Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic MAR 2016

APRIL 16TH

Second Chance Saloon 5888 Robert Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045

JULY 16TH

Harley-Davidson of Baltimore 8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237

MAY 14TH

Toots Bar 23971 Mervell Dean Rd. Hollywood, MD 20636

JUNE 18TH

Creekside Inn 1225 Security Rd. Hagerstown, MD 21742

AUG. 21ST

Woodstock Inn 1415 Woodstock Rd. Woodstock, MD 21163

Thunder Roads Magazine® Mid-Atlantic

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

Big City’s Two-Wheel Testament.......................5 Big City Road Hounds........................................9 ABATE.............................................................. 11

Facebook – Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic Twitter- TR_BigCity Instagram- ThunderRoadsMid-Atlantic EDITOR / OWNER / PUBLISHER BigCity@BigCityrhino.com

Diary of a Biker Chic.........................................14 MCV Cares.......................................................19 Road Captain’s Report.....................................22 Center Calendar...............................................26 Featured Bike...................................................28

ADVERTISING Mike “Rhino” Ryan David “Mongo” Robinson

443-875-7482 240-855-4705

Rhino@BigCityRhino.com Mongo@BigCityRhino.com

(Owner / Sales Director) (Big City Ride Card Manager)

(Central Maryland Crew) Teresa “Blueiz” Christiansen Cathy “Cat” Curran 301-283-8008 443-859-6917 & Cat@BigCityRhino.com Michael “Tractor” Herbert (Eastern Shore Crew) 240-298-0472 TNT@BigCityRhino.com Scott “Scooter” Broyles (Southern Maryland Crew) 304-549-5615 Scooter@BigCityRhino.com Laurie “LuLu” Wright (Charleston, WV Crew) 410-533-3551 LuLu@BigCityRhino.com

Big City Rhino Challenge.................................30 Bonds of Brotherhood......................................32 History of Motorcycles......................................36 Rider’s Tips.......................................................38 Joker’s Wild......................................................41 News Bytes.......................................................45 Events...............................................................46 Biker Friendly Directory....................................48

OWNER/ACCOUNTANT Mike “Bighead” Abbott (443) 875-7597 BigHead@BigCityRhino.com

ON THE COVER:

LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics

Model: Genny Cream Ale

CONTRIBUTORS Mike “Smiles” Johnson / Joyce “Biker Chic” Marc “Road Captain” Ritchie / Suzy “Carebear” Leighton David “Barney” Barnhouse

Photography: Bobby T Rocks

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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Want to start out by saying THANKS, to all of our readers that came out to the Big Show this year. We had a great show.

Every year we look forward to this show as it gives us a chance to meet our loyal readers face to face. Now we are ramping up for the 2016 riding season. Be sure to follow us at www. bigcityrhino.com on our events page for all your local rides.

Also be sure to submit your events as well.

For those who didn’t make it to the Big Show. You can check out our magazine online to get caught up. We are excited to announce Thunderfest this year. We have been told for years to host a party and we think we are going to rock the Fairgrounds this year with our line-up and all the other activities. Follow us on Facebook @ Thunderfest for more info and updates.

This Edition, like all others will bring you solid content like the Road Captains Report and Diary of a Biker Chic. We also are continuing our feature History of the Motorcycle, provided by one of our publishing partners Thunder Roads® Iowa. If you have something you would like to see in as well, please submit your suggestions to BigCity@BigCityRhino.com.

All that said let us remember to thank all of our advertising partners that make it possible to keep the Only Motorcycle Magazine that Matters going. Please show your appreciation by supporting their businesses as well.

See You at the Big Show, Big City

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Be Yourself

we reap what we sow. If we sow God’s Word into our hearts then we will reap the blessings—salvation, deliverance, peace, healing, redemption, and prosperity—many blessings. If we sow what the devil and world tells us—then we will reap those things— condemnation, guilt, shame, confusion, insecurity— many curses.

God wants you to accept yourself and to like who you are! Does that statement sound so hard to do?

Wouldn’t you like the freedom just to be accepted as you are, without having to put on airs and without pressure to be someone you aren’t?

God accepts you as you are. The devil wants to steal selfconfidence from you. He tries to make you “feel” that you don’t “measure up” in one way or another. Thank God that we are “measured” by His standards, and not the worlds!

The opinion you have of yourself affects all your relationships— with God and other people. Many times people can’t keep good friendships because they don’t even like themselves—so why should anyone else!

You can keep striving to make things better in your life by your “good works”. Many people depend on their “good works” to outweigh their “bad works”, and thereby make it into heaven when the time comes.

God can and will use us as we are. He will train and equip us to help us overcome areas that we are weak in. God says that He uses the weak things of the world to confound the wise. You don’t have to be something or someone your not! God will mold you into what He wants you to be. You just have to be pliable.

Our worth and value is not in what we are—but who we are in Christ Jesus. Once we learn to accept ourselves and come to peace with ourselves then we will begin to come to peace with other people.

As you apply God’s Bible based principles in your life—you will be able to overcome any insecurities you may have and learn to succeed at being yourself and like yourself in the process.

But God says our “works” will not earn us anything. It is by acceptance through faith of God’s Son Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. We are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a FREE gift to us because of God’s love for us—we just need to receive it!

Begin to speak what God says about you—not the negative things you may “feel” about yourself. God works by faith—the devil works with feelings!

2 Cor. 5:21 says that Jesus actually became sin on the cross for you and I, so that through Him we might become the righteousness of God. You need to believe God when He tells you this! He will NEVER lie to you. But the devil will lie, steal and deceive you.

Don’t allow the devil to pull you down to his level. He is the master at deception. It’s your choice whom you believe!

Focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses!

We don’t succeed by works—but we do have to be obedient to do what God says. There IS a difference! The Bible says that

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Don’t compare yourself to other people.

When you know how much God loves you—you will learn to like and love yourself. Become rooted and grounded in God’s love so you will be at peace and succeed at being yourself.

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BETTY: Hi, I’m Betty and I’m a beautiful, sassy gal looking for a home. I’m playful, social, and I enjoy hanging out with my friends, two and four legged alike. Super affectionate and super energetic, I love to run and play, especially with ball toys (jolly balls are my fav’!) I also love a good scratch. Stop by for a visit and get to know me! You might notice my adorably big ears. How cute are they?! Or you might notice the endearing way I sometimes stick my tongue out a little. What can I say? I’m just a silly sweetie pie. Hope to see you soon!

TAM TAM: What’s up everyone? I’m Tam Tam, a staff favorite here at BHS, so much so that I am named after one of the staff members! I’m a super sweet and lovable gal who doesn’t realize how big I am which makes me think I’m a lap dog. I have lots of energy and I love to go for long walks and runs. My favorite things are treats, toys, belly rubs and PEOPLE!! In my previous home I lived with another dog and kids ages 3-11.

If you want to add a four legged friend into your life then please choose me...I am longing to be in a warm, cozy and loving new home. See ya’ soon.

JIMMY: Hello everyone I’m Jimmy and happy to meet ya. I am a happy wiggle butt with a big heart which makes me a staff favorite here at BHS. I love people, going for long walks, stuffed animals, squeaky toys and couches!

Yep, you heard me right I love couches and I would sleep on one all day if you let me because I am a cuddle bug and lap dog who does not know his own size. In my previous home I did live with another dog but as far as cats go, I cannot go home with any feline friends. If you would like to adopt a big and beautiful dog like me then stop in soon.

TOBY: Looking for a senior man to call your own? Then say hello to me, I’m Toby and I could be the one for you. I’m a sweet, social and friendly guy who loves people! I enjoy playing tug of war, chomping down on squeaky toys and stuffed animals, and lounging around on big comfy dog beds. ve been around kids in my foster home and am very good with them. As of right now I’m on medication for arthritis and hypothyroid, and I really could stand to lose a few pounds. I bet my new family could help me with this. I would love to find a home very soon where I can spend the rest of my “golden” years. Please call BHS 1st at 410-833-8848 to make sure I am at the shelter and not with my foster mom. My fee has been sponsored by a generous donor! Thanks !

Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 T: 410-833-8848 | F: 410-833-4481 | www.bmorehumane.org Baltimore Humane Society: A no-kill shelter protecting, saving, and caring for animals since 1927!

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The Maryland Legislative Session is in full swing and the Members of ABATE of Maryland, Inc., have been busy in Annapolis attending meetings, Bill hearings, and walking the halls on Monday nights to lobby our legislators.

Members of ABATE of Maryland, Inc., joined Members of the Maryland COC on February 10th for the hearing on Senate Bill SB 233, Motorcycle Profiling. I would like to thank all that came out to support the bill. Our members also came out on February 18th to show their support for House Bill (HB) 559, the Helmet Modification Bill.

ABATE of Maryland, Inc., has also been working to oppose some other bills, Senate Bill 164, if passed will put age restrictions on Motorcycle Passengers. No child under the age of 10 years old, would be able to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle and children under the age of 12 would have to be able to reach the footrests.

We are also looking into a bill about Autocycles.

Supporters of this bill want to classify auto cycles as a motorcycle.

So as you can see, ABATE has been busy, but again this is what we do, we lobby for bills that are favorable to motorcyclists and fight those that infringe on our freedom. We meet at the ABATE office every Monday night until the last session night in April at 5:30pm.

If you would like to join us one night and see what we do for your continued right to ride, contact me for more information or go on our website and see what chapter meets closest to you and go talk to them.

See you on the road John Robinson Executive Director, ABATE of Maryland, Inc. defendercycleworks@yahoo.com

The Ridge Tavern and Grill Great Food Kitchen Always Open Cold Beer Bikers Welcome Good times US19 at Marion County Line

304-278-8041

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MARCH 2016

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BY JOYCE ELAINE

DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC

I

know no one wants to talk about winter now that spring is right around the corner, but let me do a quick flashback to that terrible blizzard we had back in January. Some of us saw three feet of snow and were snowed in for days. I only had one concern the entire time: my motorcycle! I don’t have a garage so when I bought my bike two years ago I also bought an awesome little product called the CycleShell Enclosure. If you’re not sure what that it is, it’s exactly what you would think it is. It’s a platform that you can pull your bike onto and a very durable piece of fabric cover closes over your bike.

It’s the same fabric that’s used for boat covers so you know it’s tough! You can pull the bike into the enclosure and close it up the second you turn off your bike. It has room to run a cord through if you need to hook up a battery tender as well. It keeps out all of the outside elements, even dust and dirt! I’ve seen it stand its ground during high winds, heavy rain, hail, and even snow up to 8 inches. I hadn’t seen what it could do during a blizzard though. I was worried but I should have known to have faith. Upon checking the bike when the blizzard was over, I was a little worried. The top was caving in and the sides also appeared to be collapsing in as they were being drowned in snow. However, when I finally was able to get out there and clean it off and around it…it all bounced back to where it was supposed to be and more importantly, my bike was fine!

It seems these days you can’t find a good product like this and I knew that I had made a great investment after that blizzard. What’s even more awesome is that the owner/creator of the company, Mark Cooper, is a down to earth biker just like you and me and gives awesome customer service. You talk to him directly and he makes sure you are getting the correct size and even helps you save money in shipping. I was fortunate enough to do a phone interview with him and I quickly learned that he is not only a smart dude for coming up with this product but he started from the ground up and his persistence, hard work, and belief in himself allowed him the success he has today. Read on for the interview I did with him and if you need to protect your bike like me, you can find him online at www.cycleshell.com or just call him at 303-485-2442 or tollfree at 888-280-6233. He’d love to hear from you!

Me: I appreciate you doing this interview with me.

Mark: Oh certainly! I’m happy to. So you’ve had my CycleShell for a couple of years now, haven’t you?

Me: Yeah. Two years and after this blizzard that we had last month, I was amazed!

Mark: Oh, fantastic!

Me: I woke up the next morning and it was covered in snow, you know on the front, on the top, it was caving in a little bit. I went out there and knocked the snow off and it just popped right back into position and the bike is fine. I was like, I gotta talk to this company!

Mark: Well good! That’s what it’s all about! What kind of bike do you have?

Me: I have right now, I just bought a 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan. What kind of bike do you have? You said you have a few bikes?

Mark: Yeah. I do everything. I do street riding, I do dual purpose.

I do dirt biking so. I got my street bike. I got a Suzuki 1250 Bandit, which is a nice bike, especially in Colorado because, you know, I’ll 14

get out with my buddies and we can ride like 2 or 300 miles in a day.

So, it’s a comfortable seated bike, and it’s not like a sport bike but it still has a lot of performance and the features of a sport bike.

Me: I can’t do the dirt bikes. My brother has one and he let me ride it and it’s so uncomfortable.

Mark: Yeah, I started out when I was a kid so I’ve always been involved with motorcycles. I started riding dirt bikes when I was about 13.

Me: Nice! Now, let’s get into your product a little bit. The Cycle Shell Enclosure. You’re the creator of it. This was your idea?

Mark: It is my idea and I came up with the concept in 1992. I was moving into an apartment at the time down in Phoenix, Arizona and I had a motorcycle with me and I had moved maybe 4 to 5 times in four years and every time I moved, I’d go down and rent a storage locker.

You know, it would cost me like $80 or $100 a month. I was moving in this apartment and I was sitting on my couch and I’m thinking “well I guess I gotta go down and find a place for this motorcycle.” And then the whole concept came to me. I immediately ran down to the University of Arizona and I got an artist and I did a conceptual drawing and I took it around to some dealerships and everybody was like, “Oh yeah, that’s really nice. Whenever you get this together, let me know.” So it took me about four years to design it and get all my engineering and all my materials and so forth for manufacturing in line. In 1997, I quit my job and I started doing this full time.

Me: Awesome!

Mark: I started in my basement.

Me: Nice!

Mark: And I have not looked back since. I’ve been manufacturing since 1997 but I’m no longer manufacturing in my basement but that’s where I started!

Me: You gotta start somewhere!

Mark: So the whole concept, well you have it now, I wanted a full closure. I wanted the bike to be completely surrounded, parked off of the ground, and collapsible so it could be easily portable so a person could take it with them when they move.

Me: When I was looking around, I had never even heard of your company and I was trying to find something because I don’t have a garage. I was looking around and I saw someone on Facebook or one of those social websites had said something about the CycleShell so

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I looked you up and then I started looking at your competitors. And I always came back to you because of that platform. It’s not sitting on the ground. I saw one that was just sitting on a soft piece of plastic. The design is amazing. I like that it’s got that solid platform and it’s got holes so you can run a wire if you need to hook up your battery tender.

Mark: Exactly.

Me: It’s amazing!

Mark: I think about, it was about four or five years after I started manufacturing, some competitor’s came out and I’m a patented product. I was awarded that in 2002. But you started seeing things coming out. One of them was the bike barn. Their manufactured, I believe in Korea and their distributed through Canada and they call themselves a non-contact cover. So they don’t use a platform.

All it is a plain structure with a cheap fabric on it. It doesn’t seal the motorcycle up completely. You still get a lot of dirt and debris entering in from the bottom and I’ve heard a lot of people complain that the cover will not go over a motorcycle.

Me: Right (This was actually one of the products I had researched and thought it looked fairly cheap).

Mark: But any case, I’m American made. I use nothing but American-made products in my product. My fabric, for example, I get from a mill, one of the last mills here in the United States called Granite Hill, South Carolina. They use this fabric to make boat covers so it’s a really high quality, year-round, out-door material.

All my parts, like I said, are from different places here in the United States. My base is currently manufactured in Indiana. I’ve always tried to maintain the quality of my product. My philosophy is always to make the highest quality product as possible and let the product speak for itself and that’s really what had happened with my company.

Me: It really does. And they are hand-made right?

Mark: Yeah. It is completely hand-made. I buy all raw materials and we just cut, and form, and punch, and make a CycleShell!

Me: So about how long does it take to make one, would you say?

Mark: Completely, from start to finish, making all the parts, I’d say about two hours.

Me: Okay. That’s not bad. Do you have a lot of people working for you?

Mark: Right now I’ve got five people and I’m still behind. I’m always behind. I think labor is my biggest, biggest issue in manufacturing.

I don’t know, people have different attitudes about working today.

Me: That’s true! I’m 37 and I’m running circles around people who are half my age.

Mark: I know! I’m in my 50’s and I work harder than some of these guys. I’ll hire someone who’s 22 and I’ll run circles around him.

Me: Yeah! I don’t get it.

Mark: You know, especially here in Colorado, too. You know we have the liberal drug laws here so…I tell everybody, “look, I don’t care what you do in your private life but don’t bring any of your drugs into my company. Like I mentioned, I’ve been making my product since 1997 and northeast is probably my biggest market.

I’m always shipping anywhere from Boston down to, like Richmond, VA, a lot in Florida. I think the northeast is my biggest market.

Me: Yeah, we got all the crazy weather.

Mark: The weather, yeah. It’s amazing too, Joyce, because when I first started making my product, you know, I thought I was going to sell mostly to people living in apartments and condos and it turned out that my biggest market is somebody with a house and a two car garage.

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Me: Really?!

Mark: Oh yeah! Because, you take somebody with a two car garage and they have 2 cars, they have a motorcycle, they have a riding mower, they got bicycles, and junk and they just don’t have room for that motorcycle. Or the wife, the guy’s wife is saying, or the husband, is saying “you know if you get that motorcycle out of the garage, I could put my car back.”

Me: Oh no!

Mark: So they’ll buy my enclosure and sit it on the side of the house.

Me: I would have to get a divorce! I’d say, sorry, we’re done then!

Mark: So it’s turned out completely opposite. So a homeowner with a two-car garage is my biggest market.

Me: Wow! Mark: Are you living in an apartment or a house?

Me: No, I live in a house but we don’t have a garage here.

Mark: Oh okay. There you go.

Me: If I did have a garage, I’d probably still use the CycleShell and put the CycleShell in the garage and park the bike in it!

Mark: Yeah! A lot of people do that. It keeps the pets away, the trash away, and keeps the dust off their bike.

Me: I read online, it talks about cleaning the cover with a silicone protectant? I’m having a really hard time finding that for some reason.

Mark: Look up a product called 303 Aerospace. I know you can buy it online or if you go to Walmart, back in the automotive section, you’re going to find a product called Super Protectant. It’s in a green bottle. The manufacture of the fabric, they recommend using a silicone and not a petroleum-based protectant. Like Armor All is made from oil so they don’t want you using that.

Me: Okay, yeah I need to give mine a good cleaning. It’s getting dirty. Do you have a busy time of the year where you get more orders in, than at other times?

Mark: Uh, actually in the spring or early summer is my busiest time. Guys buy new bikes and I think what happens is a lot of people go out and they buy a motorcycle and they bring it home and their like, “Oh gosh, where am I going to put this?” Or, you know, they spend 10, 12, 15 thousand dollars for a bike and they want to protect it better than just throwing a cover over it. So I start getting really busy in March when people start buying new bikes.

Me: I got mine in April so that makes sense.

Mark: Exactly! I’m always surprised though like in January, I always think it will be a slow time but I stay pretty busy in January too. Um, I think my slowest time is around like, August.

Me: That’s a good time to get out and ride then!

Mark: I’ve maintained the pricing of my product since 2001. I have not changed it since then.

Me: And the pricing is, I mean, I think, It’s $325 - $425, depending on the size of your bike, I think that’s amazing and it’s worth it!

Mark: It really is. And I’ve done everything that I can to maintain that cost. My biggest problem with everybody that I talk to is the shipping. I have to ship in freight. I can’t ship just ground. It’s a pretty big-sized box and I can offer my customers to either ship to a business or to their residence. If I ship to a business there’s a $30 savings so I try to encourage people to ship to a business and save $30 on shipping.

Me: That’s what I did. I had it shipped to my part-time job because

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I live right around the corner and when it got there they were like, “You need to come get this! It’s really big and we have nowhere to put it!

Mark: Where you able to get it home after you picked it up?

Me: Yeah!

Mark: Yeah, so you just took it out of the box and put it up?

Me: Yeah. It was so simple and easy, I couldn’t believe it.

Mark: Yeah, that’s the whole concept. Make it easy and simple for people and it’s been really great.

Me: It’s hard to find good products like yours and another thing that I really liked is that when you order one, you have to call and talk to you.

You can’t fill out an order-form on line and be done with it.

Mark: I know! I get a lot of people, they’ll say to me, “Why can’t I order this on-line?” I want you to call me and I want to make sure, first of all, that you’re getting the correct size for your motorcycle because, like a guy with a Harley sportster, they’ll call me up and say, “I’d like to order a CycleShell.” I’ll ask them what kind of bike they have and they say they have a sportster.

Well, that means you need a medium size for a cruiser size. Or people will put accessories on the bike, like maybe ape hangers or something, and you know, I don’t want to ship a $100 shipping to someone in Maryland and guess what it doesn’t fit and their shipping it back, and then I’m reshipping it so. I like the personal contact with people, to talk and to get to know them and just taking the time and taking orders and giving them that customer service.

Me: That’s, like I said, another thing I like. Because, a lot of companies, you want to order something and you got to do it online

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or through a recording and you can’t get a hold of someone and when you do get a hold of someone, they gotta take a message because they can’t help you and I really like the one-on-one and you know you’re getting a good product.

Mark: Well good! Yeah! I hope people do appreciate that. That’s what I want. I want people to be able to call me and talk to me and I’ll always take time and spend time talking with people. You know, I don’t try to do a hard sell call or anything. I just answer people’s questions and I know their gonna love my product. And I offer a satisfaction guarantee and I put a year warranty on it also. Even still, if you have any trouble with my product, you just call me up and I’m going to be there for you to help you.

Me: Right! That’s why I’m doing this article because, like I said, you can’t find companies like this anymore these days.

Mark: Well good thank you so much!

Me: You’re welcome! Is there anything else you want to add?

Mark: Let’s see, what would be good? Tell everybody to call me up and I’ll sell them a CycleShell and they’ll love it!

Me: Yup, they will!

Just so you all know I did not get a free product for doing this interview. I wanted to talk to this guy because his product truly is amazing and I don’t think most people know about it. It also helps that he’s so willing to give you one-on-one support. As I said many times, you can’t find a good company with good customer service like this. It is well worth every cent, believe me! Thanks for reading and if you’re on Facebook, go give my page a like: www.facebook.com/DiaryofaBikerChic/ . Ride safe everyone, spring is almost here!!

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MCV (Motorcycle Club Five) is a “family oriented” motorcycle club based in Reisterstown, Maryland, with a wide range of members throughout Baltimore, Harford and Carroll Counties. We ride hard, with club rides every week, year round, and some members rack up over 15,000 miles per year. Primarily we ride Harleys, but Hondas, Victory’s and BMWs are also in the mix; and guests are welcome on most rides. We can be found on Thursday nights at the Full Moon Pub and Grill, having a few beers and laughs or planning the next ride.

MCV began charitable projects in 2010 with a Christmas drive for an Army unit in Iraq. The following year, “Operation MCVcares” raised about $5,000 for another Army unit stationed in Afghanistan. Club members, spouses and SOs got involved, and we focused fundraising on events that were fun for our members and guests. We also formed MCVcares, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. “Spring Fling” rides (up to 300 participants) with full bar-b-que lunches, Demo Derby challenges, eBay sales, wheelbarrow of cheer raffles and a huge “Thanks-for-Giving” party each November became MCVcares’ fundraising activities.

In 2012 we donated $5,000 to Hannah More School (for students with behavioral disabilities) and thrilled the students when six Harleys roared into their school gym to present the check at an assembly. The following year, we donated $10,000 to the Living Classroom’s “Fresh Start” Program.

Fresh Start helps young people in recovery (i.e., fighting addiction) or with juvenile criminal histories get their lives back on track with educational and vocational programs, in downtown Baltimore.

Starting in 2014, MCVcares formed a partnership with Northwest Hospital’s Breast Care Center, to create the MCVcares Breast Cancer Support Fund. This Fund benefits patients with financial needs, undergoing treatment and recovery at the Breast Care Center. 100% of the MCVcares donation will directly help these patients. In the last two years we donated over $50,000 (total) to the Breast Cancer Support Fund and we are already working on 2016 projects to continue this support. Breast cancer has affected the lives of many of our members, friends and their families, so we have received strong support from the community and other motorcycle clubs in the area.

Last year, our Thanks-for-Giving Party included over 350 guests who enjoyed music, food and drink, Chinese

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auctions, prizes, friends and fun. The TFG party was held at the Gamber Fire Hall in Finksburg, MD. Our first 2016 event is the “Spring Fling” motorcycle ride on May 7th (to Lake Redman, near York, PA) for over 300 members and guests. All of our events are open to the public and are widely advertised online and in the community.

We support charitable rides and activities hosted by other MCs throughout the year. There is a lot of respect and appreciation between MCs involved in different charitable causes and we enjoy all the rides and events hosted by our brothers and sisters of the road. It’s a great way to join up and do some rides together.

MCV and MCVcares have grown substantially over the last six (6) years. Fivers (members) and spouses number over 130 and represent a wide range of businesses, public services and professionals in our community, who serve as volunteers for all MCVcares activities. We work hard to give our sponsors and donors great value and public recognition, and we try to support those who support us. All net proceeds from MCVcares events will be used solely for our charitable purposes and greatly appreciated.

Please contact us for any more information or visit our web site or Facebook page.

Art “Tee” Eanet – President Carl “Diesel” Galler – V.P. David “DOM” Selko – V.P. Neil “Carver” Levy – Committee Chair Lance “Doc” Wende - Road Captain MCVcares, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 45-4972461 For more information, contact: neillevy@mac.com or see

MARCH 2016

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Thunder Roads速Mid-Atlantic

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Down River

RIDE FOR BOOBIES

M

y Pillion got the confirmation that the procedure for enhancing her daughter-in-law’s sweater meat, I mean flesh puppies, wet T-shirt bait, milk mounds, call them what you will, many refer to them as tits, I mean BOOBS,,,was a go. Fewer words have seldom grabbed the attention of the male species with more interest. The letters are found on some the most unsuspecting canvases, including marker boards in hospital rooms of friends of mine who’ve had accidents or surgery, that haven’t noticed the Sharpie deviously in use. It looks pretty silly between blood pressure and temperature figures. I’ve even had to investigate the word being scribed on the dusty window of a corporate building, from the office of an executive, of a firm I used to provide security for. That was an awkward phone call to take from the EA. “Can you please send someone to investigate some graffiti on my boss’s window?” Believe it or not, I had nothing to do with it, but it was extremely hilarious.

Anyway, this is a motorcycle story after all. We were volunteering to babysit their two kids for three days, 350 miles away. Normally, we would take back roads, but with that kind of mileage involved, highways would need to be incorporated to cover the distance. This meant highway 81.

Now, I’m a fan of racing at Talladega, but not when it comes to riding on highways. Riding side-by-side in perfect formation for miles, because some Bogart can’t share the road, is not my idea of fun.

Traffic was light until we reached Harrisonburg. With all of the on ramps, things started to congest a bit and we found ourselves in a typical I-81 restart, only there was no green flag. To anyone who covers hundreds of miles in a ride, it’s suffocating. I did my best to sit it out, but when I saw an opportunity to pass the Flintstone mobile, I wrenched Nauti’s throttle and dipped into the right lane. Her new piston vac ensured only just enough air mixed with the fuel, lurching her past Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty with room to spare. I thought about performing the pedal dance, but skills like theirs, have taken years to develop. And my little gesture would likely have little effect.

Exiting on I-64 was refreshing. It was like night turning into day. The

hustle-bustle chaos-like dance with trucks was soon washed away in favor of open tarmac. I thought I was on Rt. 55, the almost “Ghost Highway”, to the north in WV. The mountains were spectacular, and the views were magnificent. So too, was the amount of gas Nauti was chugging. At just over 100 miles, I had to twist the reserved valve. She’s been running a little rich ever since her carb work and doesn’t get the mileage she used to, especially running 80 on the highways. But man does she run and sound some kinda sweet!

The next stop was just past Beckley, WV. We topped off and headed across the street to a Wendys for some quick lunch only to find a line 10 deep at the corral. I said to Rose, “We’d have quicker service being waited on across the street.” So, across the street we went, where we could sit and get waited on and relax a bit without having to stand in line.

After all, we had all day to get there, and there wasn’t any rush, except for what was playing on my phone.

The next leg of the highway heading to Charleston, was like I-81 on steroids. It had all of the two-wide traffic, including trucks, only this time, there were curves along with the hills. Don’t get me wrong. I found it immensely fun and challenging at the same time. I kept waiting for the traffic to be stopped somewhere around one of the next bends, hoping it wasn’t on a right hander in the left lane with a truck next to me that was obscuring my view of the road ahead. The traffic, fortunately, kept moving, and at a spirited pace. I kept thinking to myself, “There’s no way, this many vehicles can drive this fast on this type of highway.” But they did. And obviously, they do it every day, and everyone seemed to get it, like they realized being a jackass on roads like these wasn’t the smart thing to do. And it would come at a heavy price should they F up, or cause someone else to.

We finally reached the Kanawha River, having survived some of the most intense highway motorcycling I’ve ever experienced, outside of snow. The ride soon took on a new flavor, like dessert after a meal.

The white knuckle 80 mph sweepers with trucks, were replaced with

ROAD CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Bubbie and Soso 22 MARCH 2016

Chasing The Sun

Crossing Back into West Virginia

Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

Highway 79

Irony

simply endearing. It had been awhile since being stretches overlooking the river and merging behind around children that age. It reminded me of the a group of 10 or so, other bikes. We would cross times when my Son was growing up. Leaving, I over the water, on really cool looking bridges, four was kinda melancholy after such a pleasant, and times passing urban and industrial areas, including nostalgic experience. what we thought was a nuclear power plant, but The ride home was even longer than the departure. later read it was a coal fired plant in disguise.

I elected to head north, thinking the ride on 48 and 55 The last stretch to Huntington was pretty tame would make up any lost time on 219. I also didn’t want and uneventful. The sun was now about midway to be on 64 east of Charleston again, especially in rush up in the sky in front of us. I don’t remember what hour. We passed Buckhanon, WV. When Rose and was playing at the time, but all I could think of Near Charleston I first started dating, I remembered having coffee in a was Ghost Rider, “Shadows on the road behind. local tavern there. I hadn’t been here since. “Hope”, Shadows on the road ahead. Nothing can stop you from Snakes and Arrows was playing on my earbuds, now.” It had been a long ride and arriving in a new adding a heartfelt touch to the memory. I reached back city, I was cognizant of the fact that this is where I with my left hand and gave my Pillion a little squeeze really needed to be sharp and alert. Navigating by on the leg. A lump in my throat was forming along with audio has been a really great way to get around in some misty eyes, resulting from a memory dump, of an urban environment, and I was glad my battery one of the most wonderful years I’ve had in a great was still 60%, once again, proving what a great while, thanks to her. touring tool this smartphone has been to me.

Locks at the Dam We arrived home after about eight hours on the We finally arrived at our destination. It was great road. Nauti, with fresh oil and fresh tires, had never to finally meet everyone, including Rose’s two and a half year old granddaughter, Soso, and her eight year old grandson, run better. I, on the other hand, was whipped. Between the jarring potholes Bubbie. For the time we were there, I’ve never seen more well behaved on 219 and playing soccer with Soso’s brother and friends during our stay, I children. They were sooooo good. Their parents should be very proud was feeling my age. Still, looking back, I’d do it all again. And that to me, if I may use another Peartism, is one of life’s little victories. And had I not found of them.

We got to do a little trip within a trip on one of our days there while Nauti, I’d have never found Rose, and my existence, would be relegated Rose’s son’s girlfriend watched the kids. We stopped at the Gallipolis to a conformed routine. Living on two wheels has enabled me to change Locks and Dam along the Ohio River Scenic Byway to take some pics. all of that and look at life in a new way. The resulting experiences, and the I’d never been here before, and for brief moments, it reminded me of impressions they’ve left, have made life fulfilling once again. I am constantly riding next to the Niagara River in Ontario several years ago. Both are looking forward to the next adventure, not even knowing what exactly it very beautiful. It was late in the afternoon, so we crossed the river on will be, but knowing there will be one. It’s a wonderful feeling. And I wish another cool bridge and made our way back to our home away from everyone who rides, who hasn’t already, gets to experience this. And I hope anyone who wants new boobies, knows a babysitter with a bike:) home after a dream-like ride, chasing the sun’s reflection on the water.

The next day we departed for home. Operation Bravo-Oscar-OscarCheers and thanks for reading!

Bravo-Sierra was a success, and the patient and husband would be Marc Ritchie AKA the Road Capt. home later in the day. They had arranged for a babysitter so we could Photo Credit to Rose Grant make an early departure. I had to work the next day. The kids were

Exchanging Photons Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

Gallipolis Dam MARCH 2016

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Sponsored By;

Mechanicsville Moose Lodge #495

4 Wheels Are Welcome!

Saturday, May 7th Registration Starts at 10:30am Ride Begins at 11:00am

All Pawn Arrow American Pest Control

Ride Starts at the Center for Children, 6100 Radio Station Road (Across from La Plata High School)

Poker Run Format $400 for 1st

Guaranteed Payout $200 for 2nd $100 for 3rd

Burger King of Southern Maryland Classic Auto Body Chesapeake Custom Embroidery DRN Environmental Solutions, LLC

$50 a bike with 2 riders—$30 a bike with 1 rider Includes a T-shirt courtesy of Waldorf Ford and a post-ride party at the Moose Lodge #495, Catering Provided by Randy’s Ribs.

Stops Include: All American Harley Davidson, Vera’s Beach Club, Sea Breeze, Sandgates, Hill’s Store & Moose Lodge #495

Police Escort from Center for Children to All American Harley Davidson Provided by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

Check us out at www.biikr.org No rain date. In case of inclement weather, bring your car.

Proceeds Support the Center for Children’s Child Trauma Services

Exiled MC Hills Store InStyle Salon Marrick Homes Martini’s Restaurant & Lounge Steve’s Catering Southern Maryland Soda Blasting Terry’s Desserts Usual Suspects MC Waldorf Service Center Winters Chiropractic & Physical Therapy For More Information: www.biikr.org or Center for Children 2/18/16

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MARCH 2016

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28 MARCH 2016

Thunder Roads速 Mid-Atlantic

1994 ROAD KING CUSTOM Bike Owner: Mike Fleming Engine & Metal Fabrication by: Donnie Chris of Harmony Cycle Painted by: Dan Ectasy Paints Custom Features: One off Custom Floorboards Right Handed Suicide Shifter 3 Starters, 2 Throttles, 2 Shifters Idle Screw- Custom Dice Knob that adjust engine idle Bike has been rode through Mexico, Canada, and 33 states around the US currently has 120,000 miles and climbing. Motor has been rebuilt once.

Model: Genny Cream Ale Photography Credit to: Bobby T Rocks Thunder Roads速 Mid-Atlantic

MARCH 2016

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(More Locations will be added every month)

Sign Up for your card or Check-in at one of these locations:

CHECK-IN LOCATIONS

BIG CITY RHINO CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE® MID-ATLANTIC

REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN LOCATIONS

Harley Davidson of Baltimore

8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003

www.hdstore.com

Old Glory Harley Davidson

11800 Laurel Bowie Road, Laurel, MD 20708

Pete’s Cycle (Baltimore)

7511 Belair Rd. Baltimore, MD. 21236 443-957-4189

Pete’s Cycle (Bel Air)

344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586

Pete’s Cycle (Severna Park)

800 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD. 21146 443-977-6484

Rider Insunance

Look for the Rider Booth at all the Rolling Bike Show Events

A to Z Cycles

1472 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, DE 19901 302-632-2272 www.atozcycles.com

Lenny’s Leather

127 North Centre St. Cumberland, MD. 21502 240-362-8211

301-575-0575 www.oldgloryhd.com www.petescycle.com

www.petescycle.com www.petescycle.com

Free Patch Sew with Purchase / Check-in In-Step Leather

7540 Washington Blvd. US1 Shopping Center Elkridge, MD.

New Castle Rommel H-D

2160 New Castle Ave. New Castle, DE 19720 302-658-8800 1st (5) Five Check-ins get a FREE T-Shirt

Big City Body Art

154 C Lafayette Ave. Laurel, MD. 20707 240-482-6162 1st (10) Ten get check-ins get $25 Gift Card

CHECK-IN LOCATIONS

410-799-1568

www.wickedkillaink.com

Apehangers

9100 Crain Hwy. Bel Alton, Maryland 301-753-1650

Battley Cycles

7830 Airpark Road Gaithersburg, MD 301-948-4581 www.battley.com

www.apehangersbar.com

C & C Cycle

8182 Telegraph Rd, Severn, MD 21144 410-305-0924

Chesapeake Cycles (Victory & Indian)

104 Defense Hwy. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-0015 www.chesapeakecycles.com 1st (10) Ten Get 25% off in stock Jackets

Love Lust Cycles

6747 Mid Cities Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705 (240) 603-5630

www.candccycle.com

First (5) Check-ins get a Free T-shirt Mary’s Bargan Cycles

New Castle Farmers Market 110 N. DuPont Hwy. New Castle, DE 19720

Outback Leather

309 Main Street, Laurel, MD. 20707 301-604-2211 www.mdoutbackleather.com Random Check-in from May will win Free Custom Made Belt

Pickle’s Pub

Midway Shopping Center, 706 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-4891

Regulators Motorcycle Apparel

10 Chesnut Drive, Elkton, MD 23923

Renegade Classics (edgewater)

3180 Solomons Island Rd #101, Edgewater, Md 21037 410-956-RIDE (7433) www.renegadeannapolis.com First (5) Check-ins get a Free T-shirt

Rips

3809 N. Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD

Wine & Spirit Shoppe

301-805-5902 www.ripscountryvillage.com

SeaBreeze

27130 S. Sandgates Rd, Mechanicsville, MD. 20659 301-373-5217

Second Chance Saloon

5888 Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045 443-545-5844 Black List Approved

Sylvester Saloon

7326 Golden Ring Rd, Essex, MD 21221 (443) 559-8012

The Tavern

4975 St Leonard Rd, Saint Leonard, Maryland (410) 586-2225

Whirled of Color

116 Roesler Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953 First (5) Check-ins get $100 off Custom Paint work done by Whirled of Color.

Woodstock Inn

1514 Woodstock RD. Woodstock, MD 21163 410-750-3673 www.woodstockinn.net

30 MARCH 2016

302-322-9323

Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

2016 BIG CITY RHINO CHALLENGE will be Kicking Off this year on April 1st – Sept. 30th. Bigger Prizes, More Stops, More Riding.

Follow us on Facebook @ Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic for more info.

In the meantime, be sure to check in all winter at the locations listed to get your entries to the Big City Winter Challenge. For each check in from now through April 1st you will be entered to win a prize pack valued at $500.00.

I was taught that a man’s word was his word, and trust had to be earned.

Rider gets it.

Ride with Rider. Get your quote today.

Visit rider.com or call (844) 276-0161.

Available in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

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MARCH 2016

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BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD your job. These are the rules you live by.

These are the rules your squad lives by.

Written By: Flash, Warfighters MC

“I don’t want history to remember me at all. I want history to remember all the guys, men and women, who...were willing to serve our country. I want them to remember us. We know that we served.”

- LCpl Christopher Johnson USMC (Ret), Wounded in the First Battle of Fallujah Died in the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania Warriors In Their Own Words

LCpl Christopher Johnson is the perfect example of the generation of warriors in the period that is often described as the Global War on Terror (GWOT) or simply Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

He belongs to many brotherhoods: Veteran; US Marine; Combat Wounded.

Chris was born the 9th of May 1984 to Dean and Kathy Johnson of Columbia, Pennsylvania. He was the product of rural America where people are relieved of the hustle and bustle of city-life. He hunted; he fished. He hung out with his friends; he snuck out for good times with those friends. Like many kids his age he found a little trouble as he lived life and the 2002 Penn Manor High School graduate turned to the Marines to find direction. In the Marines he found that direction, that purpose, and a brotherhood.

E, 2 Battalion, 2nd Marines deployed to Kuwait and by mid-month, they were in Baghdad. “We…got the word that Fallujah was kicking up,” he said.

Indeed Fallujah was getting kinetic, the phrase we used to make war sound more scientific. On the 31st of March 2004, four Blackwater contractors were killed, bodies burned, and their corpses hung from a bridge. In the warzone of Iraq, Fallujah just became its own warzone.

Chris and his squad-mates were headed to the most dangerous place on earth at that time.

Iraq summer days are hot and the structures hold the heat well into the night.

You spend as much of the night sweating as sleeping. The night and morning of the day Chris was wounded was no different.

Fresh, clean clothes are a memory. A bed and a real hot meal are things for another time. Your mind finds a focus in combat. Your gear and your weapon become an extension of your body. Your senses, your gut, your hunches are just as valuable as any intelligence platform provided for you by higher echelons.

Chris joined the Marines during a time of war. He joined the Marines—he was going to war. War came on the 2nd of March 2004. His unit, Company You eat in your gear, that’s your table.

When the order comes, you tighten your vest and shoulder your gear. Often as the day goes on and the heat rises, it feels tight against your chest. You’ve become used to the weight but your back is still sore. Alleyways. Rooftops. Windows.

Doors. Don’t walk in the open. Don’t hug the wall. Cover your sector. Do 32 MARCH 2016

The snap and the sizzle are the sounds of bullets and those sounds tell you about the bullets and their proximity to your position. The fact that you hear them is often used described as a good thing—you don’t hear the one that gets you. On Sunday, the 20th of June 2004, Lance Corporal Christopher Johnson was hit in the arm by machine gun fire when his squad of Marines was ambushed by enemy fighters near Fallujah, Iraq and in that second the world changed.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) has developed and changed over time.

Its focus however was always about preventing death from treatable wounds through techniques learned in centuries of combat. Simplifying the actions taken, you stop the bleeding. Today, the phrase that often used is, “If we can get to you, we can save you.” Tourniquets and chemical clotting agents stop the bleeding and a world class evacuation system can take a casualty from the point of injury to world class medical care in tens of minutes.

This is where the challenge begins.

The world class care saves the human but sometimes at the cost of the person.

Sometimes these visible and invisible wounds take years to eventually claim the life of their victim. It’s this part of the story that brings bikers from Maryland and Pennsylvania on 19 March 2016 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ hall in Millersville, PA to make no life lost in service of this nation be done in vain.

Chris’s squad mates did save him.

The bonds of brotherhood did not fail him that day. They evacuated him to a trauma care center in Iraq. He was further stabilized at that trauma center.

He was evacuated from Iraq to Walter Reed in Bethesda, MD through Landstuhl, Germany. He would live. The system worked. However, Chris’s right arm would be lost as a result of the damage.

For a right-handed man this meant learning much of life all over again.

By all accounts, while Chris was at Walter Reed, he responded to treatment.

He thrived in the environment. In early 2005, the Washington Post did an article on a new program of which Chris was one of the first participants. He was a Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

peer counselor and helped new patients by speaking with them and helping them understand their condition, while charting potential future plans.

In the article Chris was quoted, ‘“It’s connecting on a one-to-one basis with somebody,” Johnson said. “The vets can kind of look at me, the guys getting back, and be like, ‘Wow, this guy is missing his arm, but he’s pretty holly-jolly.’ . . . I can kind of give them advice. I can tell them what they should expect.”’

At one point while awaiting discharge, Chris described his experiences in the program as giving him a new direction and even giving back to fellow service members. In the Washington Post article, Chris mentioned plans to apply to the University of Maryland and additional degrees in counseling. The military had given him a purpose—again.

While at Walter Reed, family is a critical part of the healing process. In fact, Walter Reed provides a very good blend of peer healing and family support all the while doing physical and occupational therapy to allow the service member to recapture his life. The goal to become much of the person before being wounded and gain your discharge can for some vets, particularly those that require the bonds of brotherhood, be pyrrhic.

To those that love you and friends, you hear the word hero and other accolades. In private, you often feel great guilt and doubt. The public you and the private you play out in very different ways. Externally, you make people laugh and have an infectious sense of humor. In private, you wonder, “Why me and how can I do this?” Even wonder, “Why did I live and others didn’t?” There’s often a feeling of being a burden on your family. And even though you are surrounded by those that love you, those brothers that kept you going seem so far away.

Often this is the moment where a crossroads exist. That military purpose can transition to your individual purpose and many of these success stories can be seen. If the purpose was only directly tied to life in the military, often one’s way can be lost and although the visible wounds are given the credit, it’s the invisible wounds that are really the culprit. In this space, it’s hard for loved ones to know what to do. Former military members have often had the same feelings and see the signs; civilians that just know something is wrong don’t know what to Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

continued...

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do and hope their service member will snap out of it.

On the 21st of May 2008, Chris Johnson’s boat was found in the Susquehanna River with his dog still on board. Eight days later his body was discovered near Long Level. His remains were covered with an American flag and a community that prayed and hoped for his safe return was greatly saddened.

Nearly four years after being wounded and three after being discharged from Walter Reed, Chris succumbed to his wounds. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on 6 June 2008.

“This story shall the good man teach his son; But we in it shall be rememberedWe few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition;” - Henry V Saint Crispin’s Day Speech Act IV, Scene III

A memorial scholarship was created in his name; the LCpl Christopher Johnson Memorial Scholarship will hold its final installment on 19 March 2016. Chris’s family and friends and veterans from across the area will come to pay their respects to a man that paid in full for our freedom. Veteran Bike clubs will travel to Millersville, PA VFW Hall to support the charity event that to remember, in Chris’s words, “all the guys, men and women, who…were willing to serve our country.” Finally we cannot honor one of Chris’s wishes, because of the bonds of brotherhood, we will absolutely remember him.

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Part 7

S

eptember 1, 1939 marked the start of World War II. World War II is often said to be the hey-day of the military motorcycle, but it was actually a time of reduced combat roles compared to World War I. Motorcycles would continue to play a role in supporting the Allied troops, just as they had in the First World War, however, the capacity at which motorcycles participate in the war are different this time. Still valuable for courier duties, scouting, and reconnaissance motorcycles would need some improvements this goaround if they were to remain useful to the military. Two key players would remain prominent in the American motorcycle industry during the war, Indian and HarleyDavidson. These two were at war themselves, but would none the less make advancements to their production lines and serve the Allied forces well.

The Allied troops discovered early in the war that their motorcycles were technologically behind when compared with captured German motorcycles. So what does one do in this situation? Well, you keep the captured bikes and send them back home of course. The motorcycles were dismantled and reverse engineering was used to recreate the modern motorcycle for ourselves. In the 1930’s and 40’s the advanced engineering seen in the BMW motorcycle was unprecedented. Basically, to an American engineer at the time, the idea of a shaft drive and telescoping forks was a little like approaching the concept of teleportation today, we can envision the idea, but have a snowballs chance in Hell of actually creating it. But that’s stealing you may say, .but such is the product of war. And what the hell, we got some damn good scooters out of the deal.

So, first up is Harley-Davidson. Usually leading Allied convoys in recovered territory was “The Liberator”, also

XA-2043_1

HARLEYDAVIDSON

1941 INDIAN PROTOTYPE

known as the H-D WLA. First produced in 1940, the WLA underwent several modifications in order to better serve the Allies. Due to logistical needs the air filter was replaced with an oil-bath air cleaner for ease of maintenance.

Rather than have to stock replacement filters, the rider could in essence “freshen up” his filter by adding regular motor oil. The crank case was also redesigned to reduce water intake so that the motorcycle could reportedly ford sixteen inches of water without stalling out. So what exactly IS the WLA? W is indicative of the family of motorcycle, this being the newest incarnation at the time, a 45 cubic inch flathead. L indicates “high compression”; in the usual H-D scheme (the “low compression” W model was only briefly available). A is for Army. H-D would similarly produce a slightly different model with big twin parts for the Canadian military. The WLA was originally produced in small numbers for general military expansion, but would reach nearly 90,000 produced by the close of the war. The WLA sported a springer front suspension with a side-valve design engine, used for its dependability rather than power, and would remain in production until 1973 in the Servi-Car. The HarleyDavidson WLA would become THE iconic United States military motorcycle of World War II. At the same time Harley was hard at work, Indian was also mass producing two-wheeled assistance for the

HD XA

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HD1942WLA-K-1

Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

INDIAN FOUR

INDIAN FOUR troops. During World War II Indian made a de-tuned Sport Scout for Allied Army called the 640. The 640 embodied a 750 cc/45 cubic inch power plant. 6 refferd to the model and 40 to the year of manufacture (i.e. a 341 is a 1941 Indian Chief). In addition to the 640, Indian made many model 741’s.

The 741 was a 30.50 cubic inch/500 cc model. This model lacked greatly in the speed department, but was extremely reliable. In fact, many have survived across the pond. The 500 cc model earned its own nickname, several in fact. The military referred to them as the 741b, while civilians called them “thirty-fifties”, “Junior Scouts”, or “pony Scouts”. Indian Chiefs were sold to the United States Army, in addition to the Australians, Canadians, and the French military.

So what ever happened with that intel we received in the form of confiscated BMWs? Well let me tell ya a little about that. Harley incorporated the engine, forks, and shaft drive design exactly from the BMW design, resulting in the XA. The XA was a two-wheeled machine far superior to any American motorcycle in production at the time. Indian also took a thing or two from the krauts and created its own advance military machine, the 841 (complete with a hand clutch and foot shift). But beyond the 841, Indian developed in their factory a secret factory prototype; prototypes that came to be known as the Experimental Fours, that were rarer and much faster than the 841. In 1941 Indian completed its Indian Four prototype. It was an awesome 800 cc OHV Four engine, and used the 841 frame, while adding one more advancement;

a shaft drive. So why weren’t these modern marvels more popular? Well, unfortunately, JEEP began production of military vehicles, which were ultimately deemed more efficient by the military, and only about 1,000 each of Harley-Davidson and Indian’s futuristic bikes were ever manufactured.

So what happened post war to the nearly 180,000 motorcycles produced for and/or used in the Second World War? Old bikes like these aren’t exactly the easiest to come by. Well, those troops had developed affection for two-wheeled travel and the attraction to motorcycles was spreading far and wide. Story has it that demobilized troops began buying cheap military surplus motorcycles after returning home. The only problem with the military issue bikes?? You guessed it, awkward windshields, ammunition racks, and unnecessary bags. So what did these inventive Vets do with their less than desirable surplus purchases?

Well they chopped off everything they didn’t want, and revamped their motorcycles into the bikes of their dreams. And another birth has occurred in the motorcycle history family, the birth of the “chopper” and the eventual rise of “Biker” culture in the 1950’s.

Looks like the perfect place to start snooping around next time.

Melanie Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com

Postal Service servi-car

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MARCH 2016

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S ’ R E D A E R TIPS

H

i my name is Manny Perez. I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 30 years.

I’ve ridden in many states and several countries. My experiences have taught me to be ready for the unexpected at all times. Today I own Sunset Cycles, a motorcycle service and repair shop in Ocean City, MD. We’ve been around since April of 2015. We also offer riding gear and motorcycle rider training.

I have been asked by Thunder Roads® MidAtlantic to write topics that interest the rider todays motorcycling community. So I will do my best to offer information about gear, tools and accessories as well as simple motorcycle upgrades that will give your stead the extra get up and go. Look for my first article in next month’s issue. In the meantime, please submit topics of interest to bigcity@bigcityrhino.com for consideration.

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Thunder Roads速Mid-Atlantic

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A car load of Irish Nuns is sitting at a traffic light in downtown Dublin, when a bunch of rowdy drunks pull up alongside of them. “Hey, show us yer tittiess, ya’ bloody penguins!” shouts one of the drunks.

Quite shocked, Mother Superior turns to Sister Mary Immaculata and says, “I don’t think they know who we are; show them your cross.”

Sister Mary Immaculata rolls own her window and shouts, “Piss off, ya’ fookin’ little wankers, before I come over there and rip yer balls off and shove em’ in yer fookin’ filthy mouth” Sister Mary Immaculata then rolls up her window, looks back at Mother Superior, quite innocently, and asks, “Did that sound cross enough? ________________________________________________ George Phillips , an elderly man from Walled Lake, Michigan, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things. He phoned the police, who asked “Is someone in your house?” He said “No, but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.” Then the police dispatcher said “All patrols are busy, you should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available”. George said, “Okay.” He hung up the phone and waited 3 minutes. Then he phoned the police again.

“Hello, I just called you a few minutes ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them now because I just shot and killed them both; the dogs are eating them right now,” and he hung up.

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips’ residence and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the Policemen said to George, “I thought you said that you’d shot them!” George said, “I thought you said there was nobody available!” *True Story.

Don’t mess with old people. They’ve been around, they know stuff.

Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic

How do you make 5 pounds of fat look good?

Put a nipple on it.

Learn From Your Parents Mistakes.....

Use Birth Control. ________________________________________________ What was the original point & click interface?

A Smith & Wesson. ________________________________________________ Five surgeons from big cities are discussing who makes the best patients to operate on. The first surgeon, from New York, says,” I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered. ”The second, from Chicago, responds, “Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is color coded.” The third surgeon, from Dallas, says, “No, I really think librarians are the best, everything inside them is in alphabetical order.” The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles chimes in: “You know, I like construction workers. Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over. ”But the fifth surgeon, from Washington, DC, shut them all up when he observed: “You’re all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on. There’s no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains, and no spine. Plus, the head and the ass are interchangeable.”

MARCH 2016

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studio413 P H O T O G R A P H Y

610-698-2604 • don@studio413.net www.studio413.smugmug.com

Thunder Roads®Mid-Atlantic

MARCH 2016

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ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS $2

0

HIRE ATTORNEYS WHO RIDE

Law Offices of RICHARD M. LESTER

Not Just ONE Attorney The AIM Team to Help YOU

• • • • • • •

Ove

r

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Founder, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists

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Visit us on the web at www.ONABIKE.com

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to AIM-2622-F-Ad for Tennessee.indd 1 Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) RIDING “OFF THE GRID” -- HOW TO ESCAPE GPS TRACKING ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE Freedom of the Road isn’t that free these days. “We often talk about what you can do to protect your privacy, but more often than not we accept the technology given to us by large corporations with government influence,” writes Gil Mellen, ABATE of California’s rep to the Southern California Confederation of Clubs (SCCOC), “And with that ease our phones store more than just our private information, they are a collection source for who we are, what we do and where we go 24/7.”

Turning your phone off or on airplane mode doesn’t cut it either, he explains.

In order to truly be undetectable to ANYONE you must use a first line of defense on your phone, such as Silent Pocket. By employing a Silent Pocket “Faraday cage” (conductive material surrounding a piece of equipment to exclude electrostatic and electromagnetic influences) you can block all wireless signals to and from your mobile device.

Once placed inside the stylish leather case, your device is completely sealed -- No GPS tracking, NO cellular, NO wifi, NO Bluetooth, and NO RFID scanning or NFC in all frequencies. Additionally, Silent Pocket cases protect your financial information from credit card skimming and scanning.

So if you’re heading to a large biker event and want no one to know your whereabouts, simply put your phone inside the case and wherever you go is OFF THE GRID. Once you remove your phone, any missed voicemails, data, or messages are downloaded. Your location is also known at that point.

“Silent Pocket is in the privacy accessory market for the long haul.” stated Aaron Zar, Silent Pocket Co-Founder. “As the methods hackers use to compromise security continue to evolve, so will our products.”

Silent Pocket is a proud supporter of SAVE THE PATCH and they offer an exclusive 15% off discount code for all BIKERS and ABATE MEMBERS at www.silent-pocket.com: patch16 or call 831-531-8199 or e-mail sales@

Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

silent-pocket.com for bulk order discounts.

11/1/11 5:06 PM

BIKER ATTIRE ALLOWED IN NEW MEXICO COURTROOMS Declaring “A great victory for our community,” Annette Torrez, chair of the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization (NMMRO) and National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, announced that; We received the following message from Chief Justice Judge Nash concerning motorcycle vests in District Courthouse, “Please be informed that the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department will NOT be requiring members of your organization to turn their vests inside out upon entry into the Second Judicial District Courthouse and its’ Courtrooms in the future.”

The NMMRO and the NNMCOC (Northern New Mexico Confederation of Clubs) sent Judge Nash a letter regarding an issue in which Bernalillo Sheriff Officers were asking the Guardians of the Children to remove their vests and turn them inside out so none of the patches were visible. “These vests and patches are what identify them to the abused children who they are there to support in court under difficult circumstance as these children have to face their perpetrators or have to sometimes testify,” explained Torrez. “While we can all benefit from this victory, it is the abused children from our community who will benefit most, as now members of motorcycle community can continue to support and accompany them in court. Your voices were heard as we united in support.”

Nash’s message specifically denotes “members of your organization” which is why “it is so important we as motorcyclists join and support the NMMRO, an organization that stands and fights for your rights, freedoms and liberties,” said Torrez, adding; “Thank you to Judge Nash for doing the right thing as we believe our 1st Amendment was being violated. We must also remember that we must be respectful at all times in our courthouse, we must be on our best behavior so that we may continue to wear our patches and motorcycle related attire in the courthouse. I want to thank the Guardians of the Children for bringing this to our attention. Thank you to Double D from The Motorcycle Profiling Project and Attorney Dan Sorey for their support and advice in addressing this issue.”

MANIFESTO ON THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY AND FREEDOM OF THE ROAD “I read your recent (NCOM Biker Newsbytes) report and the piece about the NCOM board requesting input on motorcycle issues to discuss at the upcoming NCOM Convention,” writes Keith “Bandit” Ball of Bikernet.com and former editor of Easyriders magazine. “I have a major bitch and a project that could save the custom motorcycle aftermarket and place freedom at the forefront of our nation once more.”

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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 Local 313 Car and Motorcycle Show Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Come and have a great time with music, food, cars, bikes and fun.

This is our 7th annual event, and we hope it to be better than the last.

The music is provided by the kids from the School of Rock, an awesome way to get your groove on while perusing the various sites. DJ Bug will be spinning tunes for parking lot enjoyment.

Bike show inside, cars outside.

Trophies in both car and motorcycles.

Viet Nam Vets Legacy Vets MC 30th Annual Poker Run Sunday, April 24, 2016 Starts 10:00 AM Sign-ups from 10-12pm North - Hooters (New Castle) South - Green Stinger (Woodside in Dover) $10 a Hand / Active Duty $5 a Hand Run ends at Fire Base Loyd - 474 Flemings Landing Road, Townsend, DE Cash winners for 1st and 2nd best hand and Worst Hand. National Recording Artist - Johnny Neel of Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule Fame. Entry for Concert $10 per Person / $5 Active Duty Military. Entry includes hot dog or hamburger, chips and a drink Hooters Girls - Raffle - T-Shirts - Pins Proceeds benefit Delaware Veterans Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally 2016 Thursday, May 19, 2016 Saturday, May 21, 2016 The 2016 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally is being held in Harrington, DE There will be Music, Vendors, Activities, Multiple choices in Lodging, Restaurants and more!

For more details on a list of Scheduled Activities, Registration details, Directions, Lodging Information, Common FAQ’s and more, please visit the website below. www.demdstatehogrally.com/

MARYLAND

Anne Arundel County ABATE Roast.

Saturday March 5, 2016 2 - 6 pm American Legion Post 40 Glen Burnie, MD. 21061 Live Music - Door Prizes - Raffles Tickets $30.00 For more information: 410-615-6984

F#@K Daytona Party - Kingsman MC Saturday March 5, 2016 6:30 pm Knights of Pythias, 10 Pythian Dr, Edgewater,

MD 21037 Live Music - Surreal Great Food - Beer& Mixed Drinks - Tattoo Artist - 50/50 - Vendors - Drawings - Event T-Shirts & Much More Donation - $25 per Person - $40 per Couple in Advance ($30 & $40 at Door) See Kingsman Member for Tickets in Advance More info: Call: 443-694-1599

Chosen Sons MC - Mardi Gras Party Saturday March 5, 2016 7-11 pm

1725 Poplar Ridge Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA Come join Chosen Sons MC in Pasadena for the first of many parties this year. This is definitely not the one to miss. All is welcome.

DJ HELLBOY on site. Bring your own beads if you want, but don’t worry if you forgot beads we will have Beads available for purchase.

Note: Security on Premises We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. $25 Admission – Includes Food, Fun, Refreshments, Gumbo, Jumbalaya, Roast Pork, Cajun Crab soup, and More.

Prizes for the Girl with the most beads More Info: HELLBOY – 443-401-4616

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash Double D Bike Association Saturday March 19, 2016 8 pm

Roland Terrace Democratic Club, 619 Matthews Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash - Double D Bike Association Tickets $35.00 Donation - To get your tickets contact a member of DDBA or Email tickets@ ddba.org Ticket includes - bottomless cup of soda and Draft Beer - (Bring your own bottle - No Beer) Menu - Corned Beef and Cabbage, Pit Beef and Turkey, Sausage and Sauerkraut, Boiled Potatoes, Green Beans, Assorted Salads, Coffee and Deserts.

Silent Auction - Money Wheel - 50/50 - Door Prizes - Photo Booth - Multiple Lay Downs Cooler of Chaos

9th Annual Kamryn Lambert Foundation Bull & Oyster Roast Saturday March 19, 2016 8 pm

Michael’s Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 Oysters on the Half Shell - Cherrystone Clams - Oyster Stew - Top Round of Beef - Virginia Baked Ham - Italian Sausage - Pork Barbeque - Fried Chicken - Ham & Gravy - Hot Dogs & Chili - Baked Beans - Sauerkraut - Potatoes - Green Beans - Potato Salad - Cole Slaw Sheet Cake Auctions - Raffles Music by DJ Ray Bachman Black Jack - Roulette - Photo Booth - Super Pull 20+ $50 per person Debi Katzenberger - 443-852-0480 - debiKLF@ aol.com

St. Patricks Day Bash - LAMA Annapolis Saturday March 19, 2016 2 pm

Long Point Hall, 1534 Long Point Rd, Pasadena, MD Trophies - 50/50 Raffle - Chinese Liquor Basket - Door Prizes - Vendors - Music - Live DJ - Dancing - Meal w/Ticket - Chapter T-Shirts - Kids Corner $15 LAMA Members - $20 Non-Members

46 MARCH 2016

More Info - Howard 443-925-4082 or Kent 410-608-6877

3rd Annual Fight Against Autism Car, Truck & Bike Show Saturday April 2nd, 2016 10 am

Walmart Supercenter, 9401 Liberia Ave, Manassas, VA Devious Kustomz - Car, Truck & Bike Show Proceeds to Benefit Autism Speaks $25 Registration Fee - Spectators Free Music and More For more info - deviouskustomzctc@gmail.com

Renegade Classics Annapolis - Spring Open House Sunday April 3rd, 2016 10 am 3180 Solomons Island Rd # 101, Edgewater, MD Spring Open House Live Band - Jacked Up Food - Tattoos - 50/50 – Vendors

MD Patriot Guard Annual Fundraiser Saturday April 9th, 2016 2 pm

Vanessa’s Corner Pub, 2600 W Liberty Rd, Westminster, MD 50/50 - Eagle Head Cane Raffle & Lots More Live Music by The Twine Time Band & Mojo Ryzan The Patriot Guard Riders is a national nonprofit organization which has as unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes and veterans as invited guests of the family.

More Info: www.mdpatriotguard.org

Kundratic Motorcycle & Hot Rod Swap Meet Sunday, April 10, 2016 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Buy, Sell or Swap! Free Admission & Free Parking The areas only traditional old school swap meet with just motorcycle & hot rod parts. No jewelry & leather vendors, insurance agencies, crafts, peek-a-boo dolls…..none of the junk you usually just walk by!

Tons of vendors will be buying, selling and swapping used parts, vintage parts, new parts, hard to find parts, fenders, tanks, frames, accessories, chrome, steel and everything in between! Pickup parts for your hot rod, rat rod, bagger, bobber, café racer, chopper or drag bike. This isn’t just for Harley’s folks!

Early Bird Registration $15 per 10x10 space.

Waiting until the day of the swap it’s $20 per 10x10 space. This is a drizzle or shine event, remember to bring your pop-up tent. As always, it’s free to come and shop plus lots of Free parking.

For More Info - 410.633.3113 11th Annual “Ride for Life” Cycle & Music Festival Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:00 AM WE RIDE TO STOP CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Motorcycle registration begins at 10am, ride departs at 11:30am $20.00 for rider and $15.00 for passenger, fees include new RFL patch, 16 rocker, RFL Pin and door prize ticket NEW RIDER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, the more you raise the BIGGER and better the Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

2016 Rolling Bike Shows Presented by Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic & Rider Insurance Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Second Chance Saloon Back for the third year running, Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic, the ONLY Motorcycle Magazine that Matters! is once again bringing the Rolling Bike Show back to your area. Come on out and join us for a great day of Hot Bikes, entertainment, food, and good times. We will be holding (5) Five Rolling Bike Shows this year that will consist of (5) five classes: TOURING, CRUISER, CUSTOM, SPORT, and VINTAGE. Registration fees remain the same at minimum $10.00 per entry, with this year’s contributions going to the Maryland Motorcycle Riders PAC in support of their efforts to assist Abate in the fight for motorcycle rights. As always each class winner will receive a prize and of course we will have a Best in Show Winner that will receive a Readers Ride Article in the follow up magazine.

Please check us out on Facebook for other great events and more information on each individual venue. www.facebook.com/trmdel or thru the contact us page on the website www. bigcityrhino.com.

Howard County Swap Meet Saturday, April 17th, 2016 10 AM Howard County Fairgrounds - THIS SWAPMEET IS HUGE! A Motorcycle Swap Meet that caters to bikers looking for Parts and Accessories, Bikes and all things Motorcycle Related!

Not just Harleys, find parts for vintage or late model motorcycles, American or foreign, a leather jacket or other accessories.

People come here to buy, sell, trade, AND SAVE. The Howard County Swapmeet, “Where Friends Meet” Apple Mountain Productions: By Bikers, For Bikers! Doin’ it Ol’ Skool!

Michael J’s Ride for St. Jude Kids Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 9:30 AM American Legion, 125 York Rd, Baltimore, MD Follow Michael J on his Harley Fat Boy for a scenic ride from the American Legion in Towson to Battley Harley Davidson in Gaithersburg. Be Treated to Live Music by Country Star Sam Grow Groovin for the MD Patriot Guard Saturday April 23rd, 2016 4 pm Blue Sky Bar & Grill, 10519 Old National Pike, New Market, MD Music Festival Hounds of the Bordello - Rooster and the Renegades - Baby Jayne - Tobias Hurwitz Andy Cary - No Tell Motel - The Love Trio $5 donation Appreciated - Raffles - 50/50 and More 100% Proceeds benefit the MD Patriot Guard Crusin’ for Critters Motorcycle Show Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:00 AM-2:00 PM At AA County Animal Control – Millersville, MD The purpose of this event is to bring attention to animal adoption, hopefully to adopt animals at the event (last year 32 were adopted at the first show held!!) and to also bring attention to pet adoption to folks who maybe hadn’t considered adoption before whilst enjoying what we all love – riding!

Howard County Swap Meet Sunday, April 17, 2016 10:00 AM THIS SWAPMEET IS HUGE! Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

A Motorcycle Swap Meet that caters to bikers looking for Parts and Accessories, Bikes and all things Motorcycle Related!

Not just Harleys, find parts for vintage or late model motorcycles, American or foreign, a leather jacket or other accessories.

People come here to buy, sell, trade, AND SAVE. The Howard County Swapmeet, “Where Friends Meet” Apple Mountain Productions:

By Bikers, For Bikers!

Doin’ it Ol’ Skool!

Bikes to the Beach Spring Rally Thursday, April 28, 2016 Sunday, May 1, 2016 Live Music · Outdoor Venues · Custom Bike Show · Poker Run The East Coast’s fastest growing bike rally!

Fall is nearing and everyone is itching to fire up their bikes and head to the beautiful resort town of Ocean City, Maryland!

Don’t fall behind! Keep checking for updates and register now! www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com Sykesville Post 223 - 4th Annual Bike Show Saturday, April 30, 2016 Noon - 4 PM Vanessa’s Corner Pub, West Liberty Road, Westminster, MD Benefit the Homes for our Troops Trophies in Each Class - People Choice and Veteran’s Choice Awards $15 Registration from Noon to 2 - Awards at 3:30 Drawing for Big Screen TV - $10 Raffle Ticket Hot Food - Cold Beer - Disc Jockey Cornhole Tournament - 50/50 Raffle Chinese Auction Family Event - Live Music at 9pm - Flag Ceremony More information - ALR223MD@Gmail.com

Get Ready To Ride - ABATE Baltimore-Harford Saturday, April 30, 2016 Noon - 4 PM

Kingsville Station White Marsh, 5429 Ebenezer Rd, White Marsh, MD Music all Day - Blessing of the Bikers by Pastor James Lane and Rabbi Jay Irwin Block What to do if your buddy goes down - Basic First-Aid by EMT What to do if you have an accident or get stopped

by Law Enforcement - Attorney Jay Block Pre-Season Bike Checks by Certified Mechanics Bikini Bike Wash - Basket of Cheer For More Info - 443-854-9965

Heroes to Hometowns Operation Comfort Warrior Saturday, April 30, 2016 Noon - 4 PM

American Legion Post 82, 6330 N. Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD An American Legion Program dedicated to meeting the needs of the wounded, Injured, Ill military personnel by providing them with items not usually supplied by the federal government and assist with their rehabilitation. $15 Advance - $20 at Door Live Music - Jim Seymour Band & Wicked Jezabel Band 50/50 - Door Prizes - Auction More Info - www.legion.org/troops/ operationcomfort

Crusin’ for Critters Motorcycle Show Saturday, May 14th, 2016 10:00 AM2:00 PM

At AA County Animal Control – Millersville, MD The purpose of this event is to bring attention to animal adoption, hopefully to adopt animals at the event (last year 32 were adopted at the first show held!!) and to also bring attention to MARCH 2016

SAVE THE DATE

Ocean City Bikes to the Beach Apr. 28th – May 1st

Capitol City Biker Bash June 9th – 11th

Mountainfest July 27th – 31st

upcoming events

gifts you will receive!!! www.thehopeandpeacefoundation.com

Apple Mountain Motorcycle Rally Aug. 10th – 14th

Thunderfest Sept. 3rd

OC Jams / Delmarva Bike Week Sept. 15th- 18th

Colonial Bikefest Oct. 6th – 9th

pet adoption to folks who maybe hadn’t considered adoption before whilst enjoying what we all love – riding!

WEST VIRGINIA Easter Bunny Pictures Triple S Harley-Davidson Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 11 AM to 4PM The Easter Bunny hops in to Triple S for pictures. Everyone is welcome. Pets too! www.triplesharley-davidson.com

Breastest Ride Forever Saturday, May 21, 2016 11:30 AM Triple S H-D - Come ride with us as we continue the fight against breast cancer and celebrate those who courageously fought the disease. $20 Donation with all money going to the American Cancer Society Chapter in Morgantown. Lunch and Live music to follow ride. Registration is from 11:30 - 12:30 and the ride leaves for Cool Springs at 12:30. All ride participants will receive 100 customer loyalty points.

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biker friendly directory

DEALERS & SHOPS A to Z Cycles 1472 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, DE 19901 302-632-2272 www.atozcycles.com Baltimore Harley Davidson 8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003 www.hdstore.com Battley Harley Davidson / Battley Cycles 7830 Airpark Road Gaithersburg, MD 301-948-4581 www.battley.com Brandywine Auto Parts/ Brandywine Automotive Centers 14000 Crain Hwy Brandywine, MD 20613 301-372-1000 www.brandywineparts.com Broken Wing Cycles 155 Prospect Dr #103 Huntington, MD 20639 866-518-9101 www.brokenwingcycles.com C&C Cycle 8182 Telegraph Rd Severn, MD 21144 410-305-0924 www.candccycle.com Chesapeake Cycles 104 Defense Hwy. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-0015 chesapeakecycles.com Chesapeake Motor and Powersports 436 C Chinquiapin Round Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401 443-714-8004 www.cmandps.com Defender Cycle Works Fowler Industrial Park Unit 4 Mechanicsville, MD 20659 301-247-9901 301-247-5733

Demotto Honda-Yamaha RT 33W Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-5489 www.demottohondayamaha.com

The Twisted Spoke 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-326-4644 www.twistedspokeinc.com

East Coast Sound 101 Skip Jack Rd, Suite 5 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 443-968-9635

Custom Paint & Air Brush Studios 116 Roesler Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953

Second Chance Saloon 5888 Robert Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045 443-545-5844 2ndchancesaloon.com

Bars & Restaurants

Swamp Fox Tavern 4404 Sissonville Drive Charleston, WV 25312 304-340-8094

Jim’s Battery Warehouse Laurel Commerce Center 14721-K Baltimore Ave Laurel, MD 20707 301-604-7333 Love Lust Cycles 6747 Mid Cities Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 240-603-5630 Old Glory Harley Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 www.oldgloryhd.com 301-575-0575 Pete’s Cycles 344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586 For other locations go to www.petescycle.com RG Honda-Yamaha 1619 Buckhannon Pike Nutter Fort, WV 26301 304-624-5420 www.rghonda.com S.M. City Motorsports 20260 Poplar Ridge Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-863-6499 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 Triple S Harley Davidson Exit 155 off I-79 Morgantown, WV 304-284-8244 www.tripleshd.com

Apehanger’s Bar & Grill 9100 Crain Hwy. Bel Alton, Maryland 301-753-1650 Bryans & Brent’s Place 229 N. River Street Weston, WV 26452 304-997-8722 Gilligan’s Pier 11535 Popes Creek Rd. Newburg, MD 20644 301-259-4514 www.gilliganspier.com Giovannis Restaurant 451 US Hwy 33 E Weston, WV 26452 304-269-4563 Hickory House 1137 US Hwy 19 North Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-269-7373 Lamont’s Entertainment Complex 4400 Livingston Road Pomonkey, MD 20640 301-283-0225 Millstream Inn 5310 Dogwood Rd. Baltimore, MD 21207 410-265-8224 www.millstreamgirls.com Phil’s Place 5826 Gallent Green Road Hughesville,Md 301-274-3515 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

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Seabreeze / Swampy’s 27130 S. Sandgates Rd Mechanicsville, MD 301-373-5217

The Ridge Tavern & Grill Route 19 / Marion Co. Line Rivesville, WV 26588 304-278-8041 The Scuttlebutt 12320 Neale Sound Dr Cobb Island, MD 20625 (240) 233-3113 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 Timeless Tavern 1745 Snow Hill Road Stockton, MD 21864 410-632-1555 Vino’s Bar and Grill / Copper Pint 812 Kanawha Blvd E Charleston, WV 681-205-2435 Walton’s Bail Bonding 49 W. Main Street Buchannon, WV 26201 304-473-8955

Legal Services Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

Apparel / Retail In-Step Leather 7540 Washington Blvd.

US1 Shopping Center Elkridge, MD 410-799-1568 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 Unique Lingerie & More 3065 Leonardtown Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 301-645-2228 Vape Frog 346 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park, MD 21146 410-544-6500 www.vapefrog.com

Photography Bobby Tarowsky 304-797-1470 304-723-8955 www.BobbyTRocks.com Michael J. Alves US Patriot Photography www.uspatriotphotography.com

Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic

Tattoo Derma Doodle Tattoo Studio 355 Meadowdale Rd. Fairmont, WV 26544 304-816-3016 Thinkin Ink (Fairmont) 508 Race Street Fairmont, WV 26354 304-366-1279

Women on Two and Three Meetup.com/WomenOn2-3 www.WomenOnTwoAndThree.com ___________________________ 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.

Big City Body Art 154 C Lafayette Ave Laurel, MD 20707 240-482-6162

Lodging

Alamo Motel 12614 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 410-213-1884 Francis Scott Key Family Resort 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 800-213-0088 www.fskfamily.com Mineral Springs Motel 1 Springs Street Webster Springs, WV 26288 304-847-5305 www.Mineralspringsmotel.net

Insurance Agents Rider Insurance www.Rider.com

Clubs, Organizations & Riding Groups C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV) A non-profit organization enlisting the help of other good hearted people wanting to contribute to the cause of helping others in need. The organization holds monthly meetings and several fundraising rides every year. Donations are always appreciated.

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biker friendly directory

Law offices of Jay Irwin Block 90 Painters Mill Rd. Suite 131 Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-356-6555 800-875-6554

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MARCH 2016

Thunder Roads速 Mid-Atlantic

Thunder Roads速Mid-Atlantic

MARCH 2016

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MARCH 2016

Thunder Roads速 Mid-Atlantic

Thunder Roads速Mid-Atlantic

MARCH 2016

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