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Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic 4157 Mountain Road #233 Pasadena, Maryland 21122 www.ThunderRoadsMidAtlantic.com
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 Tonya Harding 410-459-2443 703-314-5200 jb@bigcityrhino.com Tonya@BigCityRhino.com (Northern Baltimore/Delaware) (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)
Cathy Curran 410-251-5438 Cat@bigcityrhino.com (Eastern Shore Sales Crew)
Big City’s Two-Wheel Testament..................................6 Across The Pond............................................................8 Diary of a Biker Chic.................................................. 13 Mountaineer Military Museum................................. 14 MC Rights Organizations........................................... 19 Road Captain’s Report.............................................. 20 Center Calendar......................................................... 22 Featured Bike: Trike.................................................. 24 The Pink Ride.............................................................. 26 Rider Tips.................................................................... 31 BRAPP......................................................................... 33 News Bytes................................................................. 34 Events.......................................................................... 38 Joker’s Wild................................................................. 41
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Biker Friendly Directory............................................. 42
Meredith Hancock Hancock Graphics
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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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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Model: Erika Gilmore Photography: Bobby T Rocks
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ovember, wow! This year has just flown by. All the major events are done in the Mid-Atlantic area. This time of year, the biker community does a lot of community out-reach. We always show up, that’s the greatest thing about this community. November marks the beginning of the Holiday season, and a lot of groups will be holding food drives and toy collections to benefit their communities. If you are involved in any of these events make sure you send us all the information, and we will help you put the word out. 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 the Road Captain is living the Dream and taking all the rides we all wish we could find the time to do. Andy Tallone takes us through the birth of the dirt bike, in this month’s article from Across the Pond. Sandman tells us why Real Bikers Wear Pink. Once again Manny from Sunset Cycles gives us tips on Riding in the Fall. 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® MidAtlantic 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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Violence on The Earth
The Lord saw that the people on the earth were very evil. He saw that they thought only about evil things all the time. The Lord was sorry that he had made people on the earth. It made him very sad in his heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy all the people I created on the earth. I will destroy every person and every animal and everything that crawls on the earth. And I will destroy all the birds in the air, because I am sorry that I have made them. ” But Noah pleased the Lord. This is the history of Noah’s family. He was a good man all his life, and he always followed God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. When God looked at the earth, he saw that people had ruined it. Violence was everywhere, and it had ruined their life on earth. If you would tear open the skies and come down to earth, then everything would change. Mountains would melt before you. Please, look down from the heavens. See what is happening now. Look down at us from your great and holy home in heaven. Where is your strong love for us? Where is your compassion? Why are you hiding your kind love from me? Look, you are our father! Abraham does not know us. Israel does not recognize us. Lord, you are our father! You are the one who has always saved us! Lord, why are you pushing us away from you? Why are you making it hard for us to follow you? Come back to us! We are your servants. Come to us and help us! Our tribes belong to you. Your holy people had their land only a short time. Then our enemies trampled down your holy Temple. Some people don’t follow you. They don’t wear your name. And we have been like them for a very long time. Jesus left the Temple area and was walking away. But his followers came to him to show him the Temple’s buildings. He asked them, “Are you looking 6
at these buildings? The fact is, they will be destroyed. Every stone will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another.” Later, Jesus was sitting at a place on the Mount of Olives. The followers came to be alone with him. They said, “Tell us when these things will happen. And what will happen to prepare us for your coming and the end of time?” Jesus answered, “Be careful! Don’t let anyone fool you. Many people will come and use my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah.’ And they will fool many people. You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are only the beginning of troubles, like the first pains of a woman giving birth. “Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in me. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to every nation. Then the end will come.
NOVEMBER 2017
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FROM ACROSS THE POND
1959 A10 Rocket 650 twin. This was BSA in her prime.
“RICKMAN: THE BIRTH OF THE MODERN DIRT BIKE”
and started winning races with it. It took the motorcycle world by storm. No one had ever seen anything like it before.
BY ANDY TALLONE Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
RICKMAN BROTHERS GO RACING Brothers Don and Derek Rickman raced scrambles and motocross throughout Great Britain and Europe during the 1950s, and became quite well known for their riding skills. During these years, they were learning, not just how to ride, but how to improve their bikes to make them faster. But they were growing increasingly disgusted with the bikes that were available to them at the time. During this era, a typical off-road competition motorcycle was a heavy, British-built OHV singlecylinder like the BSA Gold Star, or the Matchless G80, in either 250cc, 350cc or 500cc. The 500s made 30 to 40 horsepower, and weighed nearly 400 pounds. They were essentially soupedup street bikes with the lights stripped off. Their weight made them slow and unwieldy in the dirt. The Rickman Brothers wanted more from their bikes than these old relics of a bygone era could possibly deliver.
The quintessential Rickman Metisse with Triumph 650 engine.
THE ANATOMY OF A RICKMAN What makes a Rickman so special? The first thing you notice is that theyʼre gorgeous! The fiberglass bodywork is impeccablymade and painted in luscious colors. The frame rails shine like chrome, but as you take a closer look, it has a softer sheen than chrome. All Rickman frames are, in fact, nickel-plated, not chromed. Chrome rusts and peels, and has a hard look to it. Nickel has an almost satiny finish that never tarnishes. After all, itʼs nickel that makes stainless steel stainless. As you look closer still, youʼll notice some of the most beautiful welding beads youʼve ever seen in your life. Theyʼre actually hand-brazed (brass) by British artisans, on a frame made of high-strength, lightweight chrome moly steel tubing artfully triangulated in critical stress areas like the steering head. What the Rickmans were after was a frame with great structural rigidity, long suspension travel, excellent handling, and above all light weight. They hit all those marks in spades. Everyone who saw it wanted one, so the Rickman Brothers set up limited production which provided much-needed income to further the development of more and better frames.
The Rickman Brothers were racers first.
BUILDING THE ULTIMATE FRAME Their years of racing, and of modifying motorcycles to optimize them for motocross competition created in them a burning desire to design not just a new frame, but an entirely new type of frame. It slowly took shape in their minds and on the drawing board, and in the winter of 1958 and 1959 they set to building their ‘ultimate racing frameʼ. They introduced it in March 1959 8
Rickmans were designed to accept almost any engine. This one is a ʼ68 BSA 441 single with “waffle head”-treatment. Check out those welds on the frame.
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THE RICKMAN METISSE What were their buyers doing with all those frames they were buying? Dropping BSA Gold Star, Matchless G80, and even Triumph 500 & 650 twin engines in them and winning races. Seeing this made the Rickman Brothers want to build their own complete motorcycles. They werenʼt interested in building engines, there were plenty of good ones out there to choose from already. And things like wheels, forks and shocks were available on the aftermarket. All they had to do was concentrate on the frames and the bodywork. Their first bike, their personal prototype, was the 1959 Rickman Metisse MkI (Mark 1). “Metisse” is a rather unsavory French word for, ahem...”mongrel”. It referred to the fact that a Rickman frame might accept almost anyoneʼs engine, a Triumph, a BSA, Matchless, AJS, Royal Enfield, Ariel or Velocette. Their first run of limited-production bikes for their earliest customers were the 1960 Metisse MkII (unbelievably valuable to collectors today). It took until the 1962 MkIII to perfect the versatility of their frames to accept virtually any engine.
Rickman’s road racers led to street-legal cafe racers like this one, with ʼ71 Triumph Trident 750 triple engine.
RICKMAN HITS THE STREET By the mid-60s, the Rickman Brothers were already quite famous in the motorcycle world with the success of their Metisse line of dirt bike frames. They were approached by road racer Tom Kirby to apply their frame-building magic to a road race bike for the 1966 season. Two bikes were built with Triumph 650 engines which repeated the successes of Rickmanʼs dirt bike frames, easily outclassing their competition, who were still running stock street bike frames. After a few years of racing success, street bikes began to appear, mostly bootlegged together by their owners out of race bikes. So, they started building cafe racer
Actor/racer/badass Steve McQueen loved his Rickmans. He owned dozens. Original “McQueen bikes” sell for stellar money today.
RICKMAN BROTHERS CHANGE THE WORLD Bold statement, I know. But think about it. Before that first Rickman frame, there were no actual purpose-built dirt bikes. Almost without exception the frames of those older racers had started out life as heavy street bike frames with the accompanying weak suspension. It was thought at the time that these frames were good enough, and that the lower number of off-road bikes sold would not justify an entirely new frame, costwise. The Rickman Brothers rethought the whole paradigm, asking instead how they could build the best possible frame for motocross. The rest of the world soon followed, and an endless array of new purpose-built motocrossers with light weight frames soon flooded the market from every corner of the globe, literally kicking off the whole dirt bike boom that ran through the 60s and didnʼt stop until the early 80s. The Rickman Boys did that. They were the first to think of it, and do it. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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frames for all the common British engines. At this point the Rickman Brothers were still just selling frame kits and leaving it to the owners to install their own engines of choice. They felt they were ready to start producing complete motorcycles, but none of the British motorcycle manufacturers were willing to sell them engines, for fear of creating competition for their own bikes. Their dreams of building complete Rickman Motorcycles would have to wait. In the 1970s they started building cafe racer-style frame kits for the big Japanese 4-cylinder engines from Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki. The added speed and weight of these massive engines led to Rickmanʼs first use of Lockheed disc brakes front and rear.
still make fantastic dirt bikes. They built the Rickman-Hodaka 100, the Rickman- Zundapp 125, and the Rickman-Montessa 250 through 1975.
I owned this gorgeous ʼ73 Rickman-Montessa 250 myself.
Actor Armie Hammer rides a Rickman Metisse in the final chase scene in the 2015 thriller “Man from UNCLE”.
LIGHTWEIGHT DIRT BIKES
MODERN RICKMANS
While the dream of a Rickman-branded street bike continued to elude them, several makers of 2-stroke dirt bikes were more than willing to sell the Rickman Boys all the engines they needed. By 1971, Rickman had secured deals with Hodaka in Japan to buy 100cc 2-stroke singles out of the Hodaka “Super Rat”; Zundapp from Germany for 125cc engines; and Montessa from Spain for 250cc engines, all single-cylinder 2strokes. They produced a very successful, and beautiful line of motocross bikes that were considered by many at the time to be one of, if not THE best motocross bikes in the world. I was racing motocross myself in the early 70s, on a Carabella 125 Carerra (built in Mexico of all places), and I remember envying anyone who could even afford a Rickman. Years later, I ended up owning one. Today, theyʼre cheap. Nobody wants them. In 2011, I bought a near-perfect 1973 Rickman Montessa 250 (pictured here) for just $2,000 with plans to sell it for a quick profit. I detailed it (thatʼs all it needed) then sold it at the big MidAmerican Motorcycle Auction in Las Vegas in January 2012. Mine ran across the block right after another one that looked just like it that had just sold for $1,750, I couldnʼt believe it. My heart sank. Then my bike came through and ran up to $3,750, barely enough to break me even, but I took it gladly. Hard to believe that such beautiful, well-built, historic motorcycles, that were once considered THE premium MX bike at one time, would go so cheap. And while theyʼre almost too pretty to ride, they
In 1981, the Rickmans sold their parts business to Pat French, a Rickman enthusiast, who ran it until 1999. At that point, another Rickman enthusiast, and friend of the aging Rickman Brothers, Adrian Moss took the helm and went back to producing complete Rickman Motorcycle frame kits. In 1974, Derek and Don Rickman received the “Queenʼs Award to Industry” and in 2007 the brothers were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. While the brothers are no longer involved, today, Rickman Motorcycles sells frame kits and accessories for a wide range of engines, and Metisse Motorcycles (a separate company) sells complete bikes styled after classic Rickmans, like the Steve McQueen Desert Racer Replica. A new Rickman Metisse MkIII “Hammer” was the motorcycle of choice for the epic chase scene in the 2015 movie “The Man from UNCLE”. Screen legend Steve McQueen owned numerous Rickmans (mostly with Triumph 650 engines) which he raced throughout his life. These “McQueen Bikes” are going to insane money now at auction. Thereʼs no discounting the contributions to motorcycling that the Rickman Brothers made. They literally invented the modern dirt bike.
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Classic-British-Motorcycles.com For more on Rickmans, please visit www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/rickman-motorcycles.html
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BY JOYCE ELAINE
DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC
October 7, 2017 Saturday afternoon. 85 degrees…wait…85 degrees?!? In October?!?! It felt more like a warm summer day than a cool fall day. The entire week had been warm and sunny but I had been busy working and getting settled into my new home that I just hadn’t found the time to get on the bike…until today! During a time when warmer riding gear is needed, I walked out of the house in just a light jacket with jeans and my half helmet. The killer was that my bike was still parked at my old place, 25 minutes away. It’s looking like it may stay there throughout the winter or until we get a shed put up for safe parking at my new home. That 25-30 minute drive gave me time to think. I’ve been riding for ten years. It’s been a fun and safe ten years. I’ve had a couple of close calls that could have turned out horribly but I always was able to let my quick reflexes take over and keep me safe. I’m one of the lucky ones…so far. I thought about getting on the bike as hot as it was and dreaded the heat that I was about to feel. When I think about the winter coming, I dread getting out the heated gear. I feel exhausted when I think about having to get my bike to the shop for service…it’s actually overdue right now. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older but when I think about riding, I don’t get as excited as I used to. I’ve been contemplating parking my bike for good. It’s starting to feel more like a chore than a fun adventure. When I do ride, it’s because I forced myself to.
motorcycle to glide me along each turn, curve, bump and hill in the road of life. Now that I’m older and life has calmed down and I feel human again, I no longer have a void that needs to be filled. So I wonder if I just don’t “need” to ride anymore. Then I wonder what the hard core bikers would say about all of this. Many of them have happy and loving lives, but they still ride and they still love to ride. I’m not saying I don’t love to ride, as I do still enjoy it, but I no longer get excited about going on rides or long trips like I used to. In fact, part of me doesn’t like the idea of going on a long trip as I all I can think of is how tired I will be the next day. Okay, maybe that’s just me getting old… So I wonder if any of you have ever felt like this? How did it turn out for you? Does anyone ever just stop riding? Am I alone in these thoughts? Have I lost my freaking mind? Am I just starting a new chapter in this journey that’s called life that doesn’t involve riding? I really am unable to answer any of these questions or make sense of what I’ve been feeling. I always say that getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper helps, but this time, it’s not helping. I’m hoping the answer will come to me in a dream or in the flash of a light but I’m not holding my breath. What say you? Comments/advice welcome.
But, when I get on the bike and take off in that first initial minute and I feel the adrenaline hit me and then I kick up the gears as my speed increases until I’ve reached the top one and I feel all the stress melt away, I am reminded of why I do ride. When I think of all the awesome people I’ve met that I would never have met if I wasn’t a biker, I’m reminded of why I ride. So I sit here in confusion…totally lost at the feelings that I’ve never felt before. I did a good 75 miles on the bike today and it was a fun and exhilarating 75 miles as I went down roads that I’ve been down many times before but still feeling like I had never been on those roads before. I feel like a lost soul trying to figure out and sort the thoughts in my head as I wonder if it’s “just a phase” that will eventually pass or if it’s just how I am now. If I were to stop riding, would I lose some of my friends? Would anyone miss the articles I write in this magazine? Will I miss riding? When I started riding, I had just gone through a divorce and I was starting to live a new life. Riding a motorcycle was what made me feel alive again after being kicked and beaten down by someone that I thought loved me. It gave me a new purpose and pumped new life into my veins, replacing the life that had been lost. It took me years to get out of the fog and funk of what life had thrown at me and I only think I did it because I had my Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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THE MOUNTAINEER MILITARY MUSEUM… “THE PROMISE” made…”THE PROMISE” Fulfilled!
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ROWING UP in a little coal mining community in Harrison County, WV, three young men received their Draft Notices. Ron McVaney was assigned to Germany…and his two friends were sent to Vietnam. Ron was the ONLY one to come home. Asked to be a pall-bearer at his best friend’s funeral… he made a graveside “PROMISE”: “I won’t let anyone forget you.” It is “THE PROMISE” that is the underlying Theme of The MOUNTAINEER MILITARY MUSEUM! Since that time, Ron began to collect military items from yard sales, flea markets, surplus stores and an occasional Military Collectors Show. “I thought having those things around would help me remember my friend.” The collection grew, and SOON filled every nook and cranny available. Ron retired from his job, and his wife suggested that he “…share the collection with others, and tell the story of his friend…and others like him…who served in Vietnam.”
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Ron took the bulk of his retirement and rented a building in Buckhannon. The collection opened there in May 2003…but by October, the Museum had to close its doors due to lack of funding and support. By the end of October, the Museum had found a temporary home in one room of The Weston State Hospital. The Museum was well received, and was invited to return the following spring tourist season. During that time, the group of caretakers invited the McVaney’s to relocate the collection to a larger suite in the front of the building. The Museum reopened in May of 2005. But, by October 2006, the “Hospital” was locked down due to fire code violations. The McVaney’s collection had to be packed away. Soon…bins and boxes overtook the McVaney’s home. The search began to find a new site. It was suggested that Ron approach the Lewis County Board of Education, who owns the Historic Weston Colored School. The local Convention and Visitors Bureau was using the building, but
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was getting ready to vacate to another site. With a scrapbook of pictures in hand, the Board agreed to give the McVaney’s a perpetual lease to the School Building. The McVaney’s moved items to the site in February of 2006…and Ron began building. The School House gave the collection 700 square feet of display space…and it didn’t take long to fill every inch. In May 2006, a ribbon cutting was held with local dignitaries, families of Vietnam Veterans, and several members of the Community. The Mountaineer Military Museum was very well received. “THE PROMISE” had a new home. Soon, word spread, saying: “You should see the Mountaineer Military Museum in OUR TOWN!” Folks came…from all over! With support from the Lewis County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Museum was able to get travel cards sent to Welcoming Centers all over West Virginia, and added to the West Virginia Tourism Travel Guide. The collection continued to grow, as local families began to bring artifacts and remembrances of their Military Heroes to be
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placed in the Museum. THE HALL OF HEROES was conceived to be a place to bring pictures of your service member to have a permanent place of Honor and Remembrance. Display spaces that were initially used to house items from a particular era, were reconfigured to be windows to honor an Individual. Some very rare and unique items have found their home at the Museum. After a few years, the small 700 squarefoot space had served “THE PROMISE” to its capacity. Early 2011, The Lewis County School Board secured funding to begin construction on an addition to the Museum. This addition space utilized the ‘back-yard’ of the Colored School. ANOTHER “Chapter” was beginning. By construction’s end, an additional 2,100 square-feet of space had been added. Ron and a local Vietnam Veteran, Gary Rogers, began building display spaces and dioramas. The addition was build and opened in two stages. The first part opened in 2012, the second in 2014.
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In the “Joseph Mace Annex”, named for (then) Lewis County Board of Education Superintendent and Vietnam Veteran, the space was used to arrange artifacts by “Eras”: CIVIL WAR, WWI, WW II, KOREA, VIETNAM, IRAQ/WOT. The McVaney’s are often asked, “What is the Admission cost?” Their answer: “THE VETERAN PAID THE PRICE FOR YOU!” The Museum does not charge admission, but operates solely on donations received from visitors, tour groups, and groups and organizations from the area throughout the year. Summer fundraising yard sales and raffles supplement the Museum’s Winter Utilities and Building Maintenance Funds when the Museum closes for the winter months. From December through April, the McVaney’s use that time to redo displays and provide Building maintenance. The Museum’s NUMBER ONE Fundraiser is “THE PROMISE” PATCH. This embroidered patch was conceived as a perpetual fundraiser for the Museum. It works like this: The Patch costs $25.00, with $20.00 going IMMEDIATELY to the Museum. The remaining $5.00 goes to the fund to buy more Patches. With your ownership of “THE PROMISE” PATCH, you are then making YOUR “Promise” to support the Museum with a yearly financial donation! “THE PROMISE” Patch has owners as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand…and everywhere in between. Contact
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us, if you would like to make a “Promise”. The Museum reopens each Spring on April 1. It’s NUMBER ONE event is held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. THE “VET-Together”, an opportunity for the gathering of Veterans of all eras and branches of Service to share their stories, form new friendships, and make their “Promise” to not let people “Forget” the service and sacrifices of the ‘Brothers’ and ‘Sisters’. The event runs in conjunction with Weston’s Annual Memorial Day Parade, with an hour long parade winding through downtown Weston, and ending at the Museum. If you’ve never experienced this event, you are invited to come. You’ll NEVER forget it. Ron and Barb McVaney, owners of the Museum, invite you to come and visit, what has been called, “The best kept secret in Central West Virginia.” Once you visit, you’ll want to come back, again. The Mountaineer Military Museum is open from April 1 to December 1, on Saturday’s only…from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M….Or, by making an appointment for a mid-week visit. You may contact the Museum by calling: 304-472-3043. Email: mountaineermilitarymuseum@yahoo.com Website: www.mountaineermilitarymuseum.com
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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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FOA17 at the North Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Heading to Starbucks
FOA - BRP17
R
OSE AND I had just ROAD gotten back from a CAPTAIN’S REPORT ride to, you guessed it, another waterfall. And we were getting set to write about it when we got wind that our friend, Alberto Hernandez, founder of Florida Outdoor Adventures, and his band of merry men, were taking the Auto Train from FL to ride Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Deals Gap. We reached out and he was more than gracious to meet and let us tag along for a while. Temperature at departure was 38F. F was right! Merlin reluctantly started and we donned “the juice” for the first time this fall. We met Alberto’s group in the AM on Skyline Drive. They were all on adventure bikes and lined up at the last overlook before the parkway. Rose and I took our spot on the end as if Perfect Weather
Lunch we had all done this before. After all the introductions, hugs and handshakes, I set up the tripod for a group pic. I don’t remember having this many bikes in a shot all at once. I was so far back, I had to reset the timer for 15 seconds, and I still nearly face planted getting back to the bike. As of this time, there has been no video posted. And if there is, I’m sure it will get a laugh. All of us caravanned down the mountain to Starbucks; their pre-arranged meeting place for the two that had pushed ahead to work on their chicken stripes. This turned out to be a good spot for everyone to check in with family and friends, since much of Skyline and the parkway is void of signal. The sun was as bright as everyone’s spirits. Rose and I shed all of our gear except for jackets. We also felt a warm connection from the camaraderie displayed by the group. This was turning into an event, and a very special day, and we could all feel it. I asked Alberto, since I was familiar with the area, where they planned on eating lunch. I was very surprised and impressed, that a group this large was just winging it, hotels and all. I made the comment to one of the riders, that it may be a good idea just to grab some chicken at the strategically placed KFC next door and picnic on the parkway. I hadn’t given it another thought until all of us were geared up, on our bikes, and ready to roll. Then the one that I had mentioned it to, brought it up to Alberto. Not only did everyone go along with it, but it gave Alberto time to pass out some FOA stickers and plant a memento, in the form of a personal feminine product, on my saddlebag. I could feel the love:) Alberto
Chicken safely stowed, we made our way up the
Meeting the Group 20
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Buena Vista Overlook
Anchor position
Picnic Fodder his Vance and Hines, eat on some uphill sweepers. They could have put an overlook in every turn in this section. I’m glad they didn’t, because it gives the rider a sense of flying.
mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway. All of us, neatly and professionally parked Drone Shot again in “Alpha Formation” for the group pic at the entrance sign. This was a first for many of the riders. Alberto made it even more commemorating, unfurling a group flag for the shot. Once underway, Rose and I took up the anchor position so we could get some pictures of the group in action. From the get go, we were impressed with the pace of the “Flatlanders.” We eventually caught a slower moving vehicle that must have felt somewhat intimidated seeing 13 headlights in their rearview mirror. They politely slowed and pulled over in a passing zone, and we all waved as we went by. I wonder if they smelled any fried chicken. Temps were firmly in the 70s and the skies were mostly clear, vividly displaying the mountains in the distance. It was a magazine cover shot in almost every turn, and Rose and I were happy that everyone was getting to enjoy this perfect weather on such an epic trip. Unbeknownst to all of us, there was a work zone ahead. Fortunately it was just past a picnic area, so we all made a U-turn and found a spot at the table for lunch. There was just enough breeze to keep the bugs away and torture anything downwind, that was hungry. With that much chicken concentrated in one place, it’s a wonder there were no bear sightings. Afterwards, as if it couldn’t get any better, a few of the group broke out cigars. We ended up making quick work of the work zone. Alberto asked us to lead them to an overlook with a nice view. Coincidently, the one I had in mind, is called, “Buena Vista.” Leaving the gravel behind and back on terra firma, I felt the urge to let Merlin and
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Speaking of which, in addition to taking a pic with the pod of all triness, at the Vista of all Buenas overlook, Alberto, let out, the vehicle of all unmanned aerials, complete with high def video camera. The shots were amazing as emails later revealed. And we all got a kick out of watching it fly with precision like that of a humming bird. Readers can check out his Youtube channel for all the cool vids. Before you go packing your flight jacket, it was later discovered that drones are prohibited on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whoops! It was a good spot for Rose and I to head back home. Before breaking off, we said our goodbyes and suggested a place for the group to stay, near Roanoke. We thanked Alberto for letting us tag along and share part of their adventure. It was truly a slice of heaven. We wish we could have hung with them all the way to Florida. Rose and I felt very excited for everyone, especially those who had never been riding here before. I’ve often said this is the greatest playground a kid with a bike ever dreamed of. And all of them, from their 30 somethings to their 60s, were going to feel like kids again for the next few days. Cheers and thanks for reading! Marc Ritchie Photos: Rose Grant, Alberto Hernandez Links: facebook.com/friendsof211, youtube.com/user/ FloridaOutdoorAdv/videos
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e k i r T
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in Indianapolis by Ralph The build on this Trike star ted out ind his house. The Softail O’Neill, in 2006, in a small garage beh t suspension from Extreme frame was grafted to an independen matched up to a 5-speed Trike LLC. AM 80” Ultima Motor was paint, were very carefully transmission. A Corvette rear clip and even flow. adjusted and matched, to create an burgh, PA in 2015 with me The Trike then found its way to Pitts finish the Trike up. Reverse for the remaining touches needed to h terrain. All my Motorcycle was added to help with the Pittsburg ry is the lucky guy, at the ripe will be gifted to my Grandsons, Hen old age of 5, to receive this trike.
Owner: Gary Herndon Sheener, Rich Werner Assist on Build: Sam Beatty, Doug Paintwork: Rick Brittenbough th Hills Cycle Special Thanks: Ron Tonetti @ Nor
Bobby T Rocks Model : Erika Gilmore Photography: Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
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Real Bikers Wear Pink Darren “Sandman” Myers, Thunder Roads Road Crew Member ere in the Mid-Atlantic, the fall is a great time to ride with H its cooler temperatures and autumn colors. Thanks to some great promoting by a number of worthy charities, pink has
become a prominent color in October by representing the fight against breast cancer. Thepinkride.org hosted the 9th Annual Pink Ride on a warm, sunny day with over 300 bikers riding in to show their support. There was a great abundance of pink to go around as riders were dressed in pink shirts, tutus, hats and many other accessories that you would not normally see on a biker. Everyone got into the theme to show their support and I’m sure many cagers were scratching their heads as they saw hundreds of bikers decked out in pink rolling down the interstate from the Eagles Nest Rockin’ Country Bar in Virginia Beach to their sister location in Chesapeake where the real party began. Founded in 2009, the Pink Ride brings together motorcyclists from the community to help local women battling breast cancer. Since then, the ride has grown every year, raising more than $20,000 annually to provide financial assistance for local breast cancer patients who are uninsured or underinsured, with a focus on assistance with medical bills, including biopsies and treatment. With early detection being the key to surviving breast cancer, the Pink Ride has pledged $100,000 toward equipment at DePaul Medical Center that will offer state-of-the-art early detection. The Pink Ride is also 100% volunteer-based and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the cause.
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The festivities at the Eagles Nest were off the chart. It was truly heart-warming to see so many bikers get into the pink theme for such a worthy cause. The party was full of bikes, bands, vendors, food, friends and a huge auction that was a great deal of fun. There was even a golf cart that was raffled off to someone that wanted four wheels on the ground with wind still in their face‌well, maybe just a mild breeze. The day could not have been better and congrats to everyone that helped make this ride and party a great success. We are looking forward to the next one with even more pink swags. Thunder RoadsŽ Mid-Atlantic
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This isn’t just a hobby. It’s who I am. Rider gets it.
Share how deep your passion runs.
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RAFFLE BIKE!
WIN A URAL
ENTER for a chance to
SIDECAR MOTORCYCLE 2017 GEAR-UP 2-wheel drive!
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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Rider TIPS
W
RIDING IN THE FALL
ith autumn and autumn motorcycle riding officially here, the realization that the riding season is drawing to a close shifts the focus of riders from lavishing the dog days of summer to catching the final riding days before storing our bikes. The predictable and cyclical changes in nature occurring at this time of year, create unique hazards for motorcyclists. Even though we can be temporarily teased by unseasonably warm weather and sunny skies, the unstoppable reality is that leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping and daylight is diminishing. Autumn is a beautiful time to ride. There is less traffic on back roads, the fall colors are spectacular and the air is clear and crisp. Once the leaves have fallen, the underlying rocks and terrain become visible. You can see much further and you note things that were always there but covered. It’s a great time to check out the scenery – fall provides an amazing palette with the turning leaves. Some of the best roads to ride are often in areas where there are a lot of hills and trees that are the perfect canvas for autumn colors. Nature’s artwork is often best viewed from a motorcycle The hazards aren’t necessarily greater than during other seasons – only different. The challenge is being prepared — not complacent. The rewards are immeasurable. You can take advantage of the cooler temperatures – Cool, crisp air is very refreshing this time of year. Riding temperatures can be so much more comfortable than in the summer heat. There is something about the smell of the falling leaves that makes it so inviting to be outdoors. You can truly justify wearing leather – Leather looks cool. And milder temperatures make it much more comfortable to wear. So strap on the chaps, pull on the leather gloves, and don your toughest-looking leather jacket. You’ll be comfortable and look sharp. And of course, not to mention the added safety benefits of wearing leather. Here are ten conditions to prepare for. Leaves on roads. Dry leaves can camouflage potholes and other road irregularities. Wet leaves are slippery and can appear unexpectedly in shaded areas. Use caution particularly during those scenic autumn rides as conditions can change. Shorter days. If you do much riding at all, you’re likely going to be riding in the dark. Take extra care to make sure bulbs in headlights, brake lights and turn signals are working and lens are clean. Wear high-visibility and reflective gear to make yourself as obvious as possible. Sunlight glare. The sun is lower in the sky and glare can be an issue for much of the day, unless you’re facing north. Along with this, as trees become barren of leaves, the patterns of light and shade can be like riding in a strobe light and very distracting. Deer migration and mating season. More collisions with deer occur now than at any other time of the year as a result of the dramatic increase in their movement. Be especially vigilant at dusk and dawn. Cold tires. While touring tires with their harder rubber compound are generally more suitable for cold weather, sportier tires are not. The sportier the tires, the softer the rubber. This is fantastic in hot weather and gives them their sticky characteristics which aid traction. In the cold, they’re hard and that traction is gone. Cold riders. Cold is fatiguing and in turn can cause greater impairment than moderate alcohol intake. Even when you’re wearing good gear and staying warm, the ambient temperature takes its toll. You don’t notice when you’re riding, especially over long distances and it can be startling when you stop to realize how tired you really Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
are. Staying hydrated and taking regular rest stops help with this. Improper gear. Bundling up with lots of layers can be a great strategy for dealing with fluctuating temperatures during the day. However, too much bulk is not only fatiguing, it can impede your ability to react. Heated gear is a fabulous invention. You need fewer layers and it effectively – and comfortably – extends the riding season. Icy road surfaces. Frosty mornings mean that pavement can have a thin layer of ice and you can lose traction. As the temperature drops in the evening, be particularly cognizant crossing bridges and shaded areas as they’ll ice up first. Be prepared for changing conditions even during the day if you’re travelling through mountains and changing elevations. Fewer riders out. This means that car drivers, who don’t see us at the best of times, are now expecting to see motorcycle riders even less often. Be more cautious and alert. Make yourself as conspicuous as possible and assume they don’t see you. Isolation. Scenic back roads which weave through quaint small towns, particularly in tourist areas have a whole different feel to them. Seasonal businesses close and rest stops and favorite watering holes may not be available. Plan accordingly for gas, food, lodging and emergency contacts. Enjoy your ride, invite friends and make the best of the time you have in the saddle. It will make for great stories when the it gets too cold to ride and all you can do is remember all the good times you had during the season, places you road to and the folks you road with. Stay safe, prepare for the ride and make the best of every day!
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THE SCUTTLEBUTT 12320 Neale sound dr. Cobb island, Maryland
A QUAINT LITTLE DRINKING VILLAGE WITHA BIG FISHING PROBLEM
Waterfront Bar and grill Biker Owned and Operated
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 240-233-3113 32
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FACES
PLACES
Young fans clammer for a good view as Sammy Halbert goes by.
Brad Baker 6 leads teammates Jared Mees 9 and Bryan Smith 1.
REC
RACES
A huge crowd was on hand.
England’s Oliver Brindley 124 and Blake Lomas 175 battle.
Jared Mees and Brad Baker lead the field heading into turn three in front of a packed house.
Brad Baker 6, Briar Bauman 14 and Kenny Coolbeth Jr 2 lead the pack. The frustration is apparent with Johnny Lewis 10 after popping the chain while running third during the semi.
Jared Mees takes a convincing victory in preliminary action. AFT Singles head into turn three in front of a huge crowd.
A large group of bikes parked in the infield.
AFT Single winner Kevin Stollings 99 leads Kolby Carlile 36.
Find More Great Off-Road Action At BrappMag.com The Colt Wilbur Band provided entertainment in between the action. Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Shayna Texter.
AFT Single podium L to R: Wyatt Anderson 3rd, Kevin Stollings 1st and Kolby Carlile 2nd.
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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 Following more than two years of examining trials, hearings, motions to recuse judges and to disqualify prosecutors, appeals court rulings and a host of speedy trial demands, the first case in the Twin Peaks melee has finally gone to trial in Waco, Texas. Jacob Carrizal, President of the Dallas chapter of the Bandidos, appears before Judge Matt Johnson of Waco’s 54th State District Court on charges of directing the activities of a criminal street gang and two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity. Carrizal is the first to stand trial of the 154 bikers indicted in the Twin Peaks shootout that left nine bikers dead and dozens injured while attending a Saturday, May 17, 2015 meeting of the Coalition of Clubs and Independents, an affiliation of motorcycle groups. Many questions will hopefully be answered, at long last, including how much of the bloodshed was due to a biker turf war and how much resulted from law enforcement actions. Authorities tightened security measures around the McLennan County Courthouse, including a metal fence around the 115-year old building, and black curtains over the windows, while attorneys have whittled down a jury pool from nearly 150 prospective jurists to 11 men and three women, with two serving as alternates. “LOWEST FIGURES ON RECORD” FOR U.K. MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES In a promising message for motorcyclists, statistics recently released by England’s Department for Transport (DfT) show that U.K. motorcycle deaths are down by 13%, the lowest figure since records began in 2006, despite an overall increase in motorcycle traffic last year and amidst the highest total of overall road deaths since 2011. In fact, statistics from the DfT’s “Reported road casualties in Great Britain: 2016 annual report” reveal that motorcyclists were the only road user to see a decrease in fatalities from 2015-16, even though they rode 2% more to cover 2.8 billion miles. 34
AAA CLAIMS BABY BOOMERS AT HIGHER RISK ON A5:06 BIKE 11/1/11 PM A new report from AAA claims that the baby boomer generation that made motorcycles cool are now more likely to sustain lifethreatening or fatal injuries in a crash than younger riders. The organization, analyzing federal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), says older riders make up a disproportionate number of motorcycle fatalities. The mortality rate for riders who are 60 or older is more than four times the overall increase in motorcycle deaths for 2015-16, says AAA, with motorcycle fatalities rising 5.1% while deaths among older baby boomers increased 22%. Important to note, the increase in overall motorcycle fatalities is partially the byproduct of a corresponding rise in the number of motorcycles on the road, increasing to 8.6 million motorcycles in 2015 compared with 8.4 million in 2014, according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data cited by the organization. LIFE SENTENCES PROPOSED FOR KILLER DRIVERS U.K. drivers or riders convicted of causing death by dangerous driving could face life imprisonment if new Government proposals are adopted to increase maximum penalties. The move follows a public consultation in which 70% of respondents believed that the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving should be increased to life -- the top penalty that British law offers. Under the same proposal, the crime of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will also be increased to life. Currently, both offenses carry a maximum term of 14 years imprisonment, while the average sentence imposed is four years. The Government also proposes the creation of a new offense of causing serious injury by careless driving, with a prison sentence up to five years, a measure supported by 90% of those surveyed. The punishment for cases that involve mobile phones, street racing or speeding would carry a sentence equivalent to manslaughter. THE FUTURE OF THE ENGINE IN QUESTION Some world governments are already acting to curtail or eliminate
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gasoline-powered engines, and now the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, has announced that he is also considering ways to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines. During a recent public meeting on U.S. Climate Alliance in New York, Brown stated; “We’re doing something in the face of inaction.” “Eventually, Washington will join with us, because you can’t deny science forever, you can’t deny reality. And the reality is climate change is occurring.” With a zero-emissions mandate currently in place, California is one of the U.S. states that is fully committed to carrying out the objectives of the Paris Agreement -- which is an ambitious project from the United Nations aiming to tackle the problems caused global climate change. Gov. Brown’s announcement follows a similar diktat from the British and French Governments, reflecting plans to move to electrically-powered vehicles within the next few decades SELF-DRIVING CARS CLOSER TO HOME The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved a bipartisan bill called the SELF-DRIVE act, the first of its kind to drive the unmanned market forward by putting federal regulators in charge and barring states from blocking autonomous vehicles or setting performance standards. This legislation would supersede state-by-state rules, making it possible for autonomous testing to proceed on a level playing field across the U.S. If it becomes law (which still requires it to pass the Senate), then it would make it possible for companies working on self-driving to field a lot more vehicles per year – as many as 100,000 autonomous test cars annually, in fact. The proposal would make it possible for car companies such as Ford, GM and others to bypass certain safety standards that currently apply to human piloted cars, including equipment and controls. The Senate has also been working on its own self-driving bill, which may cover trucking as well. CALIFORNIA MEASURE WILL ENSURE TRAFFIC LIGHTS DETECT CYCLES Two-wheelers will be detected by all newly installed and replacement traffic signals throughout California, as recently passed Senate Bill 672 will “ensure that local transportation agencies will replace current traffic-actuated signals during the course of regular maintenance and upgrade cycles to adopt motorcycle-and bicyclesensitive signals.” Existing law due to sunset provides that, in due course of maintaining or replacing traffic control devices, local governments ensure that the systems are set at a level to that can detect cyclists and motorcycles, thus this bill indefinitely extends these provisions without a specific mandate from Sacramento. “Since I authored the original law ten years ago, this common sense measure has proven to be effective at making our roads Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
safer,” said Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield). Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on October 3, 2017, SB 672 specifies that “Upon the first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal [responding to the presence of traffic detected by mechanical, visual, electrical, or other means], the traffic-actuated signal shall, to the extent feasible and in conformance with professional traffic engineering practice, be installed and maintained so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.” Advanced by ABATE of California, the motorcycle rights organization says of the legislation; “Thanks to Governor Brown for signing this permanent extension,” stated Chairman of the Board Glenn Phillips, adding that “With over a Million Motorcyclists in our state, this legislation is imperative to protect riders on California roads.” HELP “LEMON LAW” PASS FOR RIDERS IN PENNSYLVANIA ABATE of Pennsylvania has issued a Legislative Call To Action regarding House Bill 74, a bill introduced by Representative Pam Snyder that would include motorcycles in the current PA Automobile Lemon Law. HB 74 was introduced and referred to the House Consumer Affairs Committee. On June 12 the House Consumer Affairs Committee approved HB 74, and the measure is now facing consideration by the full House. “Contact House of Representative members and ask them to support HB 74 to include motorcycles in the state’s “Automobile Lemon Law,” urges the state office of ABATE of PA. “You can call them, email them or visit them. But you have to do something if we are to have success in having HB 74 pass the House and be sent to the Senate for their consideration.” PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT SEEKS STRICT HELMET LAW ENFORCEMENT The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Philippines is seeking to strengthen enforcement of the Mandatory Helmet Law (RA 10054) nationwide. In a Memorandum issued Sept 6 to all governors, mayors and others, the DILG directs local officials “to implement said (Helmet Law) Act, and ensure that the provisions are strictly complied with.” Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento directly addressed DILG during the department’s budget hearing in Congress and said he observed that several motorbike riders and drivers forget to use their helmet resulting in road accidents and deaths. The Subject of the memo calls for the “Observance of the provisions of Republic Act No. 10054; an Act Mandating All Motorcycle Riders to Wear Standard Protective Motorcycle Helmets While Driving and Providing Penalties Therefor (sic).” QUOTABLE QUOTE: “A man wearing a helmet defending our country is more valuable than a man in a helmet defending a football.” ~ Seen on a T-Shirt
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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 Events: Bobby Hall / Larry Fisher Memorial Toy Run - 37th Annual Saturday, November 4, 10AM Start Banning Park on Maryland Ave, 102 Middleboro Rd, Willimgton, DE. All Bikes & Vehicles Welcome $15 per Person or a New Toy of Equal Value. After Party at Cheney’s on the Pike. Proceeds benefit Exceptional Care for Children Hope for Heroes Scavenger Hunt Saturday, November 11, 10AM Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt followed with Live Music, Raffles, Prizes and more. Join us as we thank those who Defend our Freedom 34th Annual Toy Run Sunday, November 12, 2017 9:00 AM Old Mill Creek Fire Hall 3900 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE $15 Rider/$10 Passenger and One New Toy. Toys should be for 1-13 year old boys and girls
MARYLAND
Hurricane Relief Ride Saturday, November 4, Noon All American Harley-Davidson Supporting the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund A Ride through Eastern Charles County, MD. Free Food and Coffee provided by All American HD KSU @ 1:00 PM - Ride ends at VFW Post 2632. Rain or Shine - $20 per Vehicle SPAGHETTI DINNER – by American Legion Post 82 Saturday, November 11, 1-6PM American Legion Harry White Wilmer Post 82, 6330 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 38
FREE TO VETERANS Free to Children 12yrs and under $5 for all other attendees Veteran’s Day Ride to Arlington Cemetary Saturday, November 11, 7:30 AM Battley Harley-Davidson/ Battley Cycles Join us for our annual ride to Arlington Cemetery on Veteran’s Day. We’ll have coffee and donuts starting at 7:30 am. Kickstands up at 8:00 am as we head to Arlington. The group will park and attend the ceremony at the amphitheater. 10:30 am Concert, 11:00 am Wreath Laying Ceremony, 11:05 am Observance Program. Parking and admission are free. Toys 4 Tots Sunday, November 12, from Noon- 3:00 PM American Legion Post 175, Severna Park, Maryland Toys for Tots Toy Run in Support of Marine Corps. Must have “New” unwrapped toy to gain entrance. 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!
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. NOVEMBER 2017
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 Events: Blue Knights 35th Annual Childrens Hospital Teddy Bear Run Saturday, November 4, 9:00 AM Richmond Harley-Davidson Door Prizes, Breakfast & Lunch Available, Vendors and Family Fun Benefits Childrens Hospital Rough Riders MC Saturday, November 4, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM Paddy’s Steakhouse and Pub, Stafford, VA Rough Riders MC Bull Run Chapter Anniversary Party Veterans Day Poker Run Saturday, November 11, 2017 9:00 AM Bentley’s Diner, 7234 Centreville Road, Manassas, VA VA Chapter 2 of the Hogs and Heroes Foundation will host their annual Veterans Day Poker Run to raise funds for the “Able Forces Adopt-A-WarriorFamily for Christmas Program.” Able Forces is a non-profit organization that serves combat injured service members. Regisration is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Bentley’s Diner in Manassas, VA. The cost is only $25 ($10 for passengers). Come on out to have a great time and support this very worthy cause. The “Adopt a Warrior Family” program provides the following to the warrior families: - A Christmas tree - Dinner for the family - Stocking stuffers - Presents for the family Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
LIST YOUR EVENT HERE! If you would like your event listed, please email details and your contact information to: Events@BigCityRhino.com
Tri-State Power & Ink Expo Saturday, November 11, Sunday, November 12, 2017 Huntington Convention Center WE ARE LOOKING FOR VENDORS AND RIDERS/BUILDERS TO SHOW OFF THEIR BIKES!! FAMILY FUN! We are an indoor motorcycle show, hosting 80+ vendors, featuring tattoo artists, gun vendors, ATVS, & a kids corner with activities, held on November 11th &12th 2017, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena $ Convention Center, in Huntington, WV. Santa Visits Triple S H-D Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Come and have your picture taken with Santa on a Harley. Kids, pets, couples, families, everyone is welcome!
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upcoming events
WEST VIRGINIA
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A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?” The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and said, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks (500 mil a year + bonuses & perks) when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic….. “Try doing it with the engine running.” This bill collector had been calling Rhino for several months and he eventually had to block him. But one day he called from a different number and Rhino answered the phone and the collector said; “Do you know as of today your outstanding bill is one year old?” Rhino said, “Really? Tell it Happy Birthday!” and hung up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------How come we choose from just two people to run for President but over fifty for Miss America? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------When I was young we used to go ‘skinny dipping.’ Now I just ‘chunky dunk.’ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------WHY are they called apartments when they are all stuck together? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------WHY if flying is supposedly so safe, do they call the airport the terminal? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------WHY is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------What’s blue and covered with feathers? A turkey hiding from a hunter holding its’ breath. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------What do you get when you cross a turkey w an octopus? Finally, enough drumsticks! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------How can you tell when a Gold Wing rider is having an affair? His helmet doesn’t match the passengers. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------A biker stops by the local Harley Shop to have his bike fixed. They Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic
couldn’t do it while he waited, so he said he didn’t live far and would just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and an anvil. He stopped by the feed store/ livestock dealer and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem: how to carry all of his purchases home. While he is scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, “Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?” The biker said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I live at 1616 Mockingbird Lane. I would walk you home but I can’t carry this lot.” The old lady suggested, “Why don’t you put the anvil in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in the other hand?” “Why thank you very much,” he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he says, “Let’s take my shortcut and go down this alley. We’ll be there in no time.” The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, “I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won’t hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and ravish me?” The biker said, “Holy smokes lady! I am carrying a bucket, an anvil, two chickens and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?” The lady replied, “Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the anvil on top of the bucket and I’ll hold the chickens.” (Hey, old broads get horny too!) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two turkeys are standing in their pen shootin’ the chit when one says “what’s up w/ Ed? I saw that Farmer guy chase him all around and then put him up under his arm and walk off with him. The other turkey says, “I think he’s going to the dentist. Heard Farmer say something about stuffing his cavity.” -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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
NOVEMBER 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
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biker friendly directory
Lodging
Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com
RIDER TRAINING & EDUCATION CONTRIBUTES LITTLE TO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY (According to U.S. Safety Experts)
By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group
M
any reputable groups within the highway safety community have taken the position that motorcycle rider training and education contributes little to motorcycle safety. It is their position that rider education does not have a discernable impact on motorcycle safety, and that universal helmet laws are the only reliable method of reducing motorcycle fatalities. Do not take my word for it. Here is what the experts have to say: “While basic rider courses teach important skills, the effectiveness of training as a safety countermeasure to reduce motorcycle crashes is unclear.” (Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – March 2010) “There is no scientific evidence that motorcycle rider training reduces crash risk and is an adequate substitute for an all-rider helmet law.” (Lethal Loopholes, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety – January 2015) “Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proved to be effective in reducing motorcyclist fatalities.” (Motorcycle Safety: Increasing Federal Funding Flexibility and Identifying Research Priorities Would Help Support States’ Safety Efforts, U.S. Government Accountability Office – November 2012) “Helmets are the only safety measure proven to save lives.” (Motorcycle Safety: How to Save Lives and Save Money, Center for Disease Control and Prevention – June 2012) Before I start to get angry emails concerning the value of motorcycle helmets, let me be clear that my purpose in writing this has nothing to do with riders wearing or not wearing motorcycle helmets. I am merely questioning a position shared by many within the highway safety community that dismisses the value of rider education. Let’s take a look at statistics which can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: Between 2005 and 2015, the latest year for which we have complete data at this point, motorcycle registrations have increased 38 percent nationwide while motorcycle fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles have decreased 21 percent. Additionally, motorcycle vehicle miles traveled have increased 88 percent during that same timeframe, while motorcycle fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled have decreased 42 percent. Is there an explanation for this sustained decrease in fatalities during this time frame? We know that between 2005 and 2015 not a single state promulgated a universal helmet law. In fact, one state, Michigan, repealed their universal helmet requirement. What else could be
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responsible for this decline? One possible explanation is that during this time frame there has been an increased emphasis on motorcycle training and education. In fact, 47 states currently have state legislated motorcycle training programs in place, with the remaining three having private programs. I believe that it is likely that having more motorcyclists trained to ride properly and defensively naturally leads to less crashes. So to all the training instructors out there please accept my hearty thanks for making motorcycling better for all of us. Matt Danielson McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller The Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 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 VA, NC, SC, GA and WV. 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.
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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
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