, because in the arena of ideas they cannot formulate an honest, logical and coherent argument to support the extreme overreach of their demands. The tactics employed are often the brainchild of discredited 60’s and 70’s revolutionaries, who obviously played the Beatles “White Album” backwards one too many times while tokin’ on a hooka of acid laced hash, turned college professors who award credits for demonstration participation. Governmental officials explicitly or implicitly sympathizing with the cause hamper efforts to restore order to mayhem and with the addition of a national media that at times seems more intent on making news to drive higher ratings than seeking truth and reporting facts and you have a perfect storm. A wedge has been driven between the many facets that make up the fabric of our social order. I am not so naive as to believe that everything is (or has been) a peachy keen wonderful day in the neighborhood for everybody, and that injustice does not exist. But, I also know that resentment is the only lasting emotion for people beaten into acceptance of a differing point of view. The flaw in Saul Olinsiki’s (70’s revolutionary and author “Rules for Radicals”) blueprint for a changed social order is that you can’t bully people, especially Americans, into abrupt changes in social and cultural norms. Under the Obama administration, both the White House and Justice Department voiced sympathy for some anarchist movements and implicitly sanctioned their actions by refusing to step up and protect the safety and property of private citizens by enforcing the law. The substance of many people’s lives, their homes and businesses and places of employment all destroyed in a rampage (often by individuals from outside the community) and now all that is left is ashes, resentment and name calling. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
And the media has moved on in search for another kerfuffle to drive ratings for another news cycle. I don’t have enough pages to continue to wax eloquent about the media and their role in many of the problems we face as a nation. But when media crossed the line between reporting the news to making and becoming the news they also became complicit in the problem. It seems that the facts are no longer enough for news organizations that insist in practicing “gotcha” journalism (or maybe urnialism). The esteemed Dan Rather so hated George Bush the younger that he fabricated an expose around an obviously altered DD214 in an attempt to destroy Bush’s presidency. And when the deception was exposed the media circled the wagons around Rather and threw a gala where he became the first time (and only time) recipient of an award for journalistic integrity. Rather’s example wasn’t the beginning of yellow journalism, many politicians have paid a price for being at ideological odds with the media gods while agreeable dolts seem to get a pass no matter how serious the fax-pas. In fact, the news deities bragged about defeating the senior Bush thus electing that lovable redneck Bill Clinton ushering in a whole new era of political patronage and scandal, which the news did it’s best to ignore. At one time the office of Presidency was sacred and there were clearly defined boundaries that were not crossed. During the Obama years, more than one gun range owner was threatened with seizure of assets and imprisonment for allowing caricatures of Obama to be used as targets; and any individual, group or organization that spoke about the heavy hand of his justice department found themselves in the sights of the IRS. Yet both Trump and Bush have been portrayed in in high school, college and university plays with a central theme of assassination. Public funds for the arts were used to put on an adaptation of a Shakespeare play in Central Park depicting the assassination of Donald Trump night after night to cheering crowds of leftists. Not only is such conduct in poor taste, at one time it was illegal, because it fell outside the protections of the First Amendment according to the Supreme Court. Yet the media, especially television news, seemed to delight in their insistence of free speech protection for the productions. As a nation, we have many problems and none of them are going to be fixed with finger pointing and name calling by either side. I don’t agree with everything Trump does, but it’s obvious that what the government has imposed on us since the end of the Reagan years is not working for most of us and “the Donald” promised us a departure from the failing norm. The media for its part is completely unhinged and running scared, but I don’t know what they are most afraid of; Donald Trump succeeding, or the world finally seeing them for the elitist partisan hacks they really are.
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Nicole M. Dallo
Photography by Bobby T Rocks 32
AUGUST 2017
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Specs Owner: Jim Norris Paint: Black Cherry
FRAME: 1957 Frame that rides on Wide Glide Forks
ENGINE / TRANS: The engine has a Sifton Cam, Solid Lifters, SU Carbs and a Truett & Osborn Lower End. Displacement is set at 90 cubic inches, and the ’60 engine has a matching-year transmission packed with Andrews Gears and linked Barnett Clutch.
EXHAUST: Custom Built
EXTRAS: Modified Paughco Gas Tank Horseshoe Oil Tank Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2017 33
This isn’t just a hobby. It’s who I am. Rider gets it.
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#NotaHobby
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AUGUST 2017
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
BIG CITY RHINO CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY THUNDER ROADS® MID-ATLANTIC
The Challenge
Big City Rhino, LLC. is challenging you to get out and Ride. Thunder Roads® MidAtlantic, THE MAGAZINE THAT RIDES, has put this challenge together with our sponsor, Law Offices of Jay Irwin Block, LLC. This is a riding challenge like no other! It features prizes every month that you can earn by simply getting out on your bike and riding to the numerous riding destinations and events across the Mid-Atlantic area!
The Way it Works
Each month Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will announce a list of “check-in” stops. These stops are selected based upon the recommendations of our readers and confirmed by our Road Crew. Riders then ride to these locations and present their Big City Card in order to “check-in”. Once a Rider has checked-in, their card number is then entered into a drawing. Each month, Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will randomly select a rider’s check-in from across the regional states for special prizes and incentives. Prizes are developed by both Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic and our sponsors - allowing for some exciting options. The prizes may include riding gear or accessories, gift certificates, rally passes, concert tickets, and many other prizes for the motorcycle enthusiast! Every check-in counts as an entry in the drawing; if you hit 40 stops in a month, you have twice as many chances of winning as someone that only hits 20. Anyone can win with any check-in, but your chances of winning will increase by the amount you ride! The more you ride, the more opportunities you will have to win! The dedicated rider trekking across the states has a greater chance of accumulating prizes; however, even the couple that can only get out a few days a month to ride can also win! That’s the goal of this program – to encourage everyone to get out and ride!
Stop Prizes
Every month the Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic staff will randomly select winners from the check-ins. Some prizes will be specific to, and usually sponsored by, the particular stop. For instance, a leather shop may award a custom leather vest to someone visiting their store during the month of June. That would be a prize specific to that stop and only riders checking in at that location would be eligible for that prize. Other prizes will be state-wide, with everyone eligible to win checking in at any location!
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Winners
If your check-in is drawn, Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will post your card number in both the magazine and online. Riders will then have 45 days to claim their prizes. For state-wide prizes, winners will have the opportunity to select from a number of prize options. For instance, a rider might have the option of winning a Rally Package that includes accommodations and extras for attending the rally. If that rider isn’t able to take advantage of that prize, he/she may opt for an alternate available prize instead. nn Riders can check-in once a week at a particular stop (Monday - Sunday), for a maximum of 4 check-ins per month, not counting bonuses. nn Riders are able to win multiple prizes based upon the drawing of their check-ins. nn Some prize drawings are specific to check-ins only for that particular month, while others prizes are drawn from checkins all season long. nn ALL check-ins have the opportunity to qualify for end-of-theseason prizes!
IT’S REALLY THAT SIMPLE… HERE’S HOW YOU GET STARTED!
1. Get your Big City Card. 2. Find the list of stops each month from your Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic, the website (www. Thunderroadsmidatlantic.com), or Facebook 3. Ride out to these stops and show them your card. 4. Find your number published in any of the above listed locations and win! PLEASE NOTE - You can use your Big City Card indefinitely; all registrations carry over from year to year.
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Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will also be registering riders for Big City Cards at specific events throughout the year as we distribute magazines. Key events, such as Rallies or Bike Nights may have a special booth for Big City Card registrations. In most cases, we will be offering bonus points both for those registering for the cards and those checking in with their previously issued cards at these stops. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will also be working with charities and various non-profit events to include them in the Stop schedule as well. This will be an easy means of encouraging participation and attracting riders from outside the local communities. In many cases, we will have specific prize drawings for those at these events. The Big City Cards will allow participants to easily and safely check in at all stops. Some Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic sponsors will also be offering discounts to readers that present the cards. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic will be listing special discounts and offers in the magazine throughout the year as an added value to readers and means of encouraging our partners to offer these extra savings. PLEASE NOTE: Once you have received your BIG CITY CARD, you will not be asked to provide personal information or emails at any location for check-in. You simply enter your card number and date! This is not a “Chinese fire drill”, or “mad-dash” across the state. This is a Ride Challenge. It is intended to be meaningful for readers to discover new riding destinations while enjoying the ride there. In fact, we have designed the Challenge to encourage folks to break out of their local routes and trek to the furthest corners of the states.
Just Get Out and RIDE!
One of the really exciting aspects of the Big City Rhino Challenge is that it can be modified throughout the summer – if not the entire year. We will be adding and dropping stops each month. Readers will be able to nominate stops, and after we investigate them and agree that it’s suitable, they’ll be invited to join the run. Some stops will only run a few months, and possibly not consecutive. We can also modify the run if it’s determined that it’s no longer suitable. We want to keep things exciting for you - the readers and riders on the run. We’re bikers and it’s all about the ride. We want to help create fun experiences for you and share some cool spots in our states. We also want to discover new spots, which is why we are encouraging everyone to nominate their favorite riding destinations.
If You Own A Business
As with the magazine itself, the Big City Challenge is presented through the support of our sponsors and partners all across the state. We have secured several key sponsorships already, but opportunities remain. If your business would like to get involved, this is a great way to promote yourself all across the states in a positive manner. Even if your 36
BIG CITY RIDE CARD CHALLENGE JULY WINNERS CARD # 5001 7460 5220 109 7277
HOMETOWN: BELTSVILLE, MD MOUNT CLARE, WV RICHMOND, VA HYNDMAN, PA FARMINGTON, WV
**All winners have 45 days to claim their prize by emailing Challenge@BigCityRhino.com.**
organization is not a riding destination -you might become a sponsor for the tremendous promotional value it offers through the constant media attention it will receive. We also have a number of unique opportunities for branding – including being featured on contest motorcycles, jackets, shirts, and other opportunities. The exact number and nature of these options will be determined as details are finalized and as the promotion develops over the summer. Sponsors will ALWAYS have first priority in these placements.
Charities
Sponsors will also have the opportunity to team up with Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic to help promote various charity events across the states. The Big City Rhino Challenge is a great vehicle to help promote non-profit events in communities all across the state. With the support of regional and statewide sponsors - Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic can help promote these community events to a larger audience. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic is involved in countless charitable events all across the states already; however, with the support of our sponsors, we will be able to assist even more. Partners can assist in the sponsorship of specific events, areas of concern (such as breast cancer, child abuse, or animal shelters), or other specific areas. For more information on sponsorship, please email us at Challenge@bigcityrhino.com Of course, one of the key components in this whole Challenge, second only to the riders themselves, is the stops. The Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic Road Crew has spent a lot of time collecting nominations and researching stops for the Challenge; but there are undoubtedly plenty of more stops out there. If you have a venue or event that you would like to get involved in the Challenge, please don’t hesitate to let us know about it. If it’s your place, we will get in touch shortly with more information on the run and what’s involved. If you are recommending a spot for someone else, we will reach out to them and let them know they have been nominated. If you can suggest a contact person, that can help expedite the process. You can send information to Challenge@bigcityrhino.com
The Challenge starts now! Pick up your card and hit some stops!
As we mentioned, this is a dynamic event, intended to be tweaked and developed over time. If you have ideas, suggestions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can email us at Challenge@bigcityrhino.com
AUGUST 2017
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PRESENTED BY THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE® MID-ATLANTIC
(More Locations will be added every month)
Sign Up for your card or Check-in at one of these locations:
CHECK-IN LOCATIONS
BIG CITY RHINO CHALLENGE
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
CHECK-IN LOCATIONS All American H-D
8126 Old Leonardtown RD. Hughesville, MD. 19901 301-274-5000
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 4 PM Sunday - 11 AM - 3 PM
Old Glory H-D
11800 Laurel Bowie Road, Laurel, MD 20708 301-575-0575 www.oldgloryhd.com
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday - 12 PM - 5 PM
Sunset Cycles
9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy #208, Ocean City, MD 21842 410-390-5105
Tuesday -Thursday 10 AM - 7 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM Sunday - Monday - Closed
A to Z Cycles
1472 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, DE 19901 302-632-2272 www.atozcycles.com
Tuesday -Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM Sunday - Monday - Closed
Renegade Classics Richmond
7590 West Broad Street, Merchants Walk Shopping Center, Richmond, VA 23228 804-501-2453
Tuesday -Saturday - 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday - 11 AM - 4 PM Monday - Closed
Lenny’s Leather
127 North Centre St. Cumberland, MD. 21502 240-362-8211
Tuesday -Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM Sunday - Monday - Closed
Kickstands Bar and Grill
3200 Junkins Ave. Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-624-0600
Hours Vary
Blaze Leather
2239 Harrison Ave, Elkins, WV 26241 (681) 298-5055 www.blaze-leather.com
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday - 10 PM - 3 PM
Triple S Harley Davidson
7300 Willie G Avenue, Westover, WV 26501 www.tripleshd.com (304) 284-8244
Monday - Closed Tuesday - Friday 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday & Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM
Big Daddyz Cycles
2810 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Hayes, VA 23072 804-642-3436
Tuesday -Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday - Monday - Closed
Baltimore H-D
8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003 www.hdstore.com
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday - 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday - Closed
Whirled of Color
116 Roesler Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday - 8 AM - 12 PM Sunday - Closed
Port Vape and Brew
8 S Main St, Port Deposit, MD 21904 443-895-1806
Thursday 5 PM - 12 AM Friday 5 PM - 2 AM Saturday 4 PM - 2 AM Sunday - 3 PM - 10 PM Monday - Wednesday - Closed
The Tavern
4975 St Leonard Rd, Saint Leonard, Maryland (410) 586-2225
Monday-Sunday 11 AM - 2 AM
Toots Bar
23975 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-2955
Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 2 AM Sunday - 11 AM - 12 AM
Brews and Cues
7954 B & A Blvd, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21060 410-761-6161 www.brews-cues.com
Monday-Friday 3 PM - 2 AM Saturday-Sunday - 11 AM - 2 AM
TG Automotive
8176 Telegraph Road Suite E, Severn, MD 21144 443-274-7710 www.tgautomotivemd.net
Monday -Friday 8 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday - 9 AM - 5 PM (Appt Only) Sunday - Closed
The Woodstock Inn
1514 Woodstock RD. Woodstock, MD 21163 410-750-3673 www.woodstockinn.net
Monday-Saturday - 11 AM - 2 AM Sunday - 10 AM - 2 AM
Rips
3809 N. Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD 20716 Wine & Spirit Shoppe 301-805-5902 www.ripscountryvillage.com
Sunday - 9 AM - 10 PM Monday-Thursday - 8 AM - 10 PM Friday-Saturday - 8 AM - 11 PM
Southern MD Pawn
2224 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601 240-222-3547 www.smdpawn.com
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday - Closed
Pete’s Cycle Severna Park
800 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD. 21146 410-647-5880 www.petescycle.com
Tuesday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 5 PM Monday - Sunday - Closed
Pete’s Cycle Bel Air
344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586 www.petescycle.com
Tuesday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 5 PM Monday - Sunday - Closed
Pete’s Cycle Baltimore
7511 Belair Rd. Baltimore, MD. 21236 443-663-8556 www.petescycle.com
Monday -Friday 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday - Closed
Outback Leather
309 Main Street, Laurel, MD. 20707 301-604-2211 www.mdoutbackleather.com
Tuesay - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday - 10 AM - 2 PM Sunday - Monday - Closed
Big City Body Art
154 Lafayette Ave. Unit C, Laurel, MD. 20707 240-482-6162 www.bigcitybodyart.com
Tuesay -Friday 12 PM - 8 PM Sunday - 12 PM - 6 PM Monday - Closed
Old Town Grill
832 S. Main Street, Hampstead, MD. 21074 410-239-8134 www.oldtowngrillmd.com
Opens Every Day @ 11 AM Specials when you Check-In
CHECK-IN LOCATIONS
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AUGUST 2017
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Braxton County, WV is the ideal place to start motorcycle tours in West Virginia. Nearly all the best scenic rides in the state can begin here, from two hour loops to two and three day trips. Braxton offers many motorcycle friendly choices in accommodations, restaurants, and fuel, not to mention its own gems to discover including, the Sutton and Burnsville Lakes, two water trails, and the Flatwoods Monster. Call, click, or visit today to learn more!
BraxtonWV.org/Thunder (304)765-6533 info@braxtonwv.org Thunder RoadsÂŽMid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2017 39
NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIDE!
MAWMR 2017 A By Alison Cummings
FEW MONTHS AGO, I got a Facebook notification for a group ride to attend the Mid Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally with some friends in the area. I hesitated as I am a relatively new rider and the rally was in Front Royal, VA. I began my research: distance, hotels, and then MAWMR itself. MAWMR is an annual event held every June. The website (mawmr.org) states that “it brings together women motorcyclists and enthusiasts for a three day rally full of friendship, games, educational seminars, rides, contests and fundraising to support women with the challenges of cancer. The weekend culminates in the Parade of Chrome to honor women riders, cancer survivors and pledge our support to those that have been touched by cancer.” They had me. I was in. No matter what I had planned, no matter what was going on at work….I was going to be there. I registered immediately and found a nearby hotel as the host hotel was already booked. I have to admit, while I made the instant decision to attend, I battled with my own social anxiety and self-doubt for several months. What if I didn’t fit in? What if I didn’t ride well enough? I only knew the two people I was riding with and I barely knew them. For two months I battled back and forth. Then June arrived. I looked for excuses not to go while my husband and children pushed me, told me that I never do anything for myself and to go have fun. I felt guilty.
Wednesday, June 14th arrived and I had plans to meet the other two ladies at 11am to head out. I had packed up my one travel case and hooked it up to the bike. I was still looking for a reason not to go. We met up, gassed up, and got on the road. There was no turning back now. We had a beautiful ride, through backroads, stopping for lunch, then on through Harper’s Ferry and into Front Royal. I was nervous. I was afraid. We pulled into the Holiday Inn to several bikes already in the parking lot, where we parked, removed gear and headed to the lobby. We walked into a lobby full of lady riders laughing, hugging, greeting and teasing. We were directed to the registration room where we were welcomed again, signed papers, signed up for times for zip lining and tubing, and received our MAWMR Swag Bags. My friends were staying at the host hotel and checked in while I headed over to my hotel to unload the bike and rest a bit before heading back for dinner. I sat in the hotel room and told myself “I can do this.” Dinner that night set the scene for the entire weekend. A few of
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us, including several of the MAWMR Board Members, rode to dinner in Front Royal. When I tell you these are some of the most amazing women I have ever met? I truly mean it. They were all open and welcoming, encouraging, funny, inspiring, strong women. They ensured that each and everyone one of us
felt a part of the group and were heartfelt with their sincerity. I went back to my room that night with a newfound comfort and was looking forward to the next day. The Board sets out a pretty full schedule with events and activities for all ranges of riding skills and interests both on and off a motorcycle. Guided rides, workshops, speakers, games both on and off the bikes, zip lining and tubing to name a few. It was clear the amount of work they had all put in to ensure that each of us had a wonderful time. I sat down that night and reviewed the schedule, trying to figure out how much I could fit in and when. I decided to skip the breakfast ride and go for the Skyline Drive ride and lunch. I was nervous with all the curves and turns as I am a relatively new rider, but with encouragement from others and the guarantee that I could go at my own pace? I stepped out there. I am so glad that I did. Thursday morning, we set out at 9am with 55 bikes in line. It was the most amazing feeling to ride down the road with these women. To see the line of bikes and the waves and smiles from onlookers – it felt great to be a part of this. We rode up Skyline drive to have lunch at the Skyland Lodge. The ride up was amazing. The view was blocked by fog and we got slightly wet, but there was laughter, dancing when we stopped to put on rain gear, and more laughter. There was a sisterhood that I had never experienced before. After lunch the group broke up into smaller groups who rode back down at their own paces. I took up the tail end with some much more experienced riders hoping that by taking up the rear, I wouldn’t hold them back. Talk about an adrenaline rush, a confidence booster, a straight up amazing ride! I was so proud of myself as I kept up with these women! My confidence on my own bike and the capabilities of it was boosted.
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Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Upon return to the hotel, we found a hospitality room, a parking lot with vendors, biker bingo and new found friendships. This would be base camp until Sunday. The host hotel was amazing and the staff was wonderful. The hotel was filled to the gills with women, laughter, jokes, teasing, costumes and just plain fun! Thursday evening was a guided dinner ride to the Winchester Walking Mall. Over 100 bikes with women of all ages and backgrounds sharing a common love for the ride. We all split up for dinner at various restaurants and met up back at the “Garage” for an evening of games and laughter. I sat back Thursday night watching the activities. Getting roped into playing a game that consisted of thighs, toilet paper and mops…. something in the past my anxiety would never have let me be a part of. There was something about these women that made me comfortable in my own skin. Something about meeting and talking to women who have survived so much and overcome so many obstacles and who genuinely embraced and cared for me. Back at my hotel, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. For the first time in I don’t know how many of my 47 years, I felt peaceful, happy and like I belonged. Friday morning many of the group was heading out to go tubing. Something my fair skin would avoid. I took the morning to myself and headed over in the afternoon to partake in the workshops, shopping with the vendors, the games, and sitting around chatting. The rain decided to interfere with the bike games, but the attitudes and camaraderie continued! Friday night was a catered group dinner with an amazing keynote speaker. Ursala Wachowiak (http://www.hdbroad.com/), shared her story and even more importantly, her zest for life. Her
encouragement to follow your dreams and to not let anyone get in the way and to live your life in your own way. I was fortunate to be able to not only hear her speak, but to actually get to spend some one on one time with her. I don’t know if I could articulate the power that this woman gave me and the inspiration that she truly is. Through it all? She is one of the most positive, fun loving persons I have ever met and I am blessed to say that she is now my friend. The dinner then rolled into a full blown Pajama Party! With rollers, robes, fuzzy slippers and Wonder Woman PJs! Not to mention the appearance of Buffy and Ginger! The cornhole tournament was in full effect and there was a vicious game of musical chairs. If you have never seen grown women who ride bikes fight for a chair? You have no clue! I was scared and glad that I was just a bystander! The evening rolled on into the early morning before everyone decided to turn in for the early morning rides. Saturday was the last day. I didn’t want it to end, but we had a full day. From Breakfast rides to workshops, to lunch rides and painting with Wrae; the day culminated with the highlighted Parade of Chrome. 99 bikes, 118 women riders led in a parade by the Mayor of Front Royal, Mr. Hollis Tharpe. The town was so welcoming, from police escorts, to waves, smiles, and blowing horns. It was so empowering to be a part of this! Little girls lined up on the sidewalk with smiles of excitement as they waved to us going by, I couldn’t help but wonder if one day they too would join us. We arrived back at the host hotel and took a group photo with the bikes then just with the women. 227 registrations for the event, 129 of them “newbies” or first timers. The atmosphere was electric. We had a short time to get ready for the Banquet. The reason we were really all here. There were speeches, retirements from the board, prizes for the bike show, and thank you’s all around for the job that all that planned this wonderful event did. There were two keynote speakers, again, both amazing women who have accomplished in my mind, amazing things. Tamela Rich (http://tamelarich. com) an author and road trip expert. Danell Lynn (http:// www.danelllynn.com/) who holds the Guinness record for the world’s longest motorcycle journey in a single country. continued...
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They were mesmerizing. To hear the stories that these women have actually lived was awe inspiring and started my gears as to what I wanted to do, how I wanted to travel, how I wanted to live life.
presents
Then came the introductions of the two guest foundations. These are the two groups that MAWMR Inc. raises funds to support. H.O.P.E. “Help for Oncology Problems and Emotional Support (http:// hopeforcancerfamilies.org/) and Pink Out (http://pinkoutinc. org/) both organizations who help women and families touched by cancer. These organizations have touched the lives of several of the members and attendees of MAWMR and are truly grateful for the work the organization does for them. After brief speeches by both representatives, the donations began. Many riding clubs had been raising funds all year, others called the board that day, and others gave individual donations. The final donation that evening was $7,700. To date, MAWMR Inc, has raised over $400,000 with this year being the 25th anniversary of the rally. There were 26 Motorcycle clubs along with independent riders represented and supporting the cause to include Twin rose Lady Riders, Spyder Riders of America – Ladies Eastern Nat’l Chapter, Capitol Cruisers, Lost Girls, Women in the Wind, Women on Two & Three, Sisters in Service, VA Lady Riders, DC Wolfpack, Winchester (VA) Ladies of Harley, Garden State Girls, Chelles Angels, Berks (PA) Ladies of Harley, Lady Riders of NC – Triad Chapter, Motor Maids, Ladyrider Inc., Shenandoah Valley Christian Riders, American Legion Riders, Baltimore Metro Chapter of HOG, X2 Ride Like a Girl, Silent Service MC – MA Chapter, Honey Badgers, Sirens MC – NYC, CMA Won by One and the Baltimore Ramblers. There are no words to explain the feelings of that evening so I won’t even try. The evening turned into night, there was the finals of the cornhole tournament, the Chinese auction and a photo booth. The late stayers were entrenched in a few games of clutch plate before retiring for the night and planning for the ride home the next day. I returned to my hotel room tired but so full of some amazing feeling. I guess it was acceptance. Maybe being part of something so spectacular that changes people lives. Maybe being inspired to not just go through life living, but to actually LIVE life. Sunday was a day of exchanging phone numbers, saying “see ya later’s”, packing up, and already missing people I had just met. I hung around until the last minute when we really had to get on the road. These women are amazing. Each and every one of them. The Board Members are awesome and hardworking and focused on everyone having a good time. I can honestly say that I left a different person than when I had arrived. I don’t know if any of these women will ever fully understand how much they touched me and changed my life. I am grateful for this rally. I will be back each and every year that my health allows. One final thought? I go for my first mammogram in two weeks. I’m scared, I won’t lie. But I can honestly say that that fear gets smaller every time I think about this rally. I know for a fact that if ANYTHING comes up and I make one phone call? I will have a couple hundred sisters of the wind that will be there for support for myself and my family. Just as I will be here for any of them.
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SPONSORED BY
LOCATION Big Falls Inn White Marsh, MD 410-256-2500 Damon & Company Gloucester, VA 804-693-7218 Tom’s Bullpen Dover, DE Back Yard Grill Chantilly VA 703-802-6400
AUGUST 2017
DATE AND TIME DAY Aug 17th 7pm-10pm Thurs Aug 31st 7pm-10pm
Thurs
Sept 11th 7pm- 10pm
Mon
Sept 28th 7pm- 10pm
Thurs
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
1121 Frogtown Rd, Hanover, PA 17331
Over 100 Harley Tires In Stock Dunlop - Michelin
Authorized Dealer
Zipper’s Performance Products
Servicing All Brands - Gift Cards
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AUGUST 2017 43
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Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT:
WolfPackApp I downloaded the WolfPack App (check it out: www. wolfpack.run) last September after a friend of mine suggested it for our weekly group rides (there is about 8 to 10 of us). At first, I will admit, I was skeptical. I’m not necessarily the most high-tech guy and although the concept sounded good I wasn’t sure whether it’d be everything he cracked it up to be. I trust my buddy’s judgment though, so I downloaded it and decided to upgrade to the premium version (like two bucks a month) because he used the extra features you get (trip planning with way points and a place to chat and share photos of your rides, mostly) which was not a bad idea at all. Right away I liked that it was easy to use. My buddy had already set up a Pack that had our other riding regulars (I was the last one to download the thing apparently). He invited me to the run we were doing up to Brooklyn for a block party and I liked that the route was all easily viewable beforehand. Normally we just show up morning-of and try to explain the route verbally, which sometimes gets lost in translation. He also had waypoints charted out for us (according to A New Class of Group Riding has Arrived him, took him minutes to do that) so we could stop at WolfPack - Get There Together a place with great waffles on the way and have a gas break for folks with peanut tanks.
7WP TR2TE0R 1 CODE TO
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WolfPack reinvents the social experience for Group Riding. Plan your route, easily and in minutes, share with your pack, navigate together, communicate, and enjoy the ride, all from your Android or iOS device.
Morning of the ride we had 9 bikes show up to head to BK and only one guy wasn’t using WolfPack because he had a flip phone (ha ha). The rest of us fired up the app and as we rolled out. Not only did the app give us all turn by turn nav, with voice, but, we actually saw our relative location to each other! About an hour in I got lagging behind a bit and noticed everyone else getting further away from me on the WolfPack radar. I picked up the pace to catch up after my body sent me a “Close the Gap” message (precanned, you cannot type while riding) - right on the middle of my screen. Long story short, we all got to the waffle place, the gas station and then to BK, together. I’ve admitted to my bud he was right and we’ve been using WolfPack consistently since. Definitely makes all the planning, organizing, navigating and communicating a lot easier for our weekly rides. Didn’t think phone technology could make riding even better but, apparently, it can. Paul Webb
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Sometimes you look at a flyer or event posting for a ride and you think “that sounds like a great cause.” So, when I saw the “Christmas in July” ride flyer, I just had to check this one out. I touched base with the ride director, Traci Hackley, who also serves as the President of the Rolling Thunder Virginia Chapter 5, and was just a really sweet lady. She told me about how the club collects toys from donors and stores, rides them to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and gives them out to the children in the Hospital suffering from all kinds of different ailments that kids should not have to deal with. They actually do this ride twice a year, July and December with this ride being their 17th annual. Obviously, I picked the ride with the nicer weather. Since the point of origin for the ride was in Petersburg, Virginia, about an hour and a half away, I decided to ride up the day before to visit some prospective Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic clients. The weather man was predicting thunderstorms and a 60-70% chance of rain all the way up to the night before I would ride out. I really did not want to resort to riding in a cage, but riding in torrential downpours is not my idea of a good time. Taking my chances, I loaded up and checked the forecast one more time before I left. A 60% chance of rain was now down to 10% which just made me laugh as I hopped on my iron horse took off. I wish my job would let me be wrong half the time and still let me keep my job. I headed west down 58 to Hwy. 460 which has got to be the straightest road in all of Virginia. If it weren’t for the frequent little towns and changes in speed limits, I could easily doze off during this drive. I drove
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up Hwy. 10 to Hopewell and then into Charles City where I stopped in at Bob’s Cycle Barn and Museum. Nestled in between part of the James River and a horse farm, this was a gem of a find. Bob himself wasn’t around but one of his mechanics was happy to show me around was seemed to be a half museum, half storeroom for a guy who obviously loved bikes. He must have close to 100 motorcycles, mostly dirt and sport bikes, in his collection. The property also has a dirt track with jumps and curves that would get any dirt rider’s heart pumping. Bob also offers a summer camp for kids to come and learn, practice and perfect their dirt riding skills. I headed up Hwy. 36 to Cavelli’s Leather Shop which had some great quality biker jackets, vests and other apparel for the rider. They also had a nice selection of biker and cowboy boots, along with a shoe repair shop. It was all I could do to keep my credit card from jumping out of my wallet at this place. From there I was off to Colonial Harley-
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Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Davidson in Prince George where I talked with my new friend Don Hager about their awesome dealership. Just over a stone’s throw away was Commonwealth PowerSports, which has one of the largest and most impressive displays of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris and Indian machines I have ever seen. Whether you want to get your thrills on asphalt, water or mud, on 2-wheels to 4, they had a machine for you. Traci was so kind to set me up at her hotel, the Baymont Inn and Suites for the night and even had Pat, a former Prez of Rolling Thunder Virginia Chapter 5, and his wife to kindly escort me the next morning to the meet-up site on 460. About 45 bikes made the ride down 460 with a stop in Wakefield to honor one of their fallen. It was on this ride 10 years ago when one of the riders went down on the return trip home. They took a few minutes to pay their respects to the fallen brother who shared their passion for this cause. We continued our ride to meet more bikers at the Bayside Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth where we gathered up more toys and stuffed animals for the children. A police escort from the dealership to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital by the Portsmouth Sheriff Department was appreciated with nearly 70 bikes making the trek. Upon arrival at the Navy base, we were greeted by members of the Red Cross and the Executive Officer of the base, Captain Matthew Case. A nice
added touch was certificates of appreciation by the club President, Traci to all of the MC’s, RC’s and other supporting organizations. It was a great gathering of like minded clubs including Azraels MC, Red Knights Virginia Chapter 2 & 8, American Legion Post 2, 146, 284, CVMA 27-3, Buffalo Soldiers, Sons of Poseidon, Brotherhood of Honor MC, Southern Cross RC, Colonial Harley HOG Riders, Bayside Harley HOG Riders, Unleashed Beast MC, Saints & Soldiers RC, Rolling Thunder VA, Chapter 5 and the Patriot Guard. We were joined by Winnie the Pooh and the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus as we toured the facilities and began to meet the children. Many of the bikers who were on this run for the first time got to personally present a gift to a patient. There were a lot of smiles as these children were greeted by the burly bikers with presents during their hospital stay. There were also several tears of joy among many of us as we talked with children who had been in the hospital anywhere from several hours to a few months. It was very heart wrenching to see children suffering from illnesses in a hospital when they should be outside playing during their summer. It was an honor to bring a little bit of joy to their lives. As many people said, it is impossible to do this ride without it changing something about your life. I know it changed my life for the better and I will be there again next year…and maybe even in December. Brrrrr… Darren Myers Road Crew Member Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES AIM-2622-F-Ad for Tennessee.indd 1 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) MILLENNIALS ARE NEGATIVELY IMPACTING MOTORCYCLING U.S. motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson, which represents about half of America’s big-bike market, were down 3.9% last year, and investment management firm Alliance Bernstein recently downgraded the Motor Company’s rating while citing the millennial generation as a key contributor in the brand’s downturn. “Our data suggests the younger Gen Y population is adopting motorcycling at a far lower rate than prior generations,” AB analyst David Beckel told AOL’s Business Insider. “Gen Y’s are aging into the important ‘pre-family’ cohort of riders and Boomers are increasingly handing over their keys to the smaller Gen X population.” Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers in numbers to become the largest generation pool in the United States, and these 18 to 35-year-olds grew up during a recession, which has impacted their spending habits. “I think we have got a very significant psychological scar from this great recession,” according to Morgan Stanley analyst Kimberly Greenberger. “One in every five households at the time were severely negatively impacted by that event. And, if you think about the children in that house and how the length and depth of that recession really impacted people, I think you have an entire generation with permanently changed spending habits.” BIKE-TO-VEHICLE (B2V) TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS Drivers involved in an accident with a motorcycle often claim they didn’t see the bike. Their smaller size, quickness and maneuverability makes motorcycles more difficult to identify in traffic. Autotalks, the world leader in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication solutions, is launching its bike-to-vehicle (B2V) solution, a technology for the prevention of motorcycle accidents. The solution is based on the B2X (Bike-to-Everything) chipset developed by the Israeli company. Research conducted by Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, finds that motorcycle-to-car communication 48
could prevent almost one third of motorcycle related accidents, 11/1/11 5:06 PM which has encouraged the German company to develop what they call a “digital protective shield” for riders. Digital visibility would warn the driver of a car about a motorcycle’s close presence, even when it’s not visible to the human eye. The goal of the new technology is to prevent accidents from occurring, by providing warning notices on dashboards. The data would be exchanged by vehicle transmitters through public WLAN and ITS-G5. Potential hazards and nearby motorcycles would then show up on satellite navigation, including direction of travel, position, speed, acceleration, and vehicle type. Advantages of the Autotalks’ B2V solution include simple integration, low power consumption, the smallest form factor, highest range of operating temperature and smallest physical size, which results in its resistance to the strong vibration and challenging environmental conditions of motorcycles. OREGON ENACTS R-O-W LAW TO PROTECT MOTORCYCLISTS A “Right-of-Way” or R-O-W law has been enacted in Oregon, as House Bill 2598 was signed by Governor Kate Brown on June 20, 2017. The bill also known as the “Milkman Mike Act” or the “Driver Responsibility Bill” will become law on January 1, 2018 and expands the offense of vehicular assault to include contact with motorcycle, motorcycle operator or motorcycle passenger that causes physical injury. “This means that if a reckless driver injures a motorcycle rider or their passenger, the driver can be charged with vehicular assault and will be a Class A Misdemeanor,” reports the Oregon Confederation of Clubs. The punishment can be doing time up to one year in prison and a maximum fine up to a $6,250. “This is a great win for Oregon riders!!,” states the Oregon COC on their website (www.oregoncoc.org). “Now we have something that has some teeth in it to punish drivers who are determined to be ‘reckless’. We have had too many brothers and sisters run down by car drivers getting a ticket for nominal money or no ticket at all. At best they get a slight bump in their insurance rates. And in the case of no ticket, their insurance company never really has a clue they have a high risk client on their hands.
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“All it took was a sharp attorney (Oregon A.I.M. Attorney Christopher Slater) to do a very simple thing. He had the great idea to look to see if there is existing legislation. He found legislation that covered bicyclists and pedestrians (ORS 811.060). From there it was easy to add a few words…’motorcycle rider and passenger.’ It was so simple it was brilliant. Much thanks to Christopher and his efforts. Many thanks to BikePac of Oregon and ABATE of Oregon who also worked hard to make this bill a reality. “And may Milkman Mike rest in peace forever. This legislation is something he worked hard to achieve for many years. He was unable to see it done due to a health issue and we lost him several years ago. Mike was constantly working within the motorcycle rights community. He also worked as the coordinator for the Coalition of Independent Riders (COIR). He spent a great amount of time adding non affiliated and independent riders to his communication roster.” NORTH CAROLINA TO PROVIDE DRIVER INSTRUCTION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT STOPS Similar to a measure recently adopted in Louisiana to teach new licensees how to interact with police during traffic stops, House Bill 21 “Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops” has been approved unanimously by the North Carolina legislature and signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 12, 2017. HB 21 provides that “The Division, in consultation with the State Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, shall include in the driver license handbook a description of law enforcement procedures during traffic stops and the actions that a motorist should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interactions with law enforcement officers.” OHIO ‘DEAD RED’ LAW AMENDED FOR BICYCLES ONLY During a lame-duck legislative session ending last December, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 154, commonly referred to as a “Dead Red” law, allowing all vehicles and bicycles to treat a malfunctioning traffic signal as a stop sign and to proceed through a red light after a reasonable time has elapsed, as long as the intersection is clear and you must yield to oncoming traffic with the right of way. Signed by the governor, the new law was to take effect in March, but an amendment was introduced and fast-tracked as an emergency measure to remove all motor vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles) from the law, and House Bill 9 amended the red light section to apply to bicycles only. Under the language of HB 154, if drivers think they have waited long enough at a red light, they can go through it, explained Representative Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), primary sponsor of the amendment bill HB 9 “To amend section 4511.132 of the Revised Code to specify that the alternative protocol for proceeding into an intersection with malfunctioning traffic lights due to a failure of a vehicle detector applies only to bicycles, and to declare an emergency.” Unlike when a stoplight is out or blinking because of a mechanical failure, there is no way for a driver to know for sure if an otherwise Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
functioning light has been signaled to change, so legislators worried that the law would allow motor vehicle drivers to treat intersections like stop signs. Lawmakers rushed to fix the law, and HB 154 passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law as an emergency measure by Gov. John Kasich, taking effect right away. While ABATE of Ohio maintains that all Traffic Control Devices should be in good working order at all times and is working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to report/repair malfunctioning devices (Red Light Hotline (614) 387-0722 or biker.report@ dot.state.oh.us), the organization reports that “Legislation granting motorcycles the ability to treat a malfunctioning traffic signal as a stop sign is planned for the future.” Basically, “Dead Red” laws allow a motorcyclist stopped at an intersection who has not been detected by a traffic signal sensor to run the light legally, when done so safely. Currently, 20 states have enacted such laws, varying in specificity from 45 seconds to 3 minutes, or 1-2 cycles of the light, or “when safe”: AR, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, NV, NC, OK, OR, NJ, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WY. NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZES VETERAN RIDERS On Thursday, June 22, 2017 the New Jersey Senate and the Assembly voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill No. 1750, and Assembly Bill No. 2729, to create a Veteran license plate for motorcycles. This establishes “U.S. VET” plates for any honorably discharged Veteran. There will be an annual $10 charge for these plates and all monies collected will be deposited in a fund to be used by the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs for the support of programs benefiting New Jersey military veterans. “When the Governor signs this legislation, it will end an over eight year campaign by ABATE for these plates,” announced Frank C. Maimone of ABATE of the Garden State. WHAT IF 10% OF DRIVERS SWITCHED TO MOTORCYCLES? In recognition of Ride to Work Day in June, the Motorcycle Industry Association in the U.K. released figures highlighting the benefits for everyone if just 10% of car drivers made the switch to two wheels -including a 20% increase in parking spaces, a 40% reduction in road congestion and financial savings from less cars on the road. The figures come from a Belgian study, which modeled traffic for one of Europe’s congested roads and found that if 10% of car drivers swapped four wheels for two, congestion for all road users went down by 40%. If 25% of drivers rode, congestion was completely eliminated. The INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard calculated the cost of congestion to the economy at around £30 billion a year ($39 billion USD) – a figure that would reduce if more people switched to two wheels. Drivers could gain up to the equivalent of four days (32 hours) annually stuck in traffic. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” ~ Amelia Earhart (1897 - ?), American aviation heroine
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AUTUMN JOI LIVE - UNSTOPPABLE PHOTOS BY ADRIAN MCQUEEN
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OR THOSE members of our audience that may not know of this dynamic young lady, it gives us great pleasure to introduce you to Autumn Joi. For those of you already aware of this remarkably talented, reality star, radio personality, actress, TV ONE and TMZ correspondent and least we not forgettrendsetting true model, allow us to re-introduce you to a side you may not know, the adrenaline loving, wheelie popping, BikeLife fanatic side of Autumn Joi Live.
Always grinding and reinventing herself while remaining true to her core beliefs and principals, Autumn’s career has endured and is enduring the test of time. This is in part to not only her insatiable sense of hustle, but also her ability to remain grounded as she takes on new challenges such as with the male dominated BikeLife scene.
Always having a bit of a tomboy within, the lure of the BikeLife started calling. So needless to say she had to answer and did so in a big way with reaching out with some of the most recognized talents in the BikeLife movement such as the infamous Wheelie Wayne as her mentor with her weapon of choice, a Yamaha Raptor 700 that affectionately goes by Ricco. One of Autumn’s goals is to help empower young ladies by being an example that anything is possible with hard work and determination. “You want to stunt. Do it. You want to get that degree. Do it. I’m thankful and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had because they’ve helped shape me into the person I am today.” she says with smile. “This is why I want to give back and show young ladies they can achieve their dreams and goals. I want to show its OK, to have fun and stunt around while still being that intelligent feminine woman within that likes to be cute at the club”she continued with joy. This is just the beginning as she now embarks on yet another new challenging
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and rewarding opportunity, the mid-day personality on K97.5 in Raleigh North Carolina. For more be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter @AutumnJoiLive. AutumnJoiLive. #UNSTOPPABLE
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upcoming events
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic 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@BigCityRhino.com
DELAWARE Bike Nights: Monday’s Tom’s Bullpen – Dover, DE. 6-10PM DJ Bug Rocking all your favorite hits Everyone is WELCOME! Great Food - Cold Drinks Please Keep the BULLSHIT at HOME! Wednesday’s Hooter’s New Castle, DE. 6-10PM Events: “Big Al” Memorial Sweaty Ball Charity Run Saturday, August 13, 2017 – 10AM-3 PM Boston Market, 3130 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808 Proceeds benefit local charities! Music, Food & Ice Cold Beverages will be available at the event Come Out & Support This Worthy Cause!!! All Bikes Welcome - Vendors welcome!!! Rain or Shine Heroes End of Watch Saturday, August 12, 2017 – 8:30AM - 2 PM Rommel Harley-Davidson® Smyrna, 450 Stadium St, Smyrna, DE 19977 Escorted ride from Rommel’s Harley Davidson in Smyrna to Delaware Park in Newark. Honoring all Delaware Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and Military Members who died saving lives and protecting our freedom this past year All proceeds will be donated to the families of the fallen. $15 per Rider - $10 per Passenger
MARYLAND 2nd Annual Bike Event for Paralyzed Veterans of America Saturday, August 5, 2017 – 9 AM - 6 PM Tropic Thunder Bar & Grill, 44 Thomas Ave, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 Biker Charities Foundation presents the 2nd Annual Bike Event to Benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America 100% Donated Fundraiser 9-10am Registration 10 am Blessing of the bikes 11am Kickstands up $25 Motorcycle Entry - $10 for Passenger $10 non-participants in the ride 3 Live bands at return to Tropic Thunder More info - Nancy - 410-736-3396 54
9th Annual Ride for Animals Sunday, August 6th, 2017 - 10 AM – 6 PM Dundalk Post 38 – 3300 Dundalk Ave. Dundalk, MD Live Music from 11 am – 6 PM Bands include – Love in Vein, Radio Monkey, WTF, Wind up Toy Vendors Raffle Games and More More info contact – Natalie – 443-447-5768 Apple’s 14th Annual East Coast Motorcycle Rally August 9, 2017 – August 13, 2017 Formerly known as the “East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” Two Stages, GREAT BANDS five days of Colossal Entertainment You Won’t Forget! Come Early, Stay Late! There will also be a Poker Run, Bike Show, Field Events, Contests and All Kinds of Wild Fun! This is the event that’s taking the country by storm! All the reasons are right. Mountains, Open Country, Good People, Clean Air and the Freedom of the road! The East Coast Motorcycle Rally is the hot spot for motorcyclist to get together for good times, good food, and great entertainment. Come, Camp, Party! NO ONE DAY RATE! Rally Ticket price includes: Camping / Concerts / Tours / motorcycle Demolition Derby and All other Activities HOT SHOWERS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY : FREE RV’S, CAMPERS, BUSES ETC.. Apple mountain main event grounds for the east coast motorcycle rally has no full hook up sites, rv’s, campers etc are welcome on the main event grounds, self-contained. 2nd Annual Combat Vets Motorcycle Association - Scavenger Hunt Saturday, August 12, 2017 – 8:30AM - 2 PM Vfw Post 521, 214 S Tollgate Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 The scavenger hunt will take place within Baltimore County and Carrol County. You will be given a list of items for the hunt. Once an item is found, you will have to take a selfie styled picture of yourself (or your team) and the item. When you have collected all the items, or when time runs out, return to the registration point. Once all entries are validated, a winner will be announced. In case of a tie, the winner’s name will be drawn from a hat. This event will be held rain or shine. There will be silent auctions, raffles and 50/50 as well as grilled burgers and hotdogs and music. Join us in the fun of the hunt! Representatives from various veteran charities such as “Suits for Success” a charity that gathers professional clothing for women veterans that are returning to the civilian workforce, will be on hand at the event. This event is being hosted by VFW Post 521 located at 214 Tollgate Road, Owings AUGUST 2017
Mills, MD 21117 Cash Bar Registration starts at 8:30am Pre-registration $30.00 per rider/driver / $20.00 passenger Pre-registration includes a t-shirt - please be sure to indicate your size(s) Registration at the door - $35.00 per rider/ driver / $25.00 per passenger Come by car, bike, plane or train!!! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!! Thunder Walrus Benefit Friday, August 18, 2017 5 PM – 12 AM Rodgers House Tavern, 226 N Washington St, Havre De Grace, MD 21078 Come out and show your support for Tim Yarosh, who suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident on April 12th. Dinner served from 6-10pm - Pit Beef/Han, Mac & Cheese, Pasta, Fries, Salad, Beans & Dessert Live Music and Comedy Silent Auction - 50/50 - Money Wheel Door Prizes Tickets $40 per person - or Table of 8 for $300.00 More info - https://www.facebook.com/ events/1801407346837635/ The Woodstock Inn’s - Bikefest Sunday’s Sunday, August 20, 2017 11 AM – 8 PM 1415 Woodstock Road. Woodstock, MD. 21163 Bands, Bikers, BBQ, and Beer! No Cover Noon - 5PM Bands – AWAKEN Giving Back 2017, Legion MC Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 9 AM - 6 PM Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163 Save the date! Saturday, August 26th will be Legion MC’s biennial Giving Back charity event. Rain date (rain or shine) is set for Saturday, September 9th. This year we will be supporting two great causes: Travis Manion Foundation (www. travismanion.org/) and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/). Come out and join Legion MC for day full of music, drinks, food, and fun all in support of two great causes! More details to come. www.legionmc.com River Rat Observation Run Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 10 AM - 4 PM Harley-Davidson of Williamsport, 10210 Governor Ln Blvd #2004, Williamsport, MD 21795 Self-guided Observation Run visiting historic sites through the Williamsport/ Hagerstown region and Antietam Battlefield to benefit the USO and Williamsport MD HOG Chapter 1544. Proceeds will be split 3 ways between the USO, Williamsport HOG, and winner of the drawing of all who complete the Run and Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Liberty 5 Memorial Ride Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 9 AM - 4 PM 39 Main St, East New Market, MD 21631 In Honor of our local Hero - SPC “Mikey” Yates And the other service-members killed at Camp Liberty on 11 May 2009 Registration starts @ 9:00 AM - KSU @ 11:00 AM $15.00 per Bike - Proceeds to Benefit Hassler’s Helping Hands of America & Liberty 5 Memorial Fund For More Information - Shawna 410-310-2552 Charm City Mods vs. Rockers Saturday, August 26, 2017 – Noon - 5 PM American Legion Post 38, 3300 Dundalk Ave, Dundalk, MD 21222 Vintage & Retro Motorcycle & Scooter Show ABATE of Maryland Mid-Shore Chapter Annual Labor Day Weekend Party September 1st-2nd, 2017 Queen Anne’s County 4H Park, Dulin Clark Rd. Centreville, MD Come in on Friday and Stay thru Sunday Morning! Bands – Lime Green and Twisted Fate Tattoo by Ink Well Tattoo Event Pass - $40 per person, or $50 per Couple Daily Pass - $10 or $20 with Beer Band Tent and Camper Spaces Available – Bottomless Beer Mug – Bike Shows – Motorcycle Rodeo – Adult & Kid Games – Vendors (Free Spaces) – Food Trucks – Scenic Rides – 50/50 Drawing – Basket of Cheer Raffle For More info Contact Ken Eaton – 410-924-3374 Or – www.abatemidshore.wix.com/midshore 2nd Annual Celebration of Life for Chico Saturday, September 2, 2017 – 4 PM - 12 AM THE TAVERN, 4975 St Leonard Rd, Saint Leonard, MD Food, Vendors, Bike Show, 2 Live Bands, Photo Booth, and Support Gear
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6th Annual 9/11 Patriot Day Ride by the Hope and Peace Foundation September 9th, 2017 – 8 AM – 3 PM Darlington VFC – 2600 Castleton Rd. Darlington, MD. 21034 In Honor and Reembrace of the 2977 Lives Lost on September 11th, 2001 and the 6923 lost in the war on terror. Registration starts at 8 AM – KSU at 10:45 Rider Fees -$15 per Bike - $15 per Passenger - $20 Motor Vehicle For more info Contact Chuck Ritz- 410-908-3784 www.thehopeandpeacefoundation.com OC Bikefest September 14-17, 2017 Ocean City, MD OC BikeFest is excited to bring you great music, entertainment & fun at the Inlet. In conjunction with the Delmarva Bike Rally, which attracts 175,000+ motorcycling enthusiasts to the area – OC BikeFest raises the bar and brings those bikers down to the beach to enjoy a gated event with concerts, stunt shows, custom bike builders, national motorcycle vendors, shops, rides, and the fabulous bars and restaurants of Ocean City. Toys for Tots Event & Ride Saturday, September 23rd 9 AM – 4 PM Harley-Davidson of Williamsport, 10210 Governor Ln Blvd #2004, Williamsport, MD 21795 Pre-registration opening soon $25 per rider, $10 per passenger; $5 off with toy donation Ride registration starts at 9:00 AM, ride leaves at 10:00 Take a guided, scenic ride through the Potomac River Valley led by the Williamsport, MD HOG Chapter Donate cash or a toy to benefit Toys for Tots of Washington County, MD Need toys for older kids (over 12) or donations to purchase for older kids The Woodstock Inn’s - Bikefest Sunday’s Sunday, September 24th, 2017 11 AM – 8 PM 1415 Woodstock Road. Woodstock, MD. 21163 Bands, Bikers, BBQ, and Beer! No Cover - Noon - 5PM Bands – Never Never
VIRGINIA Bike Nights: Tuesday’s Tidewater Motorcycles – Chili Dog Social– Suffolk, VA Thursday’s High Tides – Colonial Beach, VA. 6-11PM High Tides is kicking off the riding season by starting a bike night that promises to be a very good time. DJ Rockin Roger will
be providing the tunes for now but as the summer starts arriving look for live music to be on the menu. The Tiki Bar is almost an arm’s reach away from the water and there is usually a fire going in the firepit on those chilly evenings. CLUB COLORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! No Drama, No BS and have a good time. El Rodeo Restaurant – Fredericksburg, VA. 5-9PM Big O Bike Shop LLC sponsored Bike Night Weekly 50/50 drawings. Proceeds to a different charity each month. Games, contests, raffles, and giveaways. Great authentic food and homemade ethnic desserts. More info - Kerry O’Shields - 703 963 0697 Big Woody’s - Virginia Beach, VA Great specials, biker buckets, live music and prize giveaways
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answer a series of questions from the stops along the route. Registration begins at HD of Williamsport at 10 AM, last bike out at 1:00 PM, and all forms must be returned by 3:30 PM. Winner announced by 4:00 PM. You do not need to be present to win. Entry fee $10 per person (cash only please) Maps, directions, and entry/ question form will be provided with registration. Food will be available. Absorb the Civil War era history of the Williamsport/Hagerstown region on this self-guided run visiting historic sites of the Antietam Battlefield, C&O Canal, and Fort Frederick. Split 3 ways, proceeds benefit the USO, Williamsport HOG, and cash-prize drawing winner of all who complete the Run and answer a series of questions from the stops along the route.
Events: 4th Annual Car and Bike Show Saturday, August 5, 2017 – Noon-4 PM 104 Full House Dr, Winchester, VA 22603, USA $10 to Enter - 50/50 Raffles Bike Trophies for Oldest, Loudest, and Dirtiest Car, Truck - Best in Show, Most Original, and People’s Choice 10th Annual Hope for the Homeless Motorcycle Ride and Cookout Saturday, August 12, 2017 – 8:30AM - 3 PM New Light Church, 2418 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23323 Benefiting the Union Mission Registration begins @ 8:30am Kickstands up 10:00am $10 per vehicle TAMA Approved Event organized by the Ambassadors for Jesus Christ www.ambassadorsecmm.org Contact Bronx @ (757) 338-1974 Davey’s Battle Brothers Ride Saturday, August 19, 2017 8:30 AM 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway , Fredricksburg, VA This ride is about a day of Honor & Respect for all of our Men & Women who served both past & present in ALL of Our Armed Forces those here & abroad - it’s a day to say “Thank You” Its a day to make it known to the families of those that have sacrificed ALL ... they will always be in Our Hearts & Minds & that they will NEVER be FORGOTTEN For more info – Charlie 571-551-8567
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6th Annual Evan Adams Children’s Benefit Ride Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 9 AM - 4 PM 209 W Main St, Louisa, VA 23093 Motorcycle event and ride to help support a local sick child. Each year a different sick child is chosen for help with their medical and travel expenses. Vendors, D.J., Auction, 50/50 raffle, local band, and a wonderful police escorted motorcycle ride through the country and Lake Anna. Registration starts at 9 am, kickstands up at 11 am. Rider $15.00. and Passenger $5.00. 4th Annual North-Central Potomac District Honor Bound MM Ride Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 9 AM - 4 PM Victory Church, 2870 Middle Rd, Winchester, VA 22601 Starting at Victory Church - Coffee, Donuts, Refreshments Registration at 9:00 AM - KSU @ 10:00 AM Ride Across Mountains Arrive at Central Assembly of God Cumberland, MD The Boozefighters MC Chapter 35 Poker Run to support The Samaritan Group Inc. Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 9 AM - 6 PM Wild Horse Country Cafe & Malt Shoppe, 4938 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Hayes, VA 23072 The Boozefighters MC Chapter 35 is hosting a poker run to support The Samaritan Group Inc. Registration is from 9:30 – 11:00 at Wild Horse Cafe. First bike out at 11:00 and last bike in at 3:00. The route travels through the beautiful Gloucester countryside and ends at Damon & Company, 7104 George Washington Memorial Highway, Gloucester Courthouse VA 23061. The Samaritan Group Inc. was founded in 1991 by citizens and business leaders in Gloucester County. It is designed to provide financial assistance for families in temporary need. Come out and party with the Original Wild Ones!!! Beer...Band...Food...Prizes...50/50…Raffle… Poker Run!!! Wings Across Tennessee - 22nd Annual Friday &Saturday, September 8-9th Friendship Motorsports, 2033 W State St, Bristol, VA 24201 A two day ride supporting St Judes Childrens Hospital See website for details – www.tricitywingstn-c.com/event/wings-
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tennessee/ Twin Valley Rally September 15-17, 2017 Willville Bike Camp, 1510 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Imagine the perfect motorcycle rally. You put it annually in an area renowned for amazing roads and sublime scenery. You host it in a clean, intimate campground with proper amenities. You make it small enough to get to know practically everybody there, but large enough to broaden your friendships. You have Live music, door prizes, and test rides of fine new machines, amazing food, vendors and fun events. That’s what the Twin Valley Riders, sporttouring and adventure-riding club of Southwest Virginia has done with the Twin Valley Rally, now in its Eighth year. Riders from across the country and around the world have returned home from riding in the Central Appalachians of Southwest Virginia grinning giddily and raving about some of the best riding they’ve ever done. squareup.com/market/twin-valley-rally CVMA 27-3 5th Annual Benefit Ride Saturday, September 16th 9 AM – 5 PM Richmond Harley-Davidson, 12200 Harley Club Dr, Ashland, VA 23005 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 27-3 Police escorted 76 mile ride. Registration 9:00am - 11:30am KSU: Noon Music at start location by Josh Misner $6.00 BBQ plates available at end point, Damon and Company Fee: $25 per bike - includes patch for participants. Proceeds benefit local veteran projects. Location Start location: Richmond Harley Davidson End Location: Damon and Company 7104 George Washington Memorial Hwy Gloucester, VA 23061 Contact Phone-(804) 525-5644 - Hotrod Contact Email-273.pro@gmail.com Event URL www.facebook.com/ events/1427669547307325 8th Annual Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center Run For Life Saturday, September 30th 9 AM – 3:30 PM Tire Distributors, 752 South Main Street, Woodstock, VA AUGUST 2017
Woodstock Registration at 9 AM at Tire Distributors, 752 South Main Street, Woodstock, VA Stephens City Registration at 10 AM at Sheetz, 747 Fairfax Street, Stephens City, VA Suggested donation $15 per bike, $20 with rider Lunch break and door prizes All proceeds benefit the Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center For information call 540-335-2518 or info@ reasontc.org
WEST VIRGINIA US Military Vets MC/WV-3 7th Annual River Rats Party August 4, 2017 – August 6, 2017 124 Blue Gill Rd, Walker, WV 26180 Primitive Camping, Campers Welcome(No Hook-ups), Bunk House, Shower and River Available Aug 4th - Meet and Greet Aug 5th - Hog pic’n beer drinking party and ride to WV-3 Clubhouse Aug 6th - Wrap up, pack up and head home Saturday Rally Time - 0930 - Bikes leave 1000 - 1200 - Return 1500 50/50 - Door Prizes More info - Lucky- 304-514-1738 6th Annual Sgt. Michael “Todd” May Memorial Run Saturday, August 12th, 2017 – 10 AM For Details go to - www.triplesharleydavidson.com Ride for Life - Bikers for a Cure Saturday, August 12, 2017 – 10AM - 3 PM Texas Roadhouse, Emily Dr, Bridgeport, WV 26330 A Benefit for the American Cancer Society Registration 10AM-12PM Live Music - Door Prizes - Raffles - Bike Games
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@BIGCITYRHINO.COM Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
A delightful angelic looking little boy was waiting for his mother outside the ladies room of the gas station. As he stood there, he was approached by a man who asked, “Sonny, can you tell me where the Post Office is?” Little Johnny replied, “Sure! Just go straight down this street two blocks and turn to your right. It’s on the left.” The man thanked the boy kindly, complimented him on how bright he was and said, “I’m the new Pastor in town. If you and your mommy come to church on Sunday, I’ll show you how to get to Heaven.” Little Johnny replied with a chuckle; “You’re shitting me, right? You can’t even find the Post Office.” -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dearest Dad, I am coming home to get married soon, so get your check book out. I’m in love with a boy who is far away from me. As you know, I am in Australia ... and he lives in Scotland. We met on a dating website, became friends on Facebook , had long chats on Whatsapp. He proposed to me on Skype, and now we’ve had two months of a relationship through Viber. My beloved and favorite Dad, I need your blessing, good wishes, and a really big, expensive wedding to commemorate this memorable day. Lots of love and thanks. Your favorite daughter, Lilly The Reply: My Dearest Lilly, Like Wow! Really? Cool! Whatever ... I suggest you two get married on Twitter, have fun on Tango, buy your kids on Amazon, and pay for it all through PayPal. And when you get fed up with this new husband, sell him on eBay. Love, your only Dad -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you had to choose marriage over fishing……. would you choose saltwater or freshwater? Ironic that the colors red, white, and blue stand for Freedom…..until they’re flashing behind you. Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a to-go cup of water. Next time you’re looking in the mirror and thinking negative thoughts; remember this: You’ are not fat! You’re just easier to see. Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
We always hear “The Rules” from the female side. Now, here are the rules from the Male side. MAN RULES. NO Exceptions. Men are not mind readers. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. if it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down. Sunday sports it’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be. If I ask for what you want……. Let’s be clear on this one: subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say what it is you want! Yes and no are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it, that’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days. If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing,” we will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it’s just not worth the hassle and additional talking. If you ask a question you don’t want an answer to, expect an answer you don’t want to hear. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... really! Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football, hunting, fishing, home projects, that weird sound coming from my motorcycle. I am in shape; round is a shape! Thank you for reading this. Yes, i know, i have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don’t mind that? It’s like camping out to us, and we typically just watch porn till early into the morning. * Have this made into a sign and post proudly in your Man Cave. If you don’t have a Man Cave, come on dude, grow a pair.
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Dealers & Shops
Jim’s Battery Warehouse Laurel Commerce Center 14721-K Baltimore Ave Laurel, MD 20707 301-604-7333
TG Automotive 8176 Telegraph Road Suite E Severn, MD 21144 443-795-4733 www.tgautomotivemd.com
Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar 1787 Castlewood Drive Colonial Beach, VA 22443 804-224-8726 www.docksidetikibar.com
Old Glory Harley Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 www.oldgloryhd.com 301-575-0575
The Twisted Spoke 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-326-4644 www.twistedspokeinc.com
Heavy Hitters 30125 Three Notch Rd Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 (301) 884-3820
Baltimore Harley Davidson 8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003 www.hdstore.com
Patriot Harley- Davidson 9739 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA 703-352-5400 www.patriothd.com
Whirled of Colors Custom Paint & Air Brush Studios 116 Roesler Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953
Jerry’s Restaurant & Lounge 1102 Sparrow Road Chesapeake, VA 23325 757-424-1086 Find us on Facebook
Battley Harley Davidson / Battley Cycles 7830 Airpark Road Gaithersburg, MD 301-948-4581 www.battley.com
Precision Motorcycle Inc 129 Southgate Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-248-8004 www.precisionmotorcycle.com
Zipper’s Performance Products Elkridge, Maryland 410-579-2828 www.ZippersPerformance.com
Millstream Inn 5310 Dogwood Rd. Baltimore, MD 21207 410-265-8224 www.millstreamgirls.com
Bayside Harley-Davidson 2211 Frederick Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23704 757-397-5550 www.baysidehd.com
Pete’s Cycles 344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586 For other locations go to www.petescycle.com
biker friendly directory
A to Z Cycles 1472 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, DE 19901 302-632-2272 www.atozcycles.com
All American Harley-Davidson 8126 Old Leonardtown Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-274-5000 www.allamericanharley.com
Big Daddyz Cycles 2810 George Washington Hwy Hayes, VA 23072 (in Gloucester County) 4 miles over the Coleman 804-642-3436 www.bigdaddyzcycles.com Coleman Power sports 435 South Washington St. Falls Church, VA 22046 703-237-3400 www.wherethepoweris.com
Bars & Restaurants
Bryans & Brent’s Place 229 N. River Street Weston, WV 26452 304-997-8722
Sunset Cycles 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy Decatur Business Center Units 208-209 Ocean City, MD 21044 443-520-6005
Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill 7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Rt 17 North Gloucester, VA 804-693-7218 www.damonsbar.com
Rips Casual Dining 3809 N. Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD Restaurant: 301-805-5901 Deli: 301-805-5903 Wine & Spirit Shoppe 301-805-5902 www.ripscountryvillage.com Seabreeze / Swampy’s 27130 S. Sandgates Rd Mechanicsville, MD 301-373-5217
Colonial Harley-Davidson 1701 Temple Pkwy Prince George, VA 23875 804-861-4700 www.colonialhd.com CPC Powder Coating 6800 Mid Cities Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705 443-336-2105 Departure Bike Works 5216 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23224 804-231-0244 www.departure.com Indian Motorcycle of Fredericksburg 10151 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-642-4017 www.indianbikesva.com
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Blaze Leather 2239 Randolph Avenue Elkins, WV 26241 681-298-5055 www.Blaze-Leather.com
The Tavern 4975 St. Leonard Rd. ST Leonard, MD 20685 410-586-2225 www.thetavernofstleonard.com
Maryland Small Arms Range 9801 Fallard Court Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-599-0800 www.msar.com
The Woodstock Inn 1514 Woodstock RD Woodstock, MD 21163 410-750-3673 www.woodstockinn.net Toot’s Bar 23971 Mervell Dean Road Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-2955
Legal Services Law offices of Jay Irwin Block 90 Painters Mill Rd. Suite 131 Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-356-6555 800-875-6554 Carolyn Crowley Injury Attorney 301-676-1120 1-866-523-9529 www.LadyLaw.com Law Offices of Richard M Lester Aid to Injured Motorcyclist’s A.I.M 7334 Topanga Canyon Blvd Ste. 200 Canoga Park, CA 91303 800-531-2424 Offices Nationwide to Help You. Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8969 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com
Apparel / Retail Biker Depot 5300 Kemps River Drive Suite 126 Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-962-0195 www.thebikersdepot.com
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Mary’s Bargain Cycle New Castle Farmers Market 110 N. DuPont Hwy. New Castle, DE 19720 302-322-9323 Outback Leather 309 Main Street Laurel, MD. 20707 www.mdoutbackleather.com 301-604-2211 Port Vape & Brew 8 South Main Street Port Deposit, MD 21904 410-652-9223 www.PortVapeBrew.com Renegade Classics Biker Outlet 7950 W. Broad Street Merchants Walk Shopping Center Richmond, VA 23294 804-501-BIKE (2453) www.RenegadeClassicsRichmond.com
Francis Scott Key Family Resort 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 800-213-0088 www.fskfamily.com Mineral Springs Motel 1 Springs Street Webster Springs, WV 26288 304-847-5305 www.Mineralspringsmotel.net
Insurance Agents Rider Insurance www.Rider.com
Clubs, Organizations & Riding Groups
C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV) A non-profit organization enlisting the help of other good hearted people wanting to contribute to the cause of helping others in need. The organization holds monthly meetings and several fundraising rides every year. Donations are always appreciated. www.cehelpinghands.com
Places of Worship Rushing Wind Ministry Meets 11am Sunday’s Location: Charlotte Hall Farmers Market. We are a Biker friendly church focusing on uplifting and encouraging others to follow Jesus Christ. “We believe we live in a real world with real people looking for real answers “
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic If you would like to be listed in the Biker Friendly Directory, please contact Sales and Marketing or email BFD@ BIGCITYRHINO.com for more information. If you’re Club, Foundation, or Association would like to be listed in our Directory, please email BFD@BIGCITYRHINO.COM with your name and contact information and someone will be in touch with you.
Southern Maryland Pawn 2224 Crain Hwy Waldorf, MD 20601 240-222-3547 www.smdpawn.com Unique Lingerie & More 3065 Leonardtown Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 301-645-2228
Photography
Bobby Tarowsky 304-797-1470 304-723-8955 www.BobbyTRocks.com
Tattoo
Big City Body Art 154 C Lafayette Ave Laurel, MD 20707 240-482-6162 www.bigcitybodyart.com
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biker friendly directory
Second Chance Saloon 5888 Robert Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045 443-545-5844 2ndchancesaloon.com
7 things to keep on your motorcycle in case of an emergency By Matt Danielson, Motorcycle Law Group Nobody wants to be in an accident, but it’s an unfortunate reality for a lot of riders each year. While you can’t plan for the where and when, you can make sure you’re prepared should you ever find yourself involved in an accident. One of the most common mistakes people make in an accident is not having the necessary information on hand, as well as the means to document details at the scene. There’s a lot going on and emotions are running high, so expecting to remember everything is a recipe for disaster. Below is a list of seven things all riders should have on their bikes to ensure they’re prepared in the event of an accident. 7 things to keep on your bike in the event of an accident: • Emergency kit – This should include a basic first aid supply kit and a pen and paper for taking notes at the scene. • Vehicle registration – Your vehicle registration should be up to date and on your motorcycle at all times. • Health and motorcycle insurance cards – The same goes for your health and motorcycle insurance cards; be sure they’re current and easily accessible on your bike. • Allergy and medical information – It’s always a good idea to keep a list of important medical information such as any medical conditions or allergies with your health and insurance cards. • Emergency contacts – Your emergency contact (parent, spouse or significant other) should be in your cell phone with the most current contact information. Label these “*EMERGENCY CONTACT” in your phone. Using * will make it easy to find at the top of your contacts list. Also, be sure your emergency contact knows who to call for legal help if you are in an accident and unable to call yourself. • A phone or camera to take pictures of the accident – It’s important to gather certain information from an accident scene right away. Use a phone or camera to take: wide-angle views of the vehicles involved as they landed at the scene; wide-angle views of any debris on the roadway; and close-up shots of damage to each vehicle. • The name and number of a trusted attorney – If you’re able to, you should contact a trusted lawyer before you contact your insurance company or the police. Give the Motorcycle Law Group a call (1-800-321-8968) and we’ll be happy to help even if you do not need formal representation. 60
When you’ve had an accident, you may need some advice on what to do next and whether or not you may be at fault. We speak to many drivers each day – motorcyclists and automobile drivers alike – who need a gut check on their situation. Keep in mind that speaking to a lawyer doesn’t mean hiring a lawyer. A reputable lawyer will advise you that you don’t need one if you truly don’t. Matt Danielson McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller The Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Matt@MotorcycleLawGroup.com MotorcycleLawGroup.com Matt Danielson is a partner at the Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles and represent clients in GA, VA, WV, NC and SC. Matt has successfully represented clients in cases ranging from simple property damage to complex multi-million dollar personal injury claims. He also serves as a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations throughout the country. To learn more about the Motorcycle Law Group, visit motorcyclelawgroup. com or call 1-800-321-8968.
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Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists. We ride so we understand. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, call the Motorcycle Law Group.SM
1-800-321-8968 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
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