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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
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LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock Hancock Graphics
Year in Pictures........................................................... 14 Road Captain’s Report.............................................. 18 MC Rights Organizations........................................... 21 Center Calendar......................................................... 22 Driver Days Poker Run............................................... 24 Bullet Points................................................................ 29 Rider Tips.................................................................... 31 K.I.S.S.......................................................................... 33 News Bytes................................................................. 34 Events.......................................................................... 38 Joker’s Wild................................................................. 41 Biker Friendly Directory............................................. 42 Need to Know............................................................. 44
CONTRIBUTORS Preacher Gordon Bacon “Two Wheel Testament” Joyce “Biker Chic” Leon Brittain “Throttle Life” Andy Tallone “Across the Pond”
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
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I
T’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE to 2017 and start getting ready for 2018! We here at Thunder Roads MidAtlantic would like to wish everyone at Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays! Let’s all raise a glass and toast in the New Year. We hope you find all your new bike parts under your tree, and they fit the first time! This past year was busy, but you all kept us going. We appreciate all the love and respect from our readers. We have the most loyal readers. Let’s keep this growing through 2018. Remember, this is your magazine! IF you want to see something, let us know! And don’t be afraid to take some pictures, and write down your stories, and send them to us. You never know, it might end up in the magazine! This will be the last issue for our Road Captain, Marc Ritchie. He has decided to retire, we hope he drops by and contributes every now and then in the future. Marc has taken us all over the Mid-Atlantic area and shared a lot of stories with us. I hope you’ve taken the time to follow along on a few of his rides. We wish him safe travels. If you’re a Road Captain, or just someone that likes to ride, please reach out to us. We will be looking for someone to fill in Marc’s seat. Also, there is a year in pictures this article. We had some great times this year with some of you. We hope next year to go to more events and meet many more of our readers. Be on the lookout for us, stop us and introduce yourselves, and let us get a picture. For a full list of all the local events in the MidAtlantic area, be sure to check out our website - www. thunderroadsmidatlantic.com. We have all the information you will need to plan your season as we update our calendars weekly with new rides and rallies. As always, feel free to submit your event to be listed on the site at no charge. Just go to the web page events tab and click the submit your event tab. We will get it up on the site asap. Every month we bring top notch content, and this month has more of the same. Again, this month Andy Tallone introduces some of you to the Triumph X-75 Hurricane, in this month’s article from Across the Pond. Once again Manny from Sunset Cycles gives us tips on getting your bike ready for the Winter. So be sure to follow us on line at www.ThunderRoadsMidAtlantic.com where you can find everything that matters in the motorcycle community for the Mid-Atlantic area. The Road Crew here at Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic works very hard at keeping you up to date with all the local events in your area. We attend as many events as we can, more than any of our competitors, but we can’t be everywhere. Submit your photos and stories to bigcity@ bigcityrhino.com and be a part of the THUNDER!! Living the Lifestyle, NOT just selling It! L&R, Rhino & Bighead Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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It’s All About The Children
(Matthew 19:13-15)Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
I challenge all of you to make this Christmas All about the Children. Search out Children who don’t have anything and fill that need. Make some child’s Christmas truly Merry!!
Happy Birthday Jesus
(Matthew 18:1-6)At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
(Luke 2:6-10)While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Rushing Wind Ministry along with Preacher Bacon and Jersey Girl wish you all a Blessed and Happy Holliday
This month we give recognition to the Hope and Founder of our faith, without whom we would not be celebration the most glorious time of the year. We see by the scriptures above that Jesus put a special importance on Little Children. We see not only the blessing bestowed upon the children but also the cursing upon those who would harm these little ones.
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1959 A10 Rocket 650 twin. This was BSA in her prime.
FROM ACROSS THE POND “THE TRIUMPH X-75 HURRICANE”
Triumph appealed to more to American buyers, while the decidedly old-fashioned BSA spoke to traditional British buyers. But the big sales we’re not in Britain, they were in the US market, and it was growing by the year.
BY ANDY TALLONE Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
One of the world’s most beautiful bikes, yet few people know they exist.
THE BACKSTORY The story of the X-75 Hurricane is an interesting one, filled with ups and downs, and a certain amount of underhanded pettiness, a little intrigue, and some rightful poetic justice. Our story starts in the early 1960s when BSA is still the worldʼs largest producer of motorcycles, along with owning the Triumph brand, among many other things. BSAʼs leadership was decidedly old-school, and once Jack Sangster took the helm in 1956, they became ‘the gang that couldnʼt shoot straightʼ. Sangster had owned Ariel and Triumph, and when he sold them to BSA (Ariel in 1944, and Triumph in 1951), he made his installation on BSAʼs Board of Directors a condition of the sale. By 1956 heʼd taken over and very quickly began running BSA into the ground. It had been one of the richest corporations in the world but in a few short years, heʼd overseen its stripping and sell-off until he retired in 1961 a very rich man. Unfortunately, he left in his wake a BSA that was weak, broke, and lost. The shell-shocked upper management were frozen in inaction, and when they did do something, it was often misguided or poorly-executed. And all this just as the market and the world were changing drastically and quickly. As the result, the sales of BSA motorcycles dropped off sharply, just as Triumph gained in popularity. By the early 1960s Triumph was outselling parent-brand BSA by a wide margin in the U.S., the worldʼs largest motorcycle market. BSA should have been pleased that its subsidiary was doing so well, but instead they resented it. BSA was supposed to be the star, not Triumph. And so, from this point on, BSA harbored a deep seated resentment for Triumph and their success. So much so that it got in the way of their judgement.
TRIUMPH LEADS Triumph and BSA had achieved world leadership by this time through their strong stable of vertical twins, 350cc and 500cc middleweights, and the star of the lineup, the 650cc heavyweight twins. Triumph and BSA both had very similar models and competed for the same buyer. The looks of the 8
The lovely pipes created a cornering-clearance problem on this side.
THE TRIPLE IS BORN Triumphs innovative engineering department had been dealing with the vibration problem inherent in all vertical twins. And it was getting worse as engines grew in size, horsepower and as engine speeds increased to extract that extra power. Triumph engineers Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele came up with the idea of a 3-cylinder as a way of quelling some of the vibes. Triumph and BSA already had a line of 250cc singles, so they patched three of them together to form a 750cc triple. The Triumph Trident was born as a prototype in 1965. Then new engine was designed to be manufactured using the existing antique machine stools that Triumph was using to build the twins. And they set it up to bolt right into the existing 650 twin frame, so it was very near production ready. Triumphʼs plan was to launch it in 1966 as a 1967 model. This would have been a stellar move for Triumph, and one that surely would have benefitted BSA. But instead the stodgy BSA leadership didnʼt want to give Triumph another win like this, so they put the project on indefinite hold.
TRIPLES CLASH WITH HONDA 750 Two critical years were lost for no good reason at all. In1968 Honda announced it would be introducing their game-changing 750 Four as a 1969 model. BSA suddenly sprang to life, trying to rush Triumph to get the triple out before Honda could launch their new bike. But, wounded pride led BSA to insist that Triumph re-engineer the entire bike to create a BSA version. Instead of simply re-badging the Trident, which made great economic sense, BSA wanted a slightly different engine that would clearly be different than Triumphʼs, and it had to fit into a BSA frame, also different. The Triumph triple has vertical cylinders while the BSA version has them slanted 12-degrees forward. Seemingly
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small change, but it required all new bottom-end cases. This was a huge drain of time, money and engineering, but the scrappy Triumph engineers got it done. However, it took more time, which meant that the 1969 Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 would only beat the Honda 750 Four to market by about 4 months. And when the Honda came out, it just blew them away. The Honda outclassed the British triples in almost every way... almost. The Honda had a 5-speed, a front disc brake, an electric starter, it was reliable, it didnʼt leak oil, it was smooth, and it cost less than the Brits. And the first-year triples were poorly-styled...thatʼs being polite...they were ugly! What the Trident and Rocket 3 had was speed and handling. They were lighter than the bloated Honda, and benefited from decades of British road racing experience, something that Honda had yet to learn. Alas it wasnʼt enough to overcome the big Hondaʼs impact, or the entire Japanese onslaught. But thatʼs another story.
BSA FOLDS UP THEIR TENT BSA built its last motorcycle in 1972. When BSA folded, Triumph inherited the Hurricane project. What they also inherited was a warehouse full of enough BSA parts to build 1,172 Rocket 3s. And so it was that during late 1972, limited production was set up at BSAʼs Small Heath factory, where all triples had been built, to build as many Hurricanes as they had parts for. The name was changed from the BSA A75 Hurricane to the Triumph X-75 Hurricane, and they were all titled and sold as 1973 models. When that short model run was done, they never made any more. There were no more BSA engines or frames to build more bikes, and Triumph was too busy fighting for their own survival to reengineer the whole bike around the Trident, just for a low-volume specialmodel. While the number varies slightly depending upon who you talk to, the most agreed-upon number is that 1,172 Hurricanes were built in all.
Factory extended forks 22 years ahead of Harley.
The star of the show!
BSA HURRICANE PROTOTYPE BSA was surprised at the poor reception early previews of the bikes got from American dealers. Triumph quickly responded and restyled their bikes along classic Triumph lines. BSA wanted to do something that would turn on itʼs dealers and sell some motorcycles, but also show up Triumph. Since the US market was the most important, and because it was the US dealers who didnʼt like the bike, BSA decided to secretly seek a US designer to help with the looks of the boxy Rocket 3. They ended up in California at the door of Craig Vetter who had pioneered street bike fairing design and quite literally kicked off the touring bike boom. In 1968, BSA shipped Vetter a brand new BSA Rocket 3 with instructions to customize it into something “sleeker and more balanced” that could be mass-produced. Vetter created the BSA Hurricane in the summer of 1969. When the prototype arrived in England, BSAʼs backward management had second thoughts, thinking it “too trendy”. Also at this same time, BSA was in its death throes, financially. They were dealing with life-anddeath survival. Then the new BSA Hurricane appeared on the cover of the September 1970 issue of Cycle World Magazine and the public went wild for the bike.
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WHAT MAKES A HURRICANE SO SPECIAL? First off, they look totally cool, gorgeous even, yet they exude sex and attitude. The main difference between a Hurricane and a stock Rocket 3 are that the front forks were extended and the rubber ‘accordionʼ boots removed to expose the chromed stanchions. Many claim these were Ceriani forks, but the production bikes had extended stock 1971-and-later Triumph forks with polished sliders. The aluminum cylinder block on the engine, usually silver, was painted black like the big twins. A small steel 3-gallon tank was hidden underneath the smoothly contoured fiberglass body which melded the tank, the side covers, and the front half of the seat into one flowing form. But the most striking feature of the Hurricane was a wild set of triple pipes that ran along the right side of the bike, then splayed upward at the back, arrayed at the perfect angle for maximum visual impact. The headlight was chromed, the fenders were both polished stainless units, and the gearing was lowered, by increasing the size of the rear sprocket. The rims are ribbed alloy Borranis laced to the 1971-72 conical hubs (drum brakes). In 1973 Triumph started running a front disc brake on its 750 twins and triples. But all Hurricanes were built out of 1972 BSA Rocket 3 parts, so no disc brake. The paint scheme stayed the same despite the switch in brands: bright orange with a bright gold reflective tape stripe along the sides of the tank that plunges to he side cover where it continues. Other than the name of the tank, and the “X-75” on the side cover instead of “A75”, it didnʼt change one bit in the transition from a BSA motorcycle to a Triumph.
These gorgeous machines are undervalued today.
PRESENT DAY VALUES Despite being quite rare, there is usually at least one for sale, and sometimes 2 or 3, at most major auctions, like Mecumʼs big ones in Vegas. And like so many other classic British bikes, they seem to be undervalued, or maybe under-appreciated. A clean, rider quality Hurricane just sold at Mecumʼs June auction in Las Vegas for just $23,000. One of just 1,172 built!
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However, this is great news for buyers, whether collectors or enthusiasts who actually may want to take them out and ride them. Ride them? Yes, believe it or not, classic Brit bikes are so cheap relative to theor coolness-factor, that many ride their old British Iron regularly. I am in the BSA Owners Club of Northern California (BSAOCNC.org) and Iʼve ridden with an old guy who has a beat-up, faded, dirty Hurricane that he rides everywhere. The long forks with no accompanying change in the neck angle yield a tall seat position, tippy-toes for many riders. The exhaust is really loud. And the 3-gallon gas tank combined with the thirsty 3-cylinder 750 (they got around 35 mph) put their range at just about 100 miles.
BSA frame, BSA engine with slanted cylinders, on a Triumph?
A FLASH IN THE PAN In the end, the 1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane was many things, but certainly could have been many more. It was one of the worldʼs first ‘factory customsʼ. It was a bold statement by BSA, then Triumph. It did what it was intended for: driving customers into Triumph showrooms. It was a glorious flash-in-the-pan. It had to be one of Craig Vetterʼs crowning achievements (in a very illustrious career). Itʼs boldness and uniqueness proved the Brits could still take chances and do great things, but itʼs short lifespan signaled serious problems at home, problems that would only get worse over the next few years. But one of the most interesting things about this story is that the Hurricane was intended by parent-company BSA to be a ‘slap-in-the-faceʼ to Triumph. But because of the timing, and the dire situation, the bike that BSA built to beat Triumph ended up, in the end, being a Triumph. And a very rare and beautiful one, and one that is grossly undervalued in the market today. A savvy motorcycle collector would likely do well buying one now while theyʼre so cheap.
For more like this please visit www.Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
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BY JOYCE ELAINE
DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC
November 14, 2017 A whole month has passed and I’m still sitting here trying to get my thoughts straight about riding. If you read my last article, you know I’ve been questioning if I still want to continue to ride or not. I had a reader reach out to me, Scott B. He emailed me and told me that some of the things I said in my last article resonated with him and for that, I’m glad I wrote the article. I had the article written for days before I decided to turn it in to be published in the magazine. I didn’t know if I wanted to submit it. Hearing a response back from someone that I didn’t know made me happy that I did submit the article. Reading Scott B.’s email made me think of things a little differently. If I put aside all the reasons I gave for not being sure if I want to ride anymore and just think about the rides themselves, I have a different view on it. Like so many other riders, riding is a stress reliever and if I didn’t have that, I don’t know what I would do to relieve stress, other than listen to my music really loudly! Maybe riding doesn’t have to be my “way of life” but rather, just this thing that I do when I feel the need. It’s hard because some people identify me as being a biker chic. I’ve had some younger people that I used to work with at my part-time job tell me that I was cool to them just because of the fact that I ride a bike. It defines who I am for so many people. If I stopped riding, how would people define me?
I didn’t think like this just a few short years ago. Sometime over the past year, I started thinking about these things and so I think it is an age thing. We think differently when we get older. I have to take this fact and hope that it makes me a safer rider. I’m not one of those bikers who will bar hop or “have a few” if I’m out on the bike. I don’t even know how people can do that. They go from this bar to that bar while on their bike and call that “riding.” I call that stupid! If I’m going to go riding, I’m going riding…not going to a bar and another bar and then another one. I won’t have one single drink if I’m out on the bike but for some reason, if I’m in my car, I have no problem with having one drink with dinner. My point is, I think I’ve always been a safe rider but as I’m getting older and realizing that I’m putting myself in harm’s way when I get on the bike, I’m even more safe than usual…if that’s even possible. So a month has gone by and I haven’t been on the bike. Not once. And I’m okay with that. I do plan to hook up my wire for my heated gear sometime very soon and take the bike out when I feel like it. And for now, that’s about all I can say for where I’m at. Who knows, maybe next month will be different, but for now, this is what it is. Like always thanks for reading and if you want to contact me, email me at Sluggerarbogast@ aol.com or you can find me on Facebook -@DiaryofaBikerChic. Stay safe and Happy Holidays!
I don’t mind being defined as a biker chic…in fact, I embrace it with open arms but there are so many other things about me that define me. I’m a daughter (and I love my parents so much), I’m a fiancé (I love him too!), I’m a friend, I’m honest and loyal, I’m a writer, and I’m a biker. Those are just the main things. My point is being a biker is not the only thing that defines who I am and if someone doesn’t want to know anything about me other than the fact I ride, well, they are not worth my time! So while my love for riding might be fading just a little bit, it doesn’t mean it’s going to fade completely. It means that me and my thoughts are taking a turn (this is why getting old sucks) and I need to display all of who I am, not just the biker chic part. Of course, for this magazine, it’s all about being a biker chic! I have to think that this is an age thing to some degree. My good friend Buddi rides too and she is the same age as me. Her and I had a long conversation last weekend about riding. Her step-father was in a horrific motorcycle accident earlier this year and she was the one picking up the pieces – helping him, getting all his papers in order, going back to the accident scene to pick up the pieces that were left behind, seeing his bike in the junk lot – and it played with her mind quite a bit. She has a hard time justifying getting on her bike. Like me, she feels that sometimes the danger of riding is not worth it. Let’s face it, drivers are getting worse and worse as the years go by. They are more distracted than ever and have no concern for anyone around them. Yet us bikers will still gear up and hop on our bikes and take off. No matter how much gear you wear and how prepared you may think you are, you just never know how bad your accident is going to be. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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K N A TH OU! Y
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E V A E H S ' T LE E MOR 18! M O S IN 20 N U F
SCENIC DETOUR RIDE ROAD CAPTAIN’S REPORT
R
OSE AND I were hanging out at Basecamp Bovine at the Highland Hideaway, watching a movie on a Saturday night when she got a text. Our neighbors, Steve and Trenda, who own a farm down the road from us, wanted to know if we wanted to go riding with them on Sunday. They have a nice Gold Wing they seldom get to ride while managing the farm. We were both too eager to accept the invitation, having never gotten the opportunity to ride with them before.
Thorn Creek Road
We met at their house in the morning. It was forecast to be Aerosmith-like weather: high in the 70s. Excitement was in the air and the late October day was shaping up to be a gem. Rose and I felt very honored and thrilled to finally be riding with them, and sharing their day with us. There were no plans other than Steve mentioning something about letting a road captain lead the way. Fortunately, I had a route in mind that I hoped would take them somewhere they’d never been. I suggested getting fuel and some fried chicken in Monterey, to picnic with later. Steve said he had just topped off at his gas pump. Then, to make matters even worse, Steve also filled up my bike at the Varner Farm gas station with ethanol free petrol, before we departed. Steve and I went in and got drinks in Monterey. We arrived too early for the chicken. I was looking forward to it. It’s that good. We would find someplace in Petersburg or Moorefield to eat, so it was no biggie. Everyone was just along for the ride. Steve got a Smart Water and joked about not being sure if it was going to work or not. They have lived here for decades. I knew there were going to be roads Steve and Trenda were familiar with, especially Maple Sugar Road. But this has been an unusual fall. With the late freezes this past spring, the trees were either bare, or just past peak. Either way, the landscape, which is always stunning, with Snowy Mountain and the Blue Grass Valley, was putting on a unique show; hopefully one they’d never seen quite this way, on this familiar path.
Approaching Petersburg
The Varner Wing
Next up was Thorn Creek Road on our scenic detour to Franklin. It’s a freshly paved slice of heaven that follows a creek, whose name escapes me, for 9 miles of third and fourth gear bliss. Alberto, from Florida Outdoor Adventures, might even call it an “extra credit” road, with its few guard rails, blind corners, walnuts 18
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South Mill Creek Lake
and fallen leaves. It’s a road that beckons the rider to slow down and take it all in. The paintless ribbon has become a favorite “long cut” of mine. We made a plumbing stop in Franklin. We were going to be offline for the next couple of hours continuing our scenic detour ride. Petersburg wasn’t that far away. But on this leg, Keyser Gap Road and South Mill Creek Lake would be the culprits. With more fresh pavement, twisties, farm country, and little traffic, glimpses of Spruce Knob to the west, between our own hills, made it even more incriminating.
Enjoying the Displays
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, there is a lake. Until recently, Google didn’t even recognize it. Then some writer in a biker magazine tagged it. This is where we would have picnic’d. There is a nice, lakeside pavilion, with tables and north of the border latrines. We took some group shots with the tripod, avoiding any face plants running back from the camera. We all hung out on a deck next to the water and talked like there wasn’t a care in the world, or anyplace we had to be. Everyone was enjoying the day as laughter echoed off the water and the trees beyond. Welton Orchard Road, which goes over the mountain on the back way to Moorefield, was a recently discovered route. It’s a nice alternative to the traffic on 220. This close to Halloween, many of the yards and porches were decorated in orange and black with various scenes of macabre. October has always been one, if not my most favorite, months to ride in. This year, especially, has been one of the best ever. Hunger firmly in place, we settled into Moorfield. The illuminating bank sign read 82 degrees. It had turned into a Def Leppard day. The sign also showed 1:45 PM and the Sunset Restaurant was closing in 15 minutes. Rose and I had pulled this stunt a few weeks ago, arriving just before closing. As nice and gracious as they were to serve us then, we just didn’t have the heart to take away from their free time again. The food here is homecooked, inexpensive, and they have pies! Steve mentioned something about Ponderosa and buying. Not one to shy away from food, let alone grub au gratis, I reluctantly
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Walk Bridge
Heading Home
obliged. We would end up getting our fried chicken on after all. We made kind of a game out of it, volunteering ourselves, or sending a scout on a recon mission to the buffet, to forage fried chicken and bring it back to base for the rest of the squad. If you happened to be there too, that was us. Sorry:)
had the roads mostly to ourselves and the weather was perfect. The scenery played along as well. As with all good things, this day was also coming to an end. Experiences shared and memories made, it was all from a connection to a machine evolved from a toy we all grew up with as kids. And it wasn’t a TV.
True to form, our route from Moorfield would take us through Oak Flats, Brandywine, Sugar Grove and home. We stopped for ice cream in Brandywine and browsed the large gift/ antique shop at the country store. It turned out to be a perfect day. We
Cheers and thanks for reading! Marc Ritchie Photos: Rose Grant Correspondence: facebook.com/friendsof211
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MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS If you ride a motorcycle, you should be involved in one of these organizations. Stand up, Get involved, Be a Part of the Solution! Preserve your rights as a biker!
DELAWARE 61 B McMillan Way Newark, DE. 19713 Email: abateofde@aol.com www.abateofde.com
Email: abateofde@aol.com www.abateofde.com
Motorcycle Riders Foundation 1325 G Street NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20005 Email: mrfoffice@mrf.org www.mrf.org
MARYLAND ABATE of Maryland, Inc. 71 Franklin Street Annapolis, MD. 21401 Email: info@abateofmd.com www.abateofmd.org
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DECEMBER 2017 21
DRIVER DAYS POKER RUN
When you look for a good event to ride in, it can often be a tough choice. There are so many worthy, charitable causes, usually with a scenic ride, a poker run and some party time at the end. Very few events can say they have been holding their annual gala for almost 25 years and end with a parade. That is why every year I choose to ride in the Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run. The run is held in memory of Sherri Parker who, 25 years ago this year, was hit on her bike and killed by a cager who left her in the street. To this day that person has never been found or come forward. That is why I am at this event no matter what else is happening that day.
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The poker run started out with registration at Bayside Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth, VA. The folks at Bayside are always full of smiles and ready to help. We mounted up early in the morning and headed to our first stop for a little breakfast snack. There aren’t too many things that can beat freshly baked doughnuts and coffee for breakfast at O’Doodle Doo’s Donuts in Suffolk. The next stop took us through some of the beautiful back roads of Suffolk. The trees were turning late this year so the colors were not as vivid as previous years, but the cotton fields were bursting with their white powder puffs and the peanuts looked ripe for picking. We pulled into Tidewater Motorcycles where the owners Pam and Brian were ready with hot coffee and plenty of merchandise to browse through.
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Our next stop was Sleepy Hole Park with its beautiful river shore views of the Nansemond River. This is where the Sherri Parker Poker Run really turns into a fun time. More than 300 motorcycles lined up to drive into the quaint little village of Driver for a motorcycle parade right down the main street through the middle of the Driver Days Fall Festival. This ‘onestop sign’ little village of old houses and mom-n-pop businesses once a year turns their streets into an old style carnival of vendors, artisans, musical performers, games, bounce houses, train rides, car show and, of course, a motorcycle parade and bike show. Vendors tents line the streets and all of the kids come out to watch the parade of bikes go by. The looks on their faces were priceless and it was easy to tell that there were definitely going to be some future riders coming out of that crowd. 26
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As we parked in Driver, the organizers set-up the bike show while vendors worked to sell their goods and services. It was great to walk down the streets of the festival and sample the food. You really felt like you had stepped back in time to when communities would celebrate their crop seasons with a fun time for everyone. After the traditional door prizes, 50/50 drawing and bike show winners, we saddled up on our iron horses and road toward the sunset with a good feeling that we had helped to celebrate the memory of Sherri Parker who still touches our hearts and brings out the good in hometown people. Darren “Sandman” Myers Thunder Roads Road Crew Member Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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RAFFLE BIKE!
WIN A URAL
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Visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Ural to enter online or call (800) 262-5646 for more info. A minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested. Featuring custom parts, accessories and gear from these companies: This 2-wheel drive sidecar from Ural Motorcycles is a special “Adventure Together” edition, outfitted by the Wilkinson Brothers of Good Spark Garage. It was carefully set up and dialed in by one of the nation’s top Ural sales and service dealerships, Heindl Engineering of Eaton, Ohio. UPGRADED PARTS & ACCESSORIES: + LED Sidecar Lights /Custom Guards + Black Engine and Drive-Train + Engine Skid Plate + Sidecar Nose & Fender Rack + Aluminum Reinforced Hand Guards + Heindl Engineering Rear Sidecar Bumper + Ural First Aid Box + Headlight & Spotlight Rock Guards + Leg Shields / Mud Guards
FACTORY GEAR-UP OPTIONS: • Sidecar Spot Light • Sidecar Power Outlet • Sidecar Tonneau Cover • Gas Tank with Built-In Storage • Jerry Can • Utility Shovel • Luggage Rack • Universal Spare Wheel • Sidecar Front Bumper
Winner will be selected in a random drawing to be conducted during the 2018 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony weekend scheduled for September.
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BULLET POINTS T H E K A L ASHNIKOV P T. 1 PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY: BRODY KENNEN
Everyone, within the firearms community, has a platform that first brought them into said community. The Kalashnikov platform held it for me early on. It was entirely based on an unmatched simplicity and a higher reliability than other rifle platforms available on our market. Of course, there is no such thing as the perfect machine, but the AK and its derivatives come very close. With the endeavors of American companies, followed up by the pursuits of the Russians, the Kalashnikov platform can be made as modular as any AR-15. Spetsnaz rifles started showing up with Texas Weapon Systems Dog-Leg top covers, EoTechs and UTG forward rail-integrated systems (RISs). All before the days of ZenitCo. But, they learned from what they moved out of the U.S. The simplicity of the Kalashnikov platform means reliability and ease-ofmaintenance. You simply pop the dust cover off, remove the recoil spring and pull the single-piece bolt-carrier group and gas piston free of the receiver, and spin the bolt free of the BCG. Most rifles also ship with a cleaning rod, mounted underneath the barrel itself – used for cleaning or clearing a swollen case from the chamber. The worst thing that may happen outside of an ammunition / case failure is wear causing a breakage in one of the key components. As with anything else: if it is mechanical, it will surely break at some point. However, I have not had a serious problem that called for a significant replacement: such as a bolt-carrier group or bolt due to a metallurgic fracture. There are two camps of Kalashnikov owners: those who are wood-stocked purists and those who are modernists. I have an appreciation for both styles, but all my AKs would be modernized with as light-of-weight kit as possible. There is an affinity for Spetsnaz rifle clones in both 7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm. Most often, these taken form with ZenitCo-clad Arsenal SLRs with an Aimpoint or EoTech sight. There are many variations to choose from; most often done by analyzing the variants from different countries around the world. Most desire a specific feature in a future purchase: a heavy barrel and receiver, like found on Veprs, for instance. Or, you could be searching for something collectable: like that of a Chinese pre-Assault Weapons Ban rifle with all the features of a military standard Type-56. I started out with a plain-jane, second-generation Century Arms WASR10/63 chambered in 7.62x39mm. They were imported from Romania and based on their PM md. 63 rifles. It is a rifle that I keep, still to this day. The WASR is an entry-level AK; though, certainly not the rifle to be using as a clone build. The glaring issue being that there is not magazine well dimples on the receiver. As for the quality of the WASR, the worst issue that I have is a slightly canted front sight assembly. I did have to go through over a dozen other CAI rifles until I found the one with the best quality. Aside from the Zastava imports, the second-generation WASRs were some of the better AKs brought in by Century Arms International. Presently, care must be taken when buying an AK. Some American-made models have more serious problems than what presented in the early WASR10s. Cast-metal trunnions, bad riveting, misalignment in the barrel setting and trunnions. And, those were coming out of old and new companies during the boom of American-made Kalashnikovs during the Obama Administration. Poorly done parts kit builds aren’t even as prevalent of an issue as poorly manufactured rifles from a factory. Many people do mention that Century Arms (except for their Yugo line) and Inter Ordnance Firearms are companies to avoid due to quality-control issues. Destructive Devices Ind. and Palmetto State Armory also had problems early on with their production rifles. I have also concluded that some American companies are producing AKs with similarly
tight tolerances to an AR-15. It proves to be a hinderance when it comes to “torture testing”. Overall, doing one’s research into some of the variants will aid in the purchase of a decently manufactured AK. You may be looking at $550+ in price, but it’s well worth it in the end. Next month, I’ll go through the list of some of the AK variants that I would suggest picking up: if you ever decide to buy one or another in the future. If you want to see extended versions of these articles, then visit www.thearmednovelist.com. Questions or comments? Email thisistheline3@gmail.com.
16 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana/Mississippi | December 2017 | www.thunderroadslams.com Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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Rider TIPS
F
WINTERIZING YOUR SCOOTER
EW THINGS beat cruising down the highway on a warm summer day. But, as winter sets in, your motorcycle isn’t exactly the most convenient way of dashing through the snow. When it’s time to put your bike in storage for the season, it’s important not to give it the cold shoulder. Maintaining your motorcycle while you’re not riding it is just as important as when you are. Nothing’s worse than dusting off your beloved road warrior to take it for a spin in the spring, only to find flat spots in your tires, fluid that’s turned into a sticky paste, and weird-smelling smoke coming from the exhaust. In order to avoid rectifying a few months’ worth of neglect, here are 7 tips on proper motorcycle storage for the winter. 1. Top off the Tank-After putting some fresh fuel in the tank, add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from deteriorating and leaving a brown layer of muck on your carburetor’s parts. Turn that baby on and let it run for a few minutes so the treated fuel can cycle through. 2. Fill up your Fluids-Double-check your bike’s brake, clutch, and coolant fluids, replacing or refilling if necessary. Remember to always use the type and amount of fluid recommended by your motorcycle’s manufacturer. You can also drain all of your motorcycle’s fluids entirely and then refill them when you’re ready to ride again. If you live in a place where temperatures frequently reach sub-zero, check your bike’s antifreeze to prevent engine freezing. Lube up the throttle, kickstand, shifter, and clutch cables to prevent moisture accumulation and rust (but be careful not to get lube on the tires). 3. Change old Oil-Over time, a running engine’s oil transitions from a clean, golden fluid to dirty, black muck. The contaminants in old oil can corrode engine parts and do some serious damage over the course of a few months. Change the oil and filter plug before storing your ride to avoid a sticky situation later on. 4. Conserve your battery’s Charge-Some newer motorcycles experience a slight battery drain (even when the ignition’s off) in order to maintain things like your clock and radio presets. You can remove the battery from your bike altogether and trickle charge it all winter. Or, if you prefer to keep things in one package, you can store your bike with a fully-charged battery. If you choose the latter, just give the battery a charge once a month while it’s not being used. 5. Tend to your Tires-If you can store your bike with the tires off the ground, that’s great. Taking the weight off your wheels is the ideal way to avoid flat spots or uneven wear. But, if you don’t have the right setup for that, you’re not out of luck. Fill your tires to the maximum recommended volume, place your ride on its center stand, and remember to rotate the front tire once a week to keep the flat spots away. 6. Wax on, rust Off-The metal on your motorcycle tends to accumulate moisture, which can cause rust if your bike is left unattended for an extended period. Washing, thoroughly drying, and then waxing your ride before putting it away for the winter will prevent corrosion and other damage. Spray your exhaust pipes with WD-40 to keep moisture and rust away. For extra protection, stuff a clean towel or some crumpled up plastic bags into the intake and exhaust pipes to keep water and critters out. 7. Pick a place for your ride to Rest-Sunlight can damage leather and cause paint to fade, so if you have a window in your garage, try to park your motorcycle in a cool, dark corner. Go a step further with a fitted, breathable cover that’ll prevent dings and scratches and protect your motorcycle from dust, grime, and moisture. 8. Plug Out Pests-Mice and other rodents are notorious for hiding from the cold inside exhaust pipes and making homes out of air filters. If order to avoid any furry surprises when it’s time to ride again, plug up your pipes with an exhaust plug like the BikeMaster Rubber Muffler Plug. You can also simply stuff your air intake and the ends of your exhaust with some plastic bags - but do use bright colored bags or tie something to them so you don’t forget take them out when you fire up the bike! 9. Keep it Covered-With your motorcycle fully prepped for winter, invest in a proper motorcycle cover. A quality motorcycle cover will not only keep dust off the bike, but will keep the moisture out so it doesn’t get trapped underneath it, and create corrosion or rust. If you’re storing it outside, be sure to get a cover with tie downs to prevent it from Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
blowing loose in wind. If you’re storing it inside you’re in much better shape, but you should still use a cover to prevent dust from building up on it. 10. Theft Protection-If you’re storing your bike outside, bear in mind that being parked unattended for months at a time makes it an easy target for theft. In addition to protecting your bike from weather, using a cover will conceal it from view, and securing it with a heavy lock and chain can give you some peace of mind. Things you’ll need: Cleaning items, including water, soap and towels for the exterior, and chain degreaser, engine cleaner, and WD-40. Fuel stabilizer, such as any manufacturer recommended brand or Sta-Bil. If you’ll be changing your oil, the items listed in the oil change article. A battery tender or trickle charger. Wax for paint finishes. A bike cover or breathable fabric sheet. If your chain needs cleaning and/or lubrication, the items listed in the chain maintenance article. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, so to speak, wood blocks or devices to lift the tires off the ground if your motorcycle isn’t equipped with a center stand. With your bike fully prepared for a few months of hibernation, you›ll find that the winter is the perfect time to get done any maintenance or upgrade projects that you›ve had on your mind. Sunset Cycles sells and installs all kinds of upgrades that will make you feel like you’re riding on a whole new motorcycle come spring time. You may not be able to ride in the snow, but nothing is stopping you from getting your hands a little greasy and actually starting one of those projects that you’ve been thinking about all season!
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K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee
Totally Simple and Delicious Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Always Perfect Super Simple Stuffing
3 Boxes of Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing 2 Cartons of Fresh, Sliced Mushrooms 3 Cartons of Chicken Stock; Unsalted 1 Double-Sided, De boned, Skin-On, Turkey Breast 1 X-Large Yellow Onion - large chop (just ask your Butcher at fave grocery store. They are 1 Whole Tube of Savory, Sage Sausage happy to oblige requests) 1 Stick of Real Butter Prepare stuffing below. Slit your turkey breast open and 1/2 Cup of Currants (optional) lay flat on cutting board. Remember to salt & pepper well 1/2 Cup of Golden Raisins (optional) the inside. Take heaping spoonfuls of stuffing and place Fry up your sausage; drain on paper towels on plate. in the middle of turkey breast. Take one end of breast and Use same skillet with grease from sausage and saute bring up and over large amount of stuffing in the middle. up your onions and mushrooms. Pull tight as you roll up the turkey breast all the way to While you’re doing all this, go ahead and make Stove Top end, Place end of roll down to hold in place as you take Stuffing to package directions. I always substitute chicken stock instead of water though; just makes it taste better. butcher’s string (make sure you use butcher’s string or could easily catch on fire). Now, take your string and tie on Make sure it’s the no salt kind though, or your stuffing will be way too salty. Add stick of butter to stuffing while mixing end very simple knot, run string down one end of breast up. Add your onions & mushrooms & sausage, currants and and all the way under beast and then tie up other end raisins. This tastes incredible! Use this stuffing to roll up in and continue on to tie up 2 more places towards middle your turkey breast and whatever is left over put in a serving of breast. If this seems too difficult, just make 4 separate bowl for everyone to have plenty on the side. Yum! ties. That’s really all that matters is holding it together. Now, take melted butter and baste it all over the turkey Perfect Ending To A Perfect breast well and salt & pepper generously., I always like to Christmas Dinner also rub it down with whatever flavor I’m trying to showBuy 1 Pre made & Cooked Sweet Potato Pie at your case; orange zest, basil, rosemary.......it’s your bird, you favorite grocery deli, heat it thoroughly, then add to it: decide. Now, place in a roasting pan, on a rack. Again, this is where it’s your choice to add apple juice to the MERINGUE TOPPING: bottom of the pan for all those great flavors to be infused 4 Egg Whites 1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar into turkey breast as it roasts. You could add pear juice, 1/2 Cup Sugar orange juice, ruby-red grapefruit......get creative! Roast 1 Jar (7 oz.) Marshmallow Creme in a 350 degree oven for 2 & 1/2 hours. Baste every half hour with melted butter. If it’s getting too brown; tent with 1/2 Cup of Miniature Marshmallows aluminum foil but be sure and take off towards the end to 1/4 Cup Flaked Coconut Beat egg whites & cream of tartar on medium speed until get good, crispy skin. When slicing, be sure and slice nice soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar...1 Tbsp.. at a thick slices where everyone gets plenty of crispy skin. time, on high now, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Place Turkey Gravy: Make it really simple and just take the marshmallow creme in a separate bowl; fold in 1/3rd of roasting pan that turkey was in; add 2 bottles of quality egg mixture at first, then the rest, gently. Spread meringue turkey gravy, mix well over medium heat and this makes evenly over hot pie, sealing edges to crust. Sprinkle genphenom. gravy.....and plenty of it. Serve on a platter with erously with marshmallows & coconut. Bake 12-15 mins. sliced turkey complete and gravy in a separate gravy boat. until golden brown. Cool for 1 hour then place in fridge for 3 hours. Use a knife run under hot water for good, clean This is so simple and you’ll get raves on it! cuts. This pie is one of my all-time favorites!
Merry Christmas all you fabulous bikers! Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
DECEMBER 2017 33
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NCOM BIKERforNEWSBYTES AIM-2622-F-Ad Tennessee.indd 1 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) FIRST TWIN PEAKS CASE GOES TO TRIAL IN WACO HUNG JURY FORCES MISTRIAL IN FIRST WACO CASE It’s been over two years since the bloody Twin Peaks melee in Waco, Texas, and the first trial of more than 150 of those arrested and charged has ended in a mistrial when the jury was hopelessly split on multiple counts. Dallas Bandidos leader Jake Carrizal was charged with three criminal counts, including murder and racketeering, stemming from the May 17, 2015 brawl and gunfight with rival Cossacks members during a meeting of the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents that left nine bikers dead and 18 seriously injured, most shot by responding police. The prosecution had hoped a conviction in this first “big test case,” considered the state’s strongest, would serve as an indicator of how solid the government’s cases might be going forward, and could be used to generate plea deals amongst the remaining 153 bikers indicted, explained A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) Attorney Bill Smith of Texas. Smith, who also serves as legal counsel for the Confederations of Clubs (COC) in Texas, gave a much-anticipated update to bikers from across the U.S. during a recent National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Regional Meeting in Oklahoma City. Carrizal faces life in prison if found guilty, but following more than a month of testimony in proceedings that cost the Waco community over $2 million to date, the three woman, nine man jury deliberated for just under 15 hours over two days before notifying Judge Matt Johnson they were irrevocably deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict. Judge Johnson sent the jury home on Friday, November 10, and declared a mistrial. The State has reportedly announced they will retry the case, but at this point it is unclear if the case will be retried on the same or amended charges, or how it will affect others under indictment. “Just by attending a regularly scheduled monthly meeting, many of 34
these bikers lost their jobs, lost their motorcycles, 11/1/11 lost homes, 5:06 PMor lost custody of a child because of their arrest for engaging in criminal activity,” said Attorney Smith, “spending days, weeks or months in jail under million dollar bail bonds.” In early 2016, several of the bikers filed a civil rights lawsuit against the District Attorney, the Chief of Police and other Waco officials, and “if acquitted, they can succeed in civil action.” BIKERS ASSIST DISASTER VICTIMS U.S. Defenders and the Facilitators at Camp Ironhorse have been deeply involved not only in assisting Hurricane Harvey Disaster relief efforts in Texas, but also in traveling to Puerto Rico for disaster relief aid following Hurricane Maria. “Texas Defenders and Camp Ironhorse volunteers alternate every other week delivering supplies and support equipment,” reports NCOM board member Tiger Mike Revere, Liaison for the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs. “Multiple agencies in our area have donated to support efforts which benefit our fellow Americans victimized by the storms and enhance a Positive Biker Image.” A critical need continues, so anyone interested in providing any support or donations, assisting in Relief Efforts, or desiring more information can contact Monte “Stick” Keiner at: wizzardproduction@yahoo.com. NCOM Christian Unity also continues to be very responsive in meeting Disaster Victims’ needs, as updated at the recent Region 2 Conference in Oklahoma. “They are working with an effort led by Central Harley-Davidson out of Austin TX,” reports Revere, “and the assistance they provided is much appreciated by our awesome Motorcycling Community.” For more information or to contribute, contact Louie Nobs, NCOM Christian Unity Liaison, at ncom.christianunity@gmail.com. BIKING PASTOR SHEPHERDS TEXAS CHURCH, SITE OF MASSACRE Pastor Frank Pomeroy oversees the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where a crazed gunman opened fire on Sunday, November 5th and slaughtered 26 people, one unborn, and injured 20 others inside the church. “Rev. Pomeroy, a motorcycle enthusiast, also runs a ministry for bikers,” and the following infor-
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Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
mation was submitted to NCOM Biker Newsbytes by Becky Cakes, recipient of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists’ 2013 NCOM Silver Spoke Award for Media. The First Baptist Church has a YouTube Channel where it posts videos of worship services and events, and in the last sermon posted online, Rev. Pomeroy -- the church’s motorcycle-riding pastor -- used the imagery of a Harley-Davidson to illustrate his theme for the service, entitled “You Don’t Need Training Wheels, You Need Christ!” Ms. Cakes continues her post; “The pastor brought his bike into church last Sunday, set it in front of the altar and used it as a metaphor. It was safer, he said, to lean into turns on the bike, even though it felt less safe, a lesson he was trying to teach his daughter Annabelle Pomeroy, 14, on the ride there that morning, when it was only 34 degrees. “We had a beautiful ride,” he said. “She was back there cuddled behind me, and when I pointed at the temperature gauge, I felt her snuggle in even tighter.” Annabelle was shot and killed on Sunday. Mr. Pomeroy and his wife, Sherri, were out of the state. …” (Excerpted from The Wall Street Journal, www.wsj.com). U.S. INTERIOR DEPT CREATES RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE On November 7, 2017, Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke announced the creation of a Recreation Advisory Committee to help improve visitor experiences on America’s public lands and waters through expanded public-private partnerships. “We used to have a Bureau of Recreation – we’re bringing recreation back,” Zinke said, adding that “I look forward to hearing from the best and the brightest in our private sector on how to improve the public experience on our federal lands and waters by expanding access for all Americans.” According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in economic impact and supports 7.6 million jobs across the country. “The creation of the Recreation Advisory Committee – combined with meetings, declarations and events – is an important step in harnessing the might of the outdoor recreation economy and shows the department’s commitment to supporting its continued growth,” reports the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) in announcing the formation of the committee. The committee will offer new opportunities for experienced and committed supporters of the Great Outdoors to collaborate with the secretary and other Interior officials on a range of issues, including expansion of world-class visitor services and infrastructure, skillful management of peak visitation, improving fee collection, incorporating new technologies and much more. This action is the result of numerous meetings between the Department of the Interior, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR), of which the MIC is a member, and others. “Creation of the Recreation Advisory Committee is great news for Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
the outdoor recreation industry,” said MIC president and CEO Tim Buche. “We are excited to work with the Department of Interior to address issues facing outdoor recreation, including trail maintenance and expanding access to public lands.” NEW YORK TO REQUIRE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SAVVY BEFORE LICENSURE Those seeking a drivers license in the state of New York will soon be required to take and pass a series of Motorcycle Safety scenarios. A7486/S2119, signed into law on October 23, 2017 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, establishes a motorcycle safety awareness component as a requirement for licensing. Introduced by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-S Bronx), the legislation creates a “Motorcycle Safety” component to licensure, and requires “The commissioner to provide in the pre-licensing course, a mandatory component in “Motorcycle Safety” awareness education as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle. The purpose of the component is to educate prospective licensees on the potential dangers to persons operating motorcycles on the roadway.” So “Motorcycle Safety” will now join alcohol and drug education, “Road Rage” awareness and “Work Safety Zone Safety” as subject matters for the pre-licensing course. FRAUDULENT MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT DOCUMENTS IN INDIANA “It has come to our attention that some Indiana residents have been caught up in a scam regarding documents necessary to obtain a motorcycle endorsement,” reports Jay Jackson of ABATE of Indiana (www.abateonline.org), which “represents all Hoosier motorcyclists and is very concerned anytime one of us is harmed.” Although details from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) are incomplete, “it appears that someone has made copies of the state form used to issue a waiver for skills test and forged the signature of a former ABATE instructor. This unlawful act of greed casts an ugly and undeserved shadow on the instructor’s reputation, as well as that of ABATE of Indiana.” Jackson related stories of people caught up in this situation, with some paying money for these documents or attending and “passing” makeshift classes. If the BMV is unable to confirm that the applicant had successfully completed a legitimate rider course, “they suspend not only the motorcycle endorsement, but also the operator’s license, and in some cases the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), of the individual.” If you have any information related to this situation, please reach out and contact the Indiana State Police, or call the ABATE office at (317) 422-8040 (Indiana residents call (800) 23-ABATE). “We want to get to the bottom of this in hopes that it may assist those that were victimized.” QUOTABLE QUOTE: “People Make Choices. Choices Make History.” ~ facinghistory.org
DECEMBER 2017 35
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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: Wednesday’s Hooter’s New Castle, DE. 6-10PM
MARYLAND
East Coast Indoor Nationals Car And Custom Motorcycle Show Saturday, December 2 - Sunday, December 3 Timonium Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD The Largest Indoor All American Car And Custom Motorcycle Show On The East Coast. 300 Of The Finest - Rods, Customs, Musclecars, Antiques, Pro-Street, Nostalgia Drag Cars And Custom Motorcycles. Cars And Trucks Pre-1974 And Custom Motorcycles Any Year. Large Vendor Area, Free Parking, DJ,50/50 and more Call David 410-628-6262, Email Jitrbug57@Hotmail.Com Or eastcoastindoornats.com Christmas Open House Saturday, December 9, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM All American Harley-Davidson Free Pics with Santa and much more! Timonium Motorcycle Show 2018 Friday, February 9 - Sunday, February 11 Maryland State Fairgrounds Timonium, MD Every foreign and domestic motorcycle manufacturer available in USA on display. 100’s of exhibits covering everything in motorcycling Huge Custom and Antique Bike Show Entertainment and Celebrities After Market and Travel & Tour Feature Areas . After Party and a Whole Lot More
VIRGINIA
Bike Nights: Tuesday’s Tidewater Motorcycles – Chili Dog Social– Suffolk, VA 38
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.
LIST YOUR EVENT HERE! If you would like your event listed, please email details and your contact information to: Events@ BigCityRhino.com
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
WEST VIRGINIA Capitol City H.O.G. Toy Run Saturday, December 2, 2017 - 11 AM to 6:30 PM Harley-Davidson of West Virginia Helping those less fortunate have a Merry Christmas Santa Visits Triple S H-D Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 11 AM to 4 PM Come and have your picture taken with Santa on a Harley. Kids, pets, couples, families, everyone is welcome! Pictures With Santa Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 11 AM to 1 PM Valley Harley-Davidson Join us for an afternoon of fun! Bring your kids to get their picture taken with Santa Claus! While you wait for your picture to be printed off right in store, you can make a festive frame for it to go in! We will also have snacks for all to enjoy! And the best part, it’s all free! We hope to see you! DECEMBER 2017
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DECEMBER 2017
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A 72 year old guy takes this beautiful 24 year old young woman out to Christmas Eve dinner. They had a great time at dinner and are walking through the mall and he spots a jewelry store and they walk inside. He tells the Rep working there that this is one very special lady and he would like to buy her a very special ring. So the Rep shows him a very nice ring that cost $5,000. The older guy said no she is very, very special and needs a very, very special ring. So the Rep goes to another case and he pulls out a ring and said “I have this ring but it cost $40,000”. The older guy says “let’s see it”. The young ladies eyes light up when she puts it on her hand and she is smiling ear to ear. The older guy says “that is perfect we’ll take it”. He explained he only had a check and that it was 8pm so Rep couldn’t call the bank to verify the funds. “Can you take my check and hold the ring until Monday? Once the bank opens you cash the check and then call us and we will come pick up the ring”. The Rep says “great I will hold it until Monday”. Well Monday morning the Rep calls the bank only to find out the old guy doesn’t have enough to cash a $400. check let alone a $40,000. one. So the jeweler calls the old guy yelling to him but about the check. The old guy just said, “hold on, let me tell you about my wet n’ wild weekend”!!!. -------------------------------------------------------------A Police Officer pulls over a speeding car on Christmas Eve. The officer says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.” The driver says, “Goodness, officer, I had it on cruise control at 60; perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating.” Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: ‘Now don’t be silly, dear, you know that this car doesn’t have cruise control”. As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, “Can’t you please keep your mouth shut for once?” The wife smiles demurely and says, “Well dear you should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did or your speed would have been higher.” As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, “Woman, can’t you keep your mouth shut, ever”? The officer frowns and says, ‘And I notice that you’re not wearing your seat belt, sir. That’s an automatic $75 fine”. The driver says, ‘Yeah, well, you see, officer, I had it on, but I took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket”. The wife says, “Now, dear, you know very well that you didn’t have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you’re driving.” And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket, the driver turns to his wife and barks, “Will you just shut the hell up?” The officer looks over at the woman and asks, “Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma’am?” The wife looks at the officer with eyes round and innocent and replies; “Only when he’s been drinking way too much.” Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
On the farm lived a chicken and a horse, both of whom loved to play together. One day the two were playing when the horse fell into a bog and began to sink. Scared for his life, the horse whinnied for the chicken to go get the farmer for help! Off the chicken ran, back to the farm. Arriving at the farm, he searched and searched for the farmer, but to no avail, for the farmer had gone to town with the only tractor. Running around, the chicken spied the farmer’s new Harley. Finding the keys in the ignition, the chicken sped off with a length of rope hoping he still had time to save his friend’s life. After tying the other end to the rear bumper of the farmer’s bike, the chicken then drove slowly forward and, with the aid of the powerful bike, rescued the horse! Happy and proud, the chicken rode the Harley back to the farmhouse, and the farmer was none the wiser when he returned. The friendship between the two animals was cemented: Best Buddies, Best Pals. A few weeks later, the chicken fell into a mud pit, and soon, he too, began to sink and cried out to the horse to save his life! The horse thought a moment, walked over, and straddled the large puddle. Looking underneath, he told the chicken to grab his hangy-down thingy and he would then lift him out of the pit. The chicken got a good grip, and the horse pulled him up and out, saving his life. The moral of the story? (yep, you betcha’, there is a moral!) “When You’re Hung Like A Horse, You Don’t Need A Harley To Pick Up Chicks”. --------------------------------------------------------------Lil’ Johnny was really antsy and wanting to leave for Christmas break. The Teacher was asking questions and all who answered correctly were allowed to leave early. The room was emptying quickly and Lil’ Johnny was getting really antsy and really mad. The teacher asked another question and little Amy, Marie and Sally all raised their hands and knew the answer. The Teacher let them all go early. Little Johnny was truly pissed off. He mumbled “damn, I wish these bitches would keep their mouths shut”. The teacher whirled around and said, “Who said that?” Lil’ Johnny yelled out “Harvey Weinstein”, and flew out the door.
DECEMBER 2017 41
Dealers & Shops biker friendly directory
A to Z Cycles 1472 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, DE 19901 302-632-2272 www.atozcycles.com
All American HarleyDavidson 8126 Old Leonardtown Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-274-5000 www.allamericanharley.com Baltimore Harley Davidson 8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003 www.hdstore.com Bayside Harley-Davidson 2211 Frederick Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23704 757-397-5550 www.baysidehd.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 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
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Indian Motorcycle of Fredericksburg 10151 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-642-4017 www.indianbikesva.com
Whirled of Color Customs, LLC Body, Paint and Custom Airbrushing 116 Roesler Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953
Jim’s Battery Warehouse Laurel Commerce Center 14721-K Baltimore Ave Laurel, MD 20707 301-604-7333
Zipper’s Performance Products Elkridge, Maryland 410-579-2828 www.ZippersPerformance.com
Old Glory Harley Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 www.oldgloryhd.com 301-575-0575 Patriot Harley- Davidson 9739 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA 703-352-5400 www.patriothd.com Precision Motorcycle Inc 129 Southgate Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-248-8004 www.precisionmotorcycle. com Pete’s Cycles 344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586 For other locations go to www.petescycle.com Sunset Cycles 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy Decatur Business Center Units 208-209 Ocean City, MD 21044 443-520-6005 TG Automotive 8176 Telegraph Road Suite E Severn, MD 21144 443-795-4733 www.tgautomotivemd.com The Twisted Spoke 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-326-4644 www.twistedspokeinc.com
Bars & Restaurants Bryans & Brent’s Place 229 N. River Street Weston, WV 26452 304-997-8722
Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill 7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Rt 17 North Gloucester, VA 804-693-7218 www.damonsbar.com Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar 1787 Castlewood Drive Colonial Beach, VA 22443 804-224-8726 www.docksidetikibar.com Jerry’s Restaurant & Lounge 1102 Sparrow Road Chesapeake, VA 23325 757-424-1086 Find us on Facebook Millstream Inn 5310 Dogwood Rd. Baltimore, MD 21207 410-265-8224 www.millstreamgirls.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
DECEMBER 2017
Seabreeze / Swampy’s 27130 S. Sandgates Rd Mechanicsville, MD 301-373-5217 Second Chance Saloon 5888 Robert Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045 443-545-5844 2ndchancesaloon.com The Tavern 4975 St. Leonard Rd. ST Leonard, MD 20685 410-586-2225 www.thetavernofstleonard.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 Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Port Vape & Brew 8 South Main Street Port Deposit, MD 21904 410-652-9223 www.PortVapeBrew.com
Apparel / Retail
Renegade Classics Biker Outlet 7950 W. Broad Street Merchants Walk Shopping Center Richmond, VA 23294 804-501-BIKE (2453) www.RenegadeClassicsRichmond.com
Biker Depot 5300 Kemps River Drive Suite 126 Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-962-0195 www.thebikersdepot.com Blaze Leather 2239 Randolph Avenue Elkins, WV 26241 681-298-5055 www.Blaze-Leather.com Maryland Small Arms Range 9801 Fallard Court Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-599-0800 www.msar.com 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
Southern Maryland Pawn 2224 Crain Hwy Waldorf, MD 20601 240-222-3547 www.smdpawn.com
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
Francis Scott Key Family Resort 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 800-213-0088 www.fskfamily.com
Insurance Agents Rider Insurance www.Rider.com
Clubs, Organizations & Riding Groups
American Motorcyclist Association (800) AMA-JOIN AmericanMotorcyclist.com 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 eal 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.
LIST YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR FOUNDATION HERE!! EMAIL TO:
BFD@BIGCITYRHINO.COM
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
DECEMBER 2017 43
biker friendly directory
Lodging
Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com
WHY MOTORCYCLISTS CAN’T AFFORD TO JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE
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any different things draw people to motorcycling. For some, it’s the sense of freedom. For others, it’s a source of relaxation, even exhilaration. If you’re like me, it’s to some degree all of the above. That said, it’s the ride we crave regardless of what each of us gets from it. Roads are packed with motorcyclists sitting back (or forward) and just enjoying the ride. Which begs the question: can we, as avid motorcyclists, afford to do that? I have the privilege of being able to attend motorcycle rights conferences around the country. It has allowed me to take some fantastic rides in some of the prettiest parts of this nation. I remember attending one conference a few years ago put on by the Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation (MRF), in Frisco, Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado, you know it’s some of the prettiest riding country you’ll ever encounter. Yet on a gorgeous Saturday in June, I found myself not on my bike riding the Rockies, but in a room with motorcyclists from around the country discussing issues riders face all around the United States. Some of the issues being addressed by the participants included working to: • Prevent motorcyclists from being excluded from public parking lots, roads and parking garages • Eliminate roadside checkpoints aimed only at motorcyclists • Address the ever-growing problem of distracted driving • Prohibit the use of higher ethanol blends at the pump until the effects on motorcycle engines can be further studied • Lobby for legislation allowing motorcyclists to safely and reasonably proceed when they are stuck at a traffic light that will not recognize them • Prevent legislation which arbitrarily sets age restrictions for passengers on motorcycles • Partner with state and local governments to promote sensible motorcycle awareness campaigns These are all real issues being faced by real riders. As I took in everything being discussed, I thought to myself: What would riding be like if no one was addressing these issues on behalf of motorcyclists? The answer was chilling. It’s easy to sit back, enjoy the ride, and count on everything being all right. But can we afford to do that? If we all did, 44
we may soon find no ride left to sit back and enjoy. So what can you do to protect yourself and the activity we all love and cherish? Take some simple steps to become involved in protecting the rights of fellow motorcyclists. I’m not suggesting everyone start riding all over the country attending seminars (though it is a great excuse to ride all over the country). Get involved locally. Start paying attention to positions your local, state and federal legislators take regarding issues affecting motorcyclists. Share your thoughts in letters and emails. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Go to City Council or County Board meetings. Join a motorcycle rights organization and attend their lobby day, when motorcyclists go the State Capitol to discuss important issues with elected officials. I also encourage you to join the MRF, an organization dedicated solely to protecting the rights of American motorcyclists (learn more and join at mrf.org). There are numerous ways to protect your rights as a motorcyclist. The ways are limitless, bound only by your passion and imagination. There is, however, a wrong way, and that’s to count on someone else to do it. That someone may be sitting back, enjoying the ride and counting on you. If you have any questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please feel free to contact me at 1-800-321-8968 or matt@motorcyclelawgroup.com. 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 practice in GA, VA, WV, NC and SC. Matt has successfully represented clients in cases from simple property damage to complex multi-million dollar personal injury claims. He is also a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations. To learn more about The Motorcycle Law Group, visit MotorcycleLawGroup.com.
DECEMBER 2017
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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
DECEMBER 2017 45