Editor - Owner Philadelphia Region sales Sean Garnett 484-961-0132 seang@thunderroadspa.com
Senior Partner / Sales Manager Paul Yeater 717-635-5830 pauly@thunderroadspa.com
south central Territory manager Chris Culbert 717-877-7792 chrisc@thunderroadspa.com
North West Territory manager Eric George ericg@thunderroadspa.com 814-827-0396 814-463-9350
Lancaster/Lebanon/Reading Territory Manager Events & Show Cordinator & Facebook “Guru” At Large George Svencer 717-278-1853 georges@thunderroadspa.com
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Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics
Thunder Roads® Magazine Of Pennsylvania 650 N. Cannon Ave. Suite 51A Lansdale, PA 19446 (484)961-0132 info@thunderroadspa.com National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 email: thunderroads@charter.net © THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THUNDER PUBLISHING. 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. and any all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized us 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 thuner roads magazine or thunder publishing. publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
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Know the Law...............................................4 Rhino’s Rogue Ways....................................7 Legal Tips from the Biker’s Lawyers.............9 Rev Kev Black Sheep.................................11 Bike Week 2011..........................................14 ABATE of PA...............................................16 Center Calendar.........................................18 K.I.S.S. in the Kitchen................................21 18th Annual Blessing of the Bikes..............22 On a Wing and a Prayer.............................24 NCOMM Newsbytes...................................26 Biker Approved Directory............................28 Abate Rights Rally......................................30 Joker’s Wild................................................32 Skin Art.......................................................36
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Know the Law by Attorney Steve Stambaugh Before I address the importance of under-insured and un-insured motorist coverage this month I ask that you call your State House Representative and State Senator and ask them to vote NO and to OPPOSE the Pennsylvania Legislature’s attempt to rescind joint and several liability by the draft law titled “The Fair Share Act” (2011 Pa. Senate Bill No. 2, Pa. 195th General Assembly 2011-2012). The battle is reaching a fever pitch and the time to call is NOW. Let’s turn to UN-insured motorist coverage (“UM”) and UNDERinsured motorist coverage (“UIM”). Regular readers of this article know that these two coverages are THE MOST IMPORTANT COVERAGE bikers can and should have and, sadly, are the most misunderstood and/or not understood at all. Worse, because the insurance companies have the MOST exposure under these coverages on bike policies, the insurance companies and their agents, I believe, intentionally leave bikers in the dark on these essential coverages and/or misinform them outright. You should never ride without these two coverages in place, at the highest levels of coverage that you can afford. UN-insured motorist coverage is coverage you pay for in the event that a driver who has no insurance whatsoever (i.e., is UNinsured), causes you an injury. If that happens, the un-insured motorist coverage is ALL the money you will have available to you
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for compensation for your injuries. UNDER-insured motorist coverage is coverage you pay for in the event that a driver who has some insurance but not enough to FULLY compensate you for your insures (i.e., is UNDER-insured), causes you an injury. If that happens, the universe of monies available to you for compensation for your injuries are the combined amounts of the adverse driver’s liability policy limits plus your under-insured motorist coverage. Current Pennsylvania law requires that vehicle owners have a minimum of $15,000.00 per person in liability coverage to pay to you if they injure you. They do not have to have one penny more to be legal. So, if your case is worth more than $15,000.00 (or whatever the tortfeasor’s coverages happen to be) then the driver is under-insured. The amount of UM / UIM coverage you buy is up to you, but look in the mirror and ask yourself how much money you want to have available to you and/or your loved ones in the event that you lose a foot, leg, hand or arm, suffer an injury to your spine, suffer a head injury, one or more of your limbs are paralyzed, or, God forbid, you get killed. Obviously, other potential sources of money could arise from claims against State and/or Local governments to the extent there were defects in the road, street design, signage, etc. as well as
possible claims against property owners for sight obstructions, etc. The making of such determinations is among the many reasons why you always need a lawyer to analyze and evaluate your accident claim. To raise your un-insured and under-insured motorist coverage, you will have to raise your liability coverage to the same amount. This is no problem because, as you will see, the most expensive coverages on your bike policy (because that’s where the most risk is for the insurance company), are the un-insured and underinsured motorist coverages. The opposite is true on your car policy because the most expensive coverage on your car policy is almost always the liability coverage. You will be amazed to see how much less expensive your un-insured and underinsured motorist coverages are on your car policy than your bike policy - the difference being that the cage protects you. Be forewarned, if you tell your insurance agent that you want “full coverage”, s/he will probably sell you coverage that protects the value of your bike but leaves your body, YOU, totally exposed. Don’t let your agent talk you into waiving UIM / UM or into agreeing to taking minimal coverages because the agent is trying to protect the insurance company from having to pay you a bunch of money if you are injured - they are not trying to protect you!!! Don’t wait until your policy renews. Check your policy now and fix it because I will bet that you do not have enough UM / UIM coverage. If you don’t trust your insurance agent, call my office, schedule an appointment, and bring your policy with you when you come to see me. The consultation is free. Like I said before, better to do it before you get injured. On a brighter topic, the riding season is well underway. Upcoming events for June are YCHDOA’s Annual Rock N’ Blues Fest, which is a good ole’ York County shindig. Details are available at: www. ychdoa.com. Of course, NDHP has its annual York County Run on June 11th and its mac daddy Summer Run and Pig Roast in Potter County on July 9th. Details for the NDHP events are available at: www.ndhpmf.com. Let’s support our local clubs so that they can keep these annual events going year after year. I will address “STACKING” in next month’s article. See you on the road.
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6 Thunder Roads速 Pennsylvania
Farmland Country Ride I started out on Rte 74S off of Rte 15 in Dillsburg. For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Rte 15 is off the PA Turnpike. It is the Gettysburg exit, southwest of Harrisburg.
These people earn respect. They never look hot, tired, or dirty, even when working…? Can’t figure it!
I then looped up through Lancaster, staying on 222. I I entered 74S through Dillsburg, wanted more scenery , so instead This route goes through wrapping around the northern most of running up to the turnpike, I took part of York County. There are lots a left on the Lincoln Hwy West or old towns such as of farmland views, patches of woods, also referred to as “Old Rte 30”. and mild rolling hills. This route goes Winding down through Columbia, I Wellsville, Dover, through old towns such as Wellsville, stopped off and ate at Prudhomes Weiglestown, and Shiloh Dover, Weiglestown, and Shiloh into Lost Cajun Kitchen! Best Cajun West York. York is a little tricky with food anywhere around! I had real into West York. its signs of 74S! I continued down hushpuppies and alligator gumbo. through 74, into Dallastown, Yoe, and M-m-mmm! I continued over the Red Lion until I reached Rte 372E Susquehanna into Wrightsville, which crosses over the Susquehanna very cool old town. If you have River below the power plant and dam. Awesome views! I have time, check out the John Wright Factory Outlet. It’s a really been down this route before. The last time, I caught two Bald old foundry converted. There’s a great view of the bridge and Eagles skimming the surface of the Susquehanna. I then Susquehanna River. Great food and beverage here! I then continued out 372E to Quarryville. I stopped in at the “Buck” decided to quit dodging rain and head back on Old Rte 30 to tractor pulls. There was some testing going on there. I’ll tell ya York and then 83N. A nicer ride at this point, is to take Rte man, what music! Four or five V8’s mounted on the frame of a 441N. From Columbia, this skirts the Susquehanna River with so-called tractor! Whew!! beautiful views the whole way. This takes you past Three Mile Island to the turnpike and Harrisburg. I changed direction, and took 222N in and around Amish lands on my “Iron horse”. There were lots of road patties and Until next month, brothers and sisters, keep the rubber on some fresh, as I almost found out over a hill. Good idea to the road. stay as close to the center of the road as you can. I pulled off Chris “Rhino” Culbert to watch the Amish guys working the ground, ridiculously cool! www.thunderroadspa.com
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LEGAL TIPS FROM
LOBEL, KAUFMANN AND ANASTASIA
THE BIKER’S LAWYERS Please feel free to call us anytime for legal assistance in any matter. OUR FIRM PRIMARILY’ HANDLES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS, but we also handle all types of injury claims, including vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, medical malpractice and job/work related accidents. (Unless there is a recovery, there is no fee). As a reminder, it is important to choose the best MOTORCYCLE and auto insurance to protect you and your family from injuries caused by a careless driver, therefore: We have repeatedly stressed the need to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your MOTORCYCLES and cars and trucks and we recommend that you purchase $100,000.00 in such coverage. It is relatively inexpensive. It is also important that you choose the proper tort thresholds when it comes to insuring your cars and trucks, therefore: If you live in Pennsylvania -ALL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN
PENNSYLVANIA HAVE THE FULL TORT OPTION APPLIED TO THEM, HOWEVER every auto policy in Pennsylvania has either a “full tort option” or “limited tort option” threshold. If you purchase the “full tort option”, you may file a claim regardless of the injuries you sustain. The “full tort option” will add to your premium. On the other hand, if you have the “limited tort option” on your policy, you must prove that the accident caused a “serious impairment of a bodily function”. There are certain exceptions that apply to the “limited tort threshold”; however, since the introduction of this threshold option, many legitimate and serious injury claims have been dismissed by judges and juries who have found these technical requirements of”limited ~ort” were not met. Despite the additional cost, it is very important to choose the “full tort option”. If you live in New Jersey -Every auto policy in New Jersey has either a “no limitation on lawsuit” (zero threshold) or a “limitation on lawsuit” (verbal) threshold. If you purchase the “no limitation” option, you may file a claim regardless of the nature of the injuries you sustain. You must affrrmatively choose the option, and it will add to your premium. Despite the additional cost, it is important to choose the “no limitation on lawsuit” option. UNLIKE IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE ALL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS HAVE THE FULL TORT OPTION, IN NEW JERSEY, MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS THAT HAVE THEIR BIKE REGISTERED IN NEW JERSEY ARE GIVEN THE THRESHOLD ;I’HAT THEY HAVE ON THEIR CARS AND TRUCKS. Whether you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey Having uninsured and underinsured coverage on your BIKE and car or truck will protect you and your family from the possibility of severe losses resulting from an accident. Having uninsured and underinsured coverage of$100,000.00 will cost a little more, but the cash differential is small compared to the potential losses you or your family may suffer. We invite you to call us at any time for assistance in choosing the right coverages for you and your family. Happy and Safe Riding!! LOBEL, KAUFMANN AND ANASTASIA 1-877-CYCLE-LAW (215) 545-4300 www.thebikerslawyer.com
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10 Thunder Roads速 Pennsylvania
If I have to explain it, you would not understand! Every biker has had the experience of friend & family looking at you like you were crazy at one time or another. I recently had this experience while traveling home from Daytona Bike week. My wife was talking to her sister on the phone, when I decided to make a pit stop at a Harley Dealer along I-95. Too me it was just another stop at yet another Harley shop to see the sites and take a break. Too my sister-in-law it was a puzzling decision that she had a hard time wrapping her non-biker brain around. To her it was like stopping at a Toyota dealer for fun while on vacation; who would do that? My reaction to her was; “If I have to explain it, you would not understand!” Most non-bikers have a really hard time identifying with the passion and the comradery of the biker community. I recently spoke to a couple who rode for 46 days straight traveling over 12000 miles, visiting over 40 Harley shops along the way! They said they spent more on t-shirts than gasoline. Non-bikers would be blown away by the prospect of such a trip! A biker says “Wow, I would love to take a trip like that!” The difference can only be explained by two things, passion and community. The passion for motorcycling can be described as a deep seated desire to experience the exhilarating freedom on the power of two wheels cruising the open road. This passion naturally creates a community of individuals who share the same passion. This passion and community is the foundation of the biker world today and is the force that propelled Harley Davidson to be the world renowned motorcycling company that it is today. As you can see I probably think these things through more than most. Where am I going with all of
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make a difference!
this…. Just enough to say that you matter and you can make a difference. Making a difference is something no one has to explain, and everyone understands! Throughout this summer there are going to be a lot of opportunities for your shared passion to make a difference in someone’s life. MDA rides, the breast cancer support ride, rides supporting our men & women in uniform, and the scores of other rides & events will give you the opportunity to have your passion make a difference. Come out and ride, love the passion,
Kevin (RevKev) Kohler Central Pa Black Sheep Director 717-439-6776 cell
www.blacksheephdfc.org
You are invited to Black Sheep Events: Saturday June 11th, Eastern Pa Black Sheep Breakfast, Country Cupboard, Lititz, 8:00am Saturday June 18th, Central Pa Black Sheep Breakfast, Crossroad’s Café, Grantville, 8:30am July 7 -10th, Come get a Black Sheep Boot Shine at Gettysburg Bike Week – See you there!
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12 Thunder Roads速 Pennsylvania
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BIKE WEEK 2011
Boardwalk BIKE ShoW A beautiful day with an absolutely picturesque setting made our visit to the Boardwalk for the annual bike show picture perfect. The blue sky, carnival rides and the rolling waves of the ocean, sets this show apart from all others. There are always unique photo ops and sometimes it may be something other than bikes that catch your attention!
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BIKE WEEK 2011
Willie’s ol’ Skool BIKE ShoW By Miserable George Even though I’ve been going to Bike Week in Daytona for more years than I care to count, the old spark still flames up when I approach town and see all the motorcycle activity. Yeah, I know, I complain about the traffic and the high prices, but I still get a “thrill” knowing I’m in the midst of the biggest party in the world!! As always, Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Ol’ Skool Bike Show on Thursday of Bike Week is a “must-do” for me! This year, I had the pleasure of meeting a pair of world renowned bike builders...Dave Perewitz, and Ron Finch, as well as a host of superb local builders, many of whom were competing in Willie’s show. Perewitz donated a beautiful and very unusual trophy, as did Miami builder, Nicky Boots. Huge crowd this year...lots of beautiful little hotties skittering around the grounds. There were a lot of fantastic old school custom bikes there too!! Who were the winners...? Call Willie, he has all the names (I think!!) Ride safe, and support yer local motorcycle club!!
Ron Finch (L)
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ABATE OF PA STATE LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR’S REPORT The Rights Rally is over by now, and I want to thank all that made the trip to the capitol. I hope you took the time to visit your legislators.
SB-yet to be introduced- White- Red light – waiting to bee introduced. Support
My guess is that Representative Frankel will introduce a helmet bill the day of the Rights Rally, even with the fatality rate down.
HR-91-Hanna- Urging congress to amend product safety Act to exclude youth ATV’s from lead limits.
The Frankels’ of the world just don’t get it. They seem to just grab their numbers out of the air; I can not find any stats to support their claim. Things are picking up in Harrisburg. Our Legislative Agenda List is growing. 5 House bills, 2 House resolutions, and Senator Don White is getting ready to introduce a red light bill. Here are the bills we are currently following: HB 254- Grove- Limiting number of motorcycle permits, and making the MSP course mandatory for junior licensees. Support HB 563-Geist - Limiting civil liability for landowners that allow their land to be used for the MSP program. Support HB 1154 - Markosek- Red light bill- failure to detect Motorcycles. Support HB 1340-Kortz- Designating Harley Davidson as the official motorcycle of PA. Support HB 1399- Perry- Redefining “motorcycle” to allow for add on or trike kits. Support
House Resolutions:
HR-221- Readshaw- Designating the Month of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. Federal Bills: HR-412- Rehberg- Exempting youth ATV’s form the lead ban. Support. Note: 3 out of 19 Pennsylvania Representatives are cosponsors- Congressmen Tim Murphy, Mark Critz, and Glenn Thompson. Support HR 904- Sensenbrenner- Would ban NHTSA from funding Motorcycle check points. Support Federal Resolution: H Res 239- Sensenbrenner- to keep the ban on NHTSA form lobbying state legislators using Federal Tax dollars, and urging NHTSA towards motorcycle crash prevention and rider education and training. Support. Come out to an ABATE of PA Chapter meeting in your area to learn more in protecting your motorcycling rights. Ride Safe and Sober, Tom Christofes, Jr. State Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of PA
So this spoiled rotten preppie is pulled over by a hardworking, veteran cop for going 70 in a 30 m.p.h. suburb with kids playing in the yards, and as the cop walks up to the top down convertible BMW the kid says, “Do you have any idea whom my Father is?” and the veteran cop cooly replies,“what….., your Mom never told you?”. 16 Thunder Roads® Pennsylvania
th Wi
ov er 4 0
ite s!
New New Location! Location!
gs n i 0 camp
10
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July July 7-10, 7-10, 2011 2011
anniversary Anniversary www.Rider.com
Live Live BaNds! BaNds!
veNdor veNdor viLLage viLLage
Bike Bike && FieLd FieLd eveNts! eveNts!
www.gettysburgbikeweek.com www.gettysburgbikeweek.com
All AllCamping Campingpackages packagesset setwith withgranite granite Hill Hill resort resort Campground Campground 717-642-8749 or granitehillcampingresort.com 717-642-8749 or granitehillcampingresort.com
10
th
anniversary Anniversary
gates open: Thursday - Saturday 10am-10:30pm Sunday 10am - 2pm
gate Fees: ALL CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE 4 day pass - $35 (BEST VALUE) 1 day pass - $15 per person SUNDAY FEE - $5.00 (Vendor Village only limited hours 10am-2pm)
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Live entertainment! Thursday Night
Charlie Daniels Friday Night
Blackberry Smoke Saturday Night
KIX
See web site for exact times of bands
Field events! See web site for times of events
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July 15 & 16, 2011 Millville, New Jersey
This is an old school biker party This party is about raw horsepower, good music and our appreciation of women and girls
PA P PA FF L JE BEL P
M CA
*Adults only (you must be 21 or older) E AWESOMTS B URNOU
4 bands, Awesome burnouts, 22 contest (Phila. Girls Vs Jersey Girls) Freaks,Tattoo contest, Comedians, Field Games We are also having display's of; Rat Rods, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Drag Bikes & Cars, Top Fuel and Offshore Race Boats - N/C for motor homes & campers It seems every event has become so sanitized and everybody is scared of offending that we forget how bikers party
Gates open 9AM Fri July 15 Weekend tickets are $50.00 • Saturday tickets are $25.00 Go to www.partywiththejerseydevil.com hot MC s or call Pappa Jeff Campbell at (609) 367-3325 showers r o d n ve or e-mail me at campbell.jeff51@yahoo.com
Harley-Davidson® of Ocean County 300 Route 70 • Lakewood, NJ 08701 www.hdoceancounty.com We Rent Motorcycles. • Learn to Ride – Sign up for classes online today! “Party with the Jersey Devil” – See you there.
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K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee
NAPPY’S “CoonAss” SEAFOOD DIP *(Nappy is the State Editor/Owner for Thunder Roads Louisiana) “We CoonAsses take pride in our own recipe’s when it comes to seafood boils and seafood fry’s. It’s an “ego thing”. And when it comes to family and friend gatherings, we’re always looking for that pat on the back or subtle hint of how to improve upon our cooking skills. While few things in life are free, this dip recipe is yours to try, enjoy and figure out how it may supplement some other recipe you indulge in. After all, that’s what we do down here along the Bayous of Louisiana. No reason to deprive the rest of the country of some of the good things in life....” Most of the ingredients are provided in measurements, but can be adjusted according to taste. Double up everything if you need to make a larger amount. Ingredients: 1 Quart - Mayonnaise (personal preference of course, with considerations to low fat or not) 1 - Small onion, sweet works best 1- Celery stick 2 teaspoons - of garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon - black pepper 2 tablespoons - of Tony Chachere Cajun Seasoning (or an equivalent Cajun seasoning for your region) 1/4 cup - parsley flakes 2 tablespoons - of Hot Sauce (“Louisiane”, Tobasco, your choice - Cayenne pepper may be substituted) 2 tablespoons - Ketchup Slight touch - Creole Mustard Instructions: Puree the onion and celery stick in a food processor, while adding a very small amount of water, enough to liquify. When done, pour into bowl then add the garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, parsley flakes and hot sauce. To help blend seasonings together use a whisk or fork and stir for about two minutes. Once blended, empty the quart of Mayonnaise along with Ketchup and Creole Mustard then blend your seasoning paste thoroughly with your mayo. Once blended, taste and add whatever seasoning would
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be needed to suit your taste. If it’s too hot for your taste, you will need to add more mayonnaise to subdue it. Typical color of the blended recipe should be light pink; Ketchup adds both color and flavor. To effect the flavor of the dip, it should be made a day before use and allowed to sit. Keep refrigerated and feel free to use the mayonnaise jar to store the remaining dip (if there’s any left). Serving Suggestions: This dip is just one of many different styles of seafood dip popular in Bayou Country when it comes to boiling seafood such as shrimp, crabs or crawfish. It also makes an excellent salad dressing, such as a Shrimp Remoulade. Depending on your geographic location, you should find it a compliment to any seafood or crustacean passion. If nothing else, it’s great on Captain’s Wafers. Y’all Enjoy! Nappy. *Note from Editor - We have tasted this dip of Nappy’s first-hand, and it is simple perfection. LICIOUS’ LEMON PIE COOKIES 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter; room temp. 4 oz. Cream Cheese; room temp. 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Cups all-purpose flour 2 Cups Confectioner’s Sugar; divide 2 Lemons Zested & 3 Tbls. of Juice In glass or ceramic medium-size bowl, with hand mixer, beat up butter, 1 cup of the sugar & salt until silky smooth. Add the 2 Tbls. of lemon juice but only half amt. of zest you were able to render Switch mixer down to low, add flour slowly; just a little at a time as it incorporates. Turn dough out onto cutting board and roll it into a log. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill it down for at least one hour. When ready; cut into 1/4 inch discs. Place on silicone baking pad on your cooking sheet, or spray down baking sheet good. Place into preheated 350 degree oven for 20 mins. or until edges are golden brown. Pull from oven and transfer to a cooling rack and keep doing in batches. Mix your cream cheese, 1 Tbl. juice and confectioner’s sugar and half of remaining zest. After all have cooled down, frost each cookie and give each one a twinkle of zest. You can also put mixture in between and make these into mini lemon pie sandwich cookies. Slurp!
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18th annual
Blessing of the Bikes The weather on May 1, 2011 wasn’t much different from the 27 of 30 days of rain in April here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn’t kind for the 18th annual Blessing of the Bikes hosted by Word of Grace Full Gospel Fellowship. John and Jo-Ann Mlakar, who both ride are Pastors of Word of Grace, located on German Hill road Near Tionesta. I spoke to Pastor Jo-Ann Mlakar about the history of the Bike Blessing. Pastor Mlakar stated that the blessing is informal and has seen all types of weather including snow. The first year the Blessing was held, there were just 35 bikes in attendance and in 1998 and 2003 attendance swelled to 1100 bikes with people coming from Ohio and the Pittsburgh area. The church hosts the event with the service being conducted by the Brookville Freedom Riders with the assistance of other chapters of the Christian Motorcyclists Association from throughout Northwestern Pa. For the 18th Blessing of the Bikes 139 riders braved the coolness and rain to make the trek to the German Hill church. I spoke to many riders who have been coming to the blessing since the start, and the cool wet weather wouldn’t stop them 22 Thunder Roads® Pennsylvania
from attending. The Service opened with prayer, followed by a reading of scripture and an expression of gratitude to the veterans who have served in the past and for those who are continuing to serve our great nation. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an outstanding rendition of Amazing Grace. At this point, the rain became steadier and harder. The weather wouldn’t deter anyone as we joined together for group prayer, after which members of the Freedom Riders and other CMA chapter members went from bike to bike & offered individual blessings for each biker at their individual motorcycles. Mark it on your 2012 calendar the 19th annual Biker’s Blessing will be held on Sunday May 6, 2012 at 3pm in the parking lot of the Word of Grace Church on German Hill road near Tionesta. Signs will be posted. This event is held rain or shine, no offering is taken, and light refreshments and pins will be available. Be sure to make this event, it us put on by good people and there is the opportunity for great fellowship. E-Mail wordofgrace@verizon.net for more information Eric George North West Pa Territory Manager
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On A Wing and A Prayer A great dad… Today the “family” is under attack like never before. Children are being born without their fathers around. Abortion has made it easy to get rid of an unwanted child. Some men have fathered many children to many different women. Society is trying to redefine what a family is. God defines a family as a man, woman and child. I would like to write what a real father is all about. In every war when a patrol of men go out to look for the enemy, there is a “point man.” It is the point man’s responsibility to look out for the dangers that are ahead. He has the most important job because the other people behind him are relying on his eyes and his alertness to keep them from walking into an ambush and getting killed or wounded. A father is like a point man. It is his job to be alert to all the dangers that can hurt his family. It is his job to protect his wife and children. The Bible tells us in Ephesians chapter 5 and 6 what a family should be like. It says, (I am paraphrasing) “wives, understand and support your husband in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to the church – not by domineering but by cherishing. It also says, husbands go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church – a love marked by giving, not getting. Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right.” To honor your father and mother is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it. That promise is that you will live well and have a long life. It goes on to say, “fathers don’t exasperate (irritate) your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the master.” Good father’s today are more important than ever before. My father was a hard working man, but like a lot of father’s before him, he didn’t really know how to be a Godly father. It wasn’t that he didn’t love us, he just wasn’t taught some things. Do you want to be a great dad? 1. You have to know your children. Understand why they act like they do. What are they going through at school? Who are they hanging out with? 24 Thunder Roads® Pennsylvania
2. Love them and be available for them. Remember back to your younger days and show them how to deal with the problems and situations that they are going through. Always be there for them. 3. Set the example. If you haven’t already, give your life to Jesus. Read the Bible and pray in front of them. Don’t just tell them what the Bible says, but show them by your example. This is very important. 4. If you have messed up with your children, don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry.” Then change and do things the right way. 5. Never give up on your children. Continue to pray for them and share with them. Continue to show love to them. 6. Don’t compare children. Every child is different. Learn to encourage your child’s strengths. My father wasn’t a perfect dad but I loved him very much and I still do even though he has been gone 31 years. There are times I wish I could put my arms around him and tell him that I love him. My father didn’t ask Jesus Christ into his life until two months before he died. The last words my dad said to me were, “Frank, I have never felt peace like I do now.” My dad taught me how to work hard and taught me a lot of good things but he never knew how to teach me to be a “man of God.” He missed out and so did I until I was older. Thank God, I met Jesus when I was twenty four years old. Thank God I had a Godly fatherin-law who showed me by his example how to be a man of God. If you have failed at being a father, or you are lacking in some area, ask Jesus to forgive you and start again. It is never to late to start over. Happy father’s day! Ride safe, Pastor Frank On June 25, 2011, our church will be hosting our annual bike blessing. There will be free food, fellowship and a bike ride that day. Everyone is welcome. We just need to know if you are planning to come so we have plenty of food. Please RSVP to 717-567-3337. Faith Christian Center, 1551 Lower Bailey Rd. Newport, PA 17074. Always biker friendly. Contact us anytime for prayer or info….snemeth@pa.net
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Thunder Roads速 Pennsylvania足25
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
News Bytes
WASHINGTON STATE ENACTS NATION’S FIRST ANTI-PROFILING LAW
STATES COMBAT MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS
Motorcycle riders routinely report being profiled by law enforcement, but a new law in Washington State is intended to prohibit police from singling out bikers for stops without clear and legitimate reason.
Calling motorcycle-only roadblocks discriminatory and unconstitutional, ABATE of California is pushing a bill that would ban state and federal funding of such so-called “safety checkpoints”.
Modeled after a 2002 state law outlawing racial profiling by police, the nation’s first “anti-profiling” bill passed unanimously through both the House and Senate, and was signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire on April 13. Sponsored by Rep. Steve Kirby (D-Tacoma), the new law will force local law enforcement agencies to adopt a written policy designed to condemn and prevent the profiling of motorcyclists, and it institutes training to address the problem.
New York and Georgia have initiated roadside barricades under the auspices and guidance of NHTSA to coral motorcycle riders en route to major motorcycle events to check paperwork and equipment for violations, and for other illegal activity.
Motorcycle enthusiasts presented compelling evidence to legislators, including a video of a state trooper crawling through bushes near the Legislative Building in Olympia two years ago and writing down motorcycle license plates while bikers were holding their annual “Black Thursday” legislative rally and lobby day. Outsiders M/C member David “Double D” Devereaux, spokesperson for the Washington Confederation of Clubs and US Defenders of Washington State, testified in Olympia that almost every member of every club, and even motorcyclists who aren’t in clubs, has been profiled. He said many lawmakers were unaware of the problem until they saw the video of police gathering information on the bikers as they were inside the Capitol building ironically seeking sponsorship for a bill that would stop motorcycle profiling. Also lobbying on behalf of the bill was Donnie “Mr. Breeze” Landsman, Legislative Affairs Officer for ABATE of Washington, who told The News Tribune that he’s been denied service at restaurants for wearing a bandana and a leather vest; “Motorcyclists aren’t looking for special rights,” Landsman told the newspaper. “We want the same rights that are afforded to every other section of the population as American citizens.” Double D and his club brother Jeff “Twitch” Burns, who produced an 86-minute video that chronicles the growth of the emerging anti-profiling movement within the motorcycling community, reported their success at the Patch Holder Meeting during the recent NCOM Convention in Albuquerque, N.M., to the resounding approval of bikers rights activists and COC reps attending from all across America. “This is something that could be done in every state,” Double D told the enthusiastic crowd…and should be. 26 Thunder Roads® Pennsylvania
AB 1047, authored by Kevin Jeffries, Vice Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, would prohibit the CA Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) from issuing grants to law enforcement agencies to stage Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints and also require the OTS to conduct audits of the safety checkpoint grants to insure that law enforcement is complying. Similarly, North Carolina is currently considering two bills (H375 & H381) aimed at preventing law enforcement agencies from establishing patterns for vehicle stops at checking stations based on a particular type of vehicle. In Congress, Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) and some of his colleagues have authored legislation to de-fund the checkpoints. US House Resolution 904 would prevent the US DOT from providing funds to states which would be used for motorcycle roadblocks. Motorcyclists across the country are also awaiting a court ruling on the constitutionality of the New York checkpoints, being challenged by N.Y. Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) Attorney Mitch Proner, which could wind up on the docket of the U.S. Supreme Court.
MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES CONTINUE DECLINE Motorcycle fatalities declined in 2010 by at least 2%, according to a new state-by-state report released on April 19 by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Based on preliminary data, GHSA’s motorcycle fatality report projects that deaths declined from 4,465 in 2009 to 4,376 or less in 2010. The projection is based upon data from 50 states and the District of Columbia for the first nine months of 2010. The decline comes on the heels of a 16% drop in 2009, which followed 11 straight years of steady increases in motorcycle deaths which mirrored annual
News Bytes increases in motorcycle sales and registrations. GHSA is projecting declines in approximately half of the states, with notable declines in many. In Texas, for example, based upon data for the first nine months of 2010, motorcycle deaths are expected to be down 16%, while Oregon and Oklahoma are down 27% and 30%, respectively. But fatalities had started to climb back up during the last three months in the study, prompting fears that the improving economy and surging gas prices will lead to increased motorcycle travel and thus increasing exposure to risk.
NHTSA UPDATES MOTORCYCLE HELMET STANDARDS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has updated the federal motorcycle helmet standards (FMVSS 218) in an attempt to stop riders from wearing non-DOT approved “novelty” helmets. The new standard does not affect the construction of helmets directly, but changes the way they’re labeled to make it more difficult to mimic DOT compliance certifications. Effective immediately under the final rule issued May 13, helmets that conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 will carry a sticker with the manufacturer’s name, the helmet model and the words “DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified.” The move to make non-compliant helmets harder to sell comes after the number of riders sporting novelty helmets increased dramatically in 2010 over 2009. According to NHTSA statistics, in 2010, only 54% of motorcyclists wore a DOT-approved helmet. Around 14% wore a novelty helmet, and 32% rode without a helmet. In 2009, those numbers were 67%, 9% and 24%, respectively. In 2010, 75% of riders who did elect to wear a helmet wore a DOT-compliant one. In 2009, that number was 86%. NHTSA says 5.2 million helmets are sold annually. Twenty states require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but only 13 states specify that the helmets must meet federal standards.
“DEAD RED” LAW ALLOWS RIDERS TO RUN STOPLIGHTS Motorcyclists in several states have been given a green light to run red lights, and now riders in Kansas can proceed with caution through a stuck signal if it has failed to change green within a reasonable amount of time because the signal has malfunctioned or failed to detect the cycle. HB 2192, The Dead Red Law, has been signed into law by Governor Sam Brownback and goes into effect June 1 for www.thunderroadspa.com
intersections across the state with sensors. Traffic sensors imbedded in the roadway normally tell the light to change when a vehicle approaches, but motorcycles often aren’t heavy enough to trigger it, argued ABATE of Kansas in support of the legislation. The measure was packaged with a series of road-related measures, including provisions raising the state’s maximum highway speed to 75 mph. Nine other states currently allow motorcyclists to proceed through a signal that fails to detect their presence, and similar legislation is being considered in Illinois where HB 2860 passed the House 104-0 and is awaiting further action in the Senate.
MOTORCYCLE SALES STOKED BY GAS PRICES Motorcycle sales in the U.S. rose 7.2% during the first quarter OF 2011, compared with the same period a year earlier, says the Motorcycle Industry Council. In its retail sales report, which tracks sales among the 18 leading brands sold in the U.S., the industry trade group said scooters posted the biggest sales increase of nearly 50%. Sales of dual-purpose motorcycles, which are designed for highway and off-road use rose almost 25%, attributed in part to the segment’s overall fuel efficiency. In a separate but related report, a recent survey of HarleyDavidson dealerships suggests that retail sales improved in the first three months of the year. According to an analysis by Raymond James & Associates, 55% of the dealerships surveyed said they had a year-over-year sales increase in the quarter, and nearly all reported that inventories were “ideal” or “light”. The MIC also reported that tire sales, which it says are an indicator of motorcycle use, also rose in the first three months of the year. Motorcycle and scooter tire sales increased 29%, while sales of tires for on-highway bikes rose 28% and scooter tires jumped 49%. The industry council’s owner survey estimates the number of motorcycle miles traveled rose 5% to 27.6 billion miles from 2008-09. The percentage of U.S. households with at least one motorcycle grew to 6.8% in 2009 from 5.4% in 2003. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “One man can make a difference, and every man should try.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th US President Thunder Roads® Pennsylvania27
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Cletus is passing by Billy Bob’s hay barn one day when, through a gap in the door, he sees Billy Bob doing a slow and sensual striptease in front of an old green John Deere. Buttocks clenched, he performs a slow pirouette, and gently slides off first the right strap of his overalls, followed by the left. He then hunches his shoulders forward and in a classic striptease move, lets his overalls fall down to his hips, revealing a torn and frayed plaid shirt. He then slowly peels off his underwear, swings it around his head and lets it go, where it lands across the hood of the old Deere. Then, grabbing both sides of his shirt, he rips it apart to reveal his stained T-shirt underneath. With a final flourish, he tears the T-shirt from his body, and hurls his baseball cap onto a pile of hay. Having seen enough, Cletus rushes in and says, “What in tarnation are ya’ doin’, Billy Bob?” “Good Lord, Cletus, ya’ scared the bejeezers out of me,” says an obviously embarrassed Billy Bob. “Me ‘n the wife been havin’ trouble lately in the bedroom d’partment, and the therapis’ suggested I do sumpin’ sexy to a tractor.” (*Don’t make me come splain’ this to you! Read the last line again, slowly.) Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, ‘Name seven advantages of Mother’s Milk,’ worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote: 1.) It is perfect formula for the child. 2.) It provides immunity against several diseases. 3.) It is always the right temperature. 4.) It is inexpensive. 5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa. 6.) It is always available as needed. And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote... 7.) It comes in 2 cute containers. He got an A. * It’s not whether you win or lose, but how sympathetic you are to the lame-ass loser after you win. * You are not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on. * We have enough youth. How about a “Fountain of Smart”? * A fool and his money can throw one helluva’ party before they are soon parted. * The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
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All arrivals in heaven have to go through a bureaucratic examination to determine whether admission will be granted. One room has a clerk who inputs computerized records of what each applicant did on his or her last day of life. The first applicant of the day named Bike Bob explains that his last day was not a good one. “I came home early and found my wife lying naked in bed. She claimed she had just gotten out of the shower. Well, her hair was dry and I checked the shower and it was completely dry too. I knew she was into some hanky-panky and I began to look for her lover. I went onto the balcony of our 9th floor apartment and found the SOB clinging to the rail by his fingertips. I was so angry that I began bashing his fingers with a flower pot. He let go and fell, but his fall was broken by some awnings and bushes. On seeing he was still alive I found super human strength to drag our antique cedar chest to the balcony and throw it over. It hit the man and killed him. At this point the stress got to me and I suffered a massive heart attack and died. The clerk thanked him and sent him on to the next office. The second applicant named Snake said that his last day was his worst. “I was on the roof of an apartment building working on the AC equipment. I stumbled over my tools and toppled off the building. I managed to grab onto the balcony rail of a 9th floor apartment but some idiot came rushing out on the balcony and bashed my hands with a flower pot. I fell but hit some awnings and bushes and survived, but as I looked up I saw a huge chest falling toward me. I tried to crawl out of the way but failed and was hit and killed by the chest.” The clerk couldn’t help but chuckled as he directs the man to the next room. He is still giggling when his third customer aptly named Harley enters. He apologizes and says “I doubt that your last day was as interesting as the fellow in here just before you.” “I don’t know” replies the biker, “picture this, I’m buck naked hiding in this cedar chest.....” goes CONFUCIUS DIDN’T SAY ...... Man who wants pretty nurse, must be patient. Passionate kiss, like spider web, leads to undoing of fly. Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night. It takes many nails to build a crib, but only one screw to fill it. OUR DAUGHTER’S FRIEND HAD ON A TEE-SHIRT AT A LOCAL BIKE NITE THAT READ: THE HELL WITH “MADE IN CHINA” THIS HERE WAS “MADE IN VAGINA”, LOCATED IN AMERICA.
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