Thunder Roads West Virginia by Thunder Roads West Virginia

Thunder Roads Magazine® West Virginia

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

Big City’s Two-Wheel Testament.............. 5 Road Captain’s Report.............................. 6

Facebook – Thunder Roads WV Twitter – TR_BigCity

Hillbilly’s Hideouts...................................11

EDITOR / OWNER / PUBLISHER BIG CITY BIGCITY@BIGCITYRHINO.com

Joker’s Wild............................................. 13 Center Calendar....................................... 18 Featured Bike........................................... 20 Stone House Smoke House Recipe....... 23

SALES & MARKETING Steve “Hillbilly” Craig Mike “Rhino” Ryan (681) 209-0832 (681) 209-0834 Hillbilly@bigcityrhino.com Rhino@bigcityrhino.com

Sippin’ Shine with Hillbilly...................... 25 Events....................................................... 26

Jeff Davis Scott “Scooter” Broyles (304)-673-7321 (304)-549-5615 yesterdaysbest@hotmail.com Charleston Area Sales Southern State Sales ACCOUNTING Mike “Bighead” Abbott (681)209-0842 bighead@bigcityrhino.com MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA MGR. Catherine “Kitty” Noske / CRAVE Marketing Solutions 443.591.1882 kitty@bigcityrhino.com

Biker Friendly Directory.......................... 32 Diary of a Biker Chic............................... 35

ON THE COVER:

LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics CONTRIBUTOR Mike “Smiles” Johnson

Model: Chel Rose

PHOTOGRAPHY Michael J. Alves, www.uspatriotphotography.com Bob Tarowsky, www.BobbyTRocks.com

Photographer: 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.

Wild Wheels............................................. 31

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

Hey Ya’ll, A lot going on this season. Just take a look thru this month’s edition and check out all the great events coming up this season. Be sure to follow us to Thunder on Main Street in Weston this month. We plan to raise money with the 1376 Riders group for Children’s Hospital. Then you can come to DC and join us in this year’s Rolling Thunder. That’s just two with many more to come. June we are excited to be a big part of this year’s Capitol City Biker Bash and an event we will be hosting with Swamp Fox Tavern; Thunder at the Swamp. Followed by the mighty Mountainfest in July where we will be hosting the Girls of Thunder Model search once again this year. Then off to the Apple Mountain Motorcycle Festival in Little Orleans, MD… Just when you thought we were done we still have OC Bikefest in September and Colonial Bikefest in VA to wrap up the areas main events for the year. It’s going to be one hell of a season. That being said we want to welcome all of our new partners in the magazine this month. Thanks to them we can continue to bring the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia America’s #1 Free Motorcycle publication each month for free. See you all at the party.. Big City

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MAY 2015

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Tracy D Sibley - BFC Spring Fling

anted to share a bit about the BFC Spring Fling Event Ride. The ride is named in honor of my sis “Nianne” who was a foster parent here in Mercer Co. She foster...ed countless kids. She never was married so she did what she did on her own with the strength and calling that God put on her life. When she was younger she developed a tumor on 1 of her ovaries and when the doctors removed the tumor it weighed 32 pounds. This prohibited her from being able to bear children of her own. She had such a desire to have children and this desire opened the door for her to be a foster parent. She was the foster parent that the police/dhhr could call on in the middle of the night when removing kids from dangerous situations. She would always say bring them on. I do not recall of a time when she turned a child down unless all her beds were full. Through the years (about 12 years ago) she ended up adopting 4 of her foster kids and they became family. Two days after Christmas 2012 Nianne was diagnosed with pancreatic/liver cancer and was given 6 months or less to live. Her first thoughts/reaction at this news was not of herself but of the kids. She was worried of what would happen to the kids and didn’t want them to be placed elsewhere. After much prayer and confirmations God led me to step in and let her know that I would finish the work she had started with the kids. We spent a lot of time together going over the plan and she was able to rest easy that the kids were taken care of. Nianne taught me so much about faith as she knew that God could take the cancer out of her body instantly, or over time through the doctors, or maybe he wanted to give her healing in person. She taught me about trusting in God’s will and not our own will. In early February 2013, Nianne knew her answer for her healing....God was going to touch her in person. She chose to be moved out of the hospital and stay at my mom and dad’s. Hospice was called in to help with her care. Before she was on heavy pain meds, we had one of our many late night talks and I told her that I wanted to put together a ride in her honor to raise money for those in need. I asked her if she would want money raised for cancer research or the like.....or for foster kids. Even though she wanted cancer wiped out she immediately said “I want the kids to benefit.” THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

On February 21, 2013 Nianne received her healing at the Father’s personal touch. GLORY !.......Even though her presence here on earth was sorely missed we knew that this was God’s will for her....just as she knew and conveyed to us. I have been here in WV now for 2 years this Feb. and I am reminded of all the lives that my sis Nianne touched constantly. When I am out and about I run into people that share how she touched their lives. This happens ALL the time. People tell me how she helped them become foster parents, how she helped them to adopt children, how she worked tirelessly at promoting family’s and homes to take in unwanted children....children that have been thrown away. I could go on and on....but I won’t. LOL.....I just wanted to let everyone know the importance of this event ride.....to provide for the unwanted kids out there. Remember 100% of the proceeds that come from the ride and meal goes to the Foster Care Association. Donations will also be accepted. “We can make a difference in these little one’s lives” Thanks for your support and look forward to seeing everyone at the BFC Spring Fling ! Tracy D Sibley “Sibs” Chapter Elder, East River Mtn. Bikers For Christ

The Ridge Tavern and Grill Great Food Kitchen Always Open Cold Beer Bikers Welcome Good times

MAY 2015

US19 at Marion County Line

304-278-8041

ROAD CAPTAIN’S REPORT

ose and I got the invite to spend the Memorial Day weekend riding with our friends, Mike and Cathy. They have a nice spread near Monterey, VA, in the country, far removed from the real world. We got there Sunday, taking mostly back roads and enjoying the perfect riding weather. Along the way, we stopped at an overlook on Rt. 250 that marks the border with Highland County. Nauti was loaded to the hilt, including an American Flag, paying respects to all those, past and present, who have served. An older gentleman approached us and told us a short story of when he was in college. He said a friend of his coaxed him into buying a motorcycle and going out on the road for 127 days, leaving school behind. He said it was one of the best experiences of his life, camping, performing odd jobs, and traveling on a bike. And when they returned, they were able to pick up where they’d left off. It’s always a little strange and awkward at first, when someone just walks up to you and starts talking as if they know you, but afterwards, on this occasion, we immediately felt a connection to this kindred soul. Later that afternoon, we were hosted to beers, barbeque, and a Mule, Mike’s new Kawi. Rose and I got a tour in the four-seater, during the daylight, of a trip we made earlier last year on a midnight run on four wheelers to the top of a nearby mountain. We then made our way down to the Cowpasture River and crossed where the gravel gave way to cement plates on the riverbed. We’ve taken inner tubes here in the summer and plopped in before. As inviting as it

was, it wasn’t quite warm enough, and the next time we’re there, we’ll make sure we pack our suits. We headed out the next morning to have breakfast in Monterey. We all got the buffet and dined on real, fresh, country food. I took a video of Mike returning to his seat, only to find his fork missing. I had suggested earlier to Cathy to hide it. We all had a laugh at his expense, and they got theirs at mine, later that day, while at a light in Marlinton, when he reached over and killed my engine. We’ve been doing stuff like that for years. I only wish I had a video of the time I hid his key, after he’d put on all his gear:) The first stop was the Falls at Hills Creek. The short, paved hike to the boarded observation deck above the first of three falls, didn’t provide the right background for a group pic, so I just got one of the falls. We weren’t really feeling the rest of the hike, noting the other stops we had planned on seeing, so we headed back, in the interests of time. We would return another day to see them all.

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

Rt. 60 is a great road, ordinarily. To our disappointment, the surface was patchy and there were still potholes to avoid. It really kept us on edge and wary of sticking any of the corners with any confidence. Just when we’d had just about enough of that, the on ramp for I-64 came into view. “Finally!”, I thought. All the clutching, braking, shifting, was eagerly traded for the smooth, 70 mile per hour, pavement of open interstate. I was almost a little too eager. 30 miles later and just before our exit, was a well hidden LEO on the left. Fortunately, he was either uninspired, or dozing, and that’s where he stayed.

Our next stop was the Summersville Dam. The water on the lake was an emerald green and looked very scenic. We rode down to the Gauley River below and took some pics of Peanut and Walter with the dam. Walter was still pissed. Mike had his GoPro running and accidentally captured the timing procedure of me running back to the set, smiling for the primary, and gesturing for the secondary, otherwise known as the “birdie shot.” We had a rather lengthy lunch at the Long Point Bar and Grill. The food was good, but our poor waitress was the only server there, and it was fairly busy. Noting the time, we elected to make our way to the New River Gorge Bridge. We stopped just before our descent into the gorge for one of several GoPro start checks to make sure the camera was recording. Rose and I would nod our heads jokingly as if to say, “ACTION!” We stopped at the first “underlook”, displaying the beautiful arch of this magnificent bridge, and took some pics. We then snaked our way down to the Hunsaker Bridge. Rose and I found our “sharpied” time stamp from last September, and made a new one. Mike and Cathy followed suit. The flowing river below was busy ferrying kayaks and rafts towards a set of rapids while we took pics of this special place. We walked back to our bikes and noticed a motorcycle with Ferrari labels on the tanks and bags, of what looked like, a Honda ST1300. It definitely got our attention. We saddled up and headed to our next stop. THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

Our next stop was the Humpback Covered Bridge. Rose and I were here last year when it was being repaired and blocked. This time, it was open and not too crowded for pics. There was an L-O-V-E display by the shore, where a forked tree made the “V”. Noting the seemingly endless graffiti inside, we made our own obligatory sharpie time stamp as well. One more stop before calling it a day, was at Falling Spring Falls, on the way back. Unfortunately, there was no avoiding the pulp plant and its olfactory, penetrating odor, in Covington. The SUV in front wasn’t helping matters. I felt like I was behind a tour bus. Then, one lane turned to two, and the more the bus driver disappeared in my mirror, the more the obnoxious smell gave way to cleaner air.

MAY 2015

was soon made up for by wildlife. We were treated to several sightings of deer and bear for much of the ride. The rest of the journey home was rather uneventful aside from getting a hole shot in front of an SUV, whose driver felt compelled to speed up and stay ahead of me, like some tour bus driver on steroids. Nauti was having none of that, especially with the skies threatening. Besides, we don’t like the smell of brake dust going down the mountain. It usually leads to an instant headache.

The road to the falls was nothing short of spectacular. With open, clear pavement, and lanes for passing that we didn’t need, the twisties were putting on an opera of call and response-like verses of opposing banked and pitched corners. At the last turn, the fat lady sang, as we made our way into the parking lot. There were a few other riders in the parking area enjoying this beautiful, natural landmark. After walking to the overlook, Rose and I took a short hike to the top of the falls where we could look straight down the 80 foot drop, at the pools that we dipped in last summer. We had another 60 or so miles back to base camp. The last leg of the ride was nothing short of magical. 220 to Monterey is a fun road with long straightaways and fun turns in the big boy gear. The Camera Eye from Rush, was playing in my ear buds and Nauti was making perfect pitch with the music. We pulled along side Mike and Cathy on one of the endless straights and let her rip. Mike’s Valkyrie edged past us. Nauti did really well considering her tour pack and flag were slowing her down. I backed off and tucked back behind the Valk, not wanting to tax her anymore, once my curiosity was satisfied. We’d have another go without the luggage and drag someday.

600 plus miles later, we were home. We beat the rain once again and were very thankful for the three days of perfect weather, fun rides, and a great time with friends. With over 1000 pic and vid files to go through, it was difficult narrowing down which ones to post. There was just so much great stuff to see. It’s great to have friends in that area who let us base camp so we don’t have to stay in hotels. It really helps having more time to explore and soak in the sights, and makes the trip that much more enjoyable. I’d just like to add, and give a shout out once again, to those who have allowed, and to those that allow me this freedom. I try to convey a sense of profound joy and euphoria that comes with riding a motorcycle. They take us to where we want to go, and can make our dreams come true. And it is my sincere hope, that those who are no longer able to, from the process of obtaining and sustaining this freedom, would want us to enjoy it in whatever form we choose, so their sacrifice would not have been in vain. Without them, we could not do this, and I have to believe, after all that they gave, they would not want us to settle for anything less. It is with this in mind, I am compelled to endeavor in my next adventure, in earnest. Cheers, and thanks for reading. Marc Ritchie

We spent the evening watching the vids that were taken, over a few beers, and talked about what a great time we all enjoyed on this 300 plus mile, Memorial Day. The next day, and batteries charged, Rose and I made our way for home. Right from the departure, we were knee deep in Rt. 250’s amazing twisties. Roads like this are extremely unique. The elevation changes are usually at the beginning and end of corners. There are some on this road that crest at the apex, adding a new dimension to cornering, and a new element in the periodic table of fun and excitement. We jumped on Skyline Drive for the rest of the ride home. The views were pretty hazy and limited. What was lacking visibility-wise, 8

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

The coolest thing about being involved in the magazine is being able to go out and find places that are not on the most traveled paths. I take so many back roads in my travels that I forget where I am most of the time. Usually this works out great for me because I get to find the best places around. Every once in a while I go to a place that I know is the real deal. I was riding along the river and came upon one of those great old WV towns. Rivesville had a permanent settlement established after the French and Indian war in 1763. In 1900 it had a population of 164. That was right before the development of large scale coal mining in the area. About the only area that coal has not been mined out is directly under the older portion of town and under the riverbed. The Rivesville Power Plant was built in 1919. It was shut down in 2012. The town grew during this time to 934 in 2010 according to the U.S. Census. It’s a great little town nestled next to the Monongahela River. It’s a nice ride to get here no matter which way that you drive. One of the best places to ride to in WV happens to be in Rivesville and is the Road Hogs Saloon. If you really want to experience what a biker bar should both feel and look like you have to go to the Road Hogs Saloon. The first time I walked into the place I couldn’t believe some of the memorabilia that was all around me. It truly has the feel of

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

what I think walking in to a Wild West saloon would have been like in the old cowboy’s days. The only thing missing is the swinging doors as you go in. I sat down with Joe Hardesty the man that bought a house in 2006 and turned it into what an Easyriders magazine writer once called one of the best 3 biker bars on the East Coast. Joe told me that in 2009 he knocked a wall out and was going to make a deck on the other side. He had just bought a couple of barns and decided to use the walls for the bar. He added a 105+ year old bar to the new part of the bar and I got to tell you it looks like everything is in the right place as you walk around. He has decanters, pictures and everything from a working very old phone booth to a 1904 dentist drill and just about any other thing you can think of that you might see in this working museum. Did I mention the ice cold beer? Don’t worry he has everything that you would want a bar to have. I have been to Road Hogs 10-15 times over the last couple of years. I still find new things inside to see. I can’t wait to ride down this summer and enjoy some time by the river. I encourage all of you to stop by and visit Road Hogs this year. Tell them Hillbilly sent you. I might just be sippin some and hiding out there too. Hillbilly

MAY 2015

ANXIETY VANISHED AT THE LAST REST STOP.

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME TO RIDE.

t is a rare occasion when I find myself at a loss for words. When it happens it is usually worthwhile to check out what is going on. I will not interview anyone on this page SUPERIOR MOTORCYCLE COVERAGE IS CLOSERduring the month of May until we bring our THAN IT APPEARS. POW/MIA soldiers home. This column is usually filled with stories of good times and memories. Each May at the end of the month this country celebrates a holiday known as Memorial Day. Bikers come from near and far to hold a rally and ride to bring attention to our POW/MIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I spent a few days this year with the Rolling Thunder MC and the Nam Knights MC and began to see how much these two groups do to make this rally the huge event it has become. I talked to my partners and we joined the rally the best way we can. This page will remain empty each May until they all come home. God Bless All that have served. God Bless those that have paid the price of Freedom for us. God Bless the Ride with Rider. Get your quote today.Families of the fallen. Please God continue to Visit rider.com or call (844) 276-0164 bless the United States of America! Available in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. 12

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland , arrived at the casino . She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty thousand dollars on a single roll of the dice. She said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I’m completely nude .” with that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, “Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!” As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed. “Yes! Yes! I won , I won !” She hugged each of the dealers, picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed. The dealers stared at each other dumb-founded . Finally, one of them asked, “What did she roll?” The other answered, “I don’t know - I thought you were watching.” Moral of the Story: Not all Irish are drunks, not all blondes are dumb, but all men...are men! I recently spent $6,500 on a young registered Black Angus bull. I put him out with the herd but he just ate grass and wouldn’t even look at a cow. I was beginning to think I had paid more for that bull than he was worth. Anyhow, I had the Vet come and have a look at him. He said the bull was very healthy, but possibly just a little young, so he gave me some pills to feed him once per day. The bull started to service the cows within two days… all my cows! He even broke through the fence and bred with all of my neighbor’s cows! He’s like a mating machine! I don’t know what was in them pills the Vet gave him.......... but they kinda’ taste like peppermint. Was in the Texas Rose Road House bar last night after riding my bike all day. Just sitting there waiting for a beer, remembering all the good events of the day’s ride, when a butt-ugly, big ole’ drunk heifer came up behind me. She slapped me on the ass,....hard. She hollered out really loud for the whole bar to hear. “Hey cowboy, how bout’ givin’ me your number! I looked at her and yelled out, “Have you got a pen?” She said, “I surely do, sweet cheeks.” I yelled back, just as loud, “Well, you better get back into it before the Farmer notices you’re missing.” * (I guarded my manhood, but my dental surgery is on Friday.)

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Four old Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee in St. Peters Square. The first Catholic man tells his friends, “My son is a priest, when he walks into a room, everyone calls him ‘Father’.” The second Catholic man chirps, “My son is a Bishop. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Grace’.” The third Catholic gent says, “My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room everyone bows their head and says ‘Your Eminence’.” The fourth Catholic man says very proudly, “My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Holiness’.” Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, The four men give her a subtle, “Well....?” She proudly replies, I have a daughter, Slim & Tall Extra Long Legs that go all the way up to form perfectly round buttocks. 44 D Breasts 24” Waist and 34” Hips When she walks into a room, people always say,“ JEEESUS!!” Ever wonder what a man’s ultimate embarrassment might be? I’d have to say it would be running into a brick wall with a good stiff erection......and breaking his nose. And turn about is fair play... A woman’s would have to be standing on the scales and literally having to reach down and separate her sagging boobs, just so she can read the numbers. As they say.....It Is What It Is. A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated radar post in Portland, Oregon. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40. The police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs. Police were at the door of a suspect under investigation for armed robbery. Police - Open up, Billy, we need to have a word with you. Billly - Do you have a warrant? Police - Like we said, this isn’t an official visit as yet. Billy - If it isn’t official, then what is it? Police - Look, Billy, we just want to talk to you. Billy - How many of you are out there? Police - There’s just two of us. Billy - Then talk to each other.

MAY 2015

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MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

B&B Harley Davidson

The Humane Society of Harrison County presents

JUNE 20, 2015 sign up 10am -12pm @ White Front Tavern & Grill Rt. 50 East From Bridgeport, West From Grafton

$20 per rider, $5 per passenger

After Party at Schmittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAloon w/Bad MotherTrucker

for more information or to sign up, please visit our Facebook Page @ Hogsfordogsdicerunwv or our website @ www.hshcwv.org or call us @ 304-592-1600

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 2015

e s o R l e Ch

MODEL: RAVEN CHRISTINE

Owner: Rob Farnsworth (Pairadice Cycles) Location: Pittsburgh, PA. PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTHONY PANZINO OF EIREANN PHOTOGRAPHY Year: 2009 Make: Harley Davidson Model: Road King Build Time: 6 Months Paint/Graphics: Pairadice Cycles – Distressed old metal look with abstract graphics of green and black. Virus wrapping around the black with denim flat clear coat, two stage chemical green powder coat, all flat. Motor: Twin Cam 103” (110 HP) Special Features: Built in 10 Ft. flame thrower with pipe bomb effect via strategically placed venturies, C-Notched frame allows bike to look like a frame lay but with the safety of sitting on motorized kickstand, hand build hidden headlight system that is revealed when front air goes up.

Photographer: Bobby T Rocks 20

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 2015

ALL SIZES! ALL BUDGETS! Over100 Pre-Owned Bikes In Stock! Harleys, Metrics, Cars, and more! View more on our websites! FINANCING AVAILABLE

Harley-Davidson of WV 4924 MacCorkle Ave. S. Charleston 304.768.1600 wvharley.com

WE BUY BIKES

MAY 2015

New River Gorge Harley-Davidson 25385 Midland Trail Hico 304.658.3300 hicohd.com

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MAY 2015

304-267-2007

SOBER TAXI E SERVIC BLE A V A ILA

3485 WINCHESTER AVE , MARTINSBURG WV

MAY 2015

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

& A Grateful Nation

t is a rare occasion when I find myself at a loss for words. When it happens it is usually worthwhile to check out what is going on. I will not interview anyone on this page during the month of May until we bring our POW/MIA soldiers home. This column is usually filled with stories of good times and memories. Each May at the end of the month this country celebrates a holiday known as Memorial Day. Bikers come from near and far to hold a rally and ride to bring attention to our POW/MIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I spent a few days this year with the Rolling Thunder MC and the Nam Knights MC and began to see how much these two groups do to make this rally the huge event it has become. I talked to my partners and we joined the rally the best way we can. This page will remain empty each May until they all come home. God Bless All that have served. God Bless those that have paid the price of Freedom for us. God Bless the Families of the fallen. Please God continue to bless the United States of America!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 2015

TRWV 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

UPCOMING EVENTS

DELAWARE A to Z Cycles Open House

Saturday, May 16, 2015 10am-5pm Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase from the Vietnam Veterans Association or from our new neighbor, Meat Mechanics BBQ! Entertainment will be provided by Affinity Entertainment. This year’s bike show is one of the stops on Thunder Roads Magazines Rolling Bike Show sponsored by Rider Insurance. Registration for the bike show is $10. The registration money will be collected the day of the event and all proceeds, plus our matched amount, will go to Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity. For more information: http://www.atozcycles.com/annualopen-house/ Hammer Down for Habitat Motorcycle Run and After Party Saturday, June 6, 2015 10:30am5pm On Saturday June 6, 2015 CDHFH along with our sponsors; A to Z Cycles, Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Unreal Vapors will hold the Hammer Down for Habitat Motorcycle Run and After Party. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the 2015 Veteran Build. The ride will be a scenic tour of Kent County, the After Party will include; live music, live auction, cornhole, cash bar and more!! So mark your calendars friends, this promises to be a fun event and as always it’s for a GREAT cause!! To pre-register: http://www. eventbrite.com/e/hammer-down-forhabitat-motorcycle-run-and-afterparty-tickets-15797697338 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally 2015 (in Maryland) Thursday, June 18, 2015 - Sunday, June 21, 2015 The 2015 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally is being held in Deep Creek Lake, MD 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 Battley’s Ducati Open House Saturday, May 2, 2015 Come see three brand new models from Ducati, the 1299 Panigale, the Scrambler, and the Multistrada. We will feature Umbrella girls and free Italian sausages on the grill. For more info contact John Hardison jhardison@battley.com – 301-948-4581 www.battley.com Heroes on the Water Poker Run May 2 The Free Riders Independent motorcycle club is holding a charity poker run to benefit the Heroes on the Water national charity. Heroes on the Water “Serves our Nation’s warriors by providing healing and rehabilitating kayak fishing outings that are physically and mentally therapeutic through our nationwide community of volunteers and donors.” Registration starts at 11am at Battley Cycles with kickstands up at 11:45am. Stops include the Twist & Turn Tavern, Woodstock Inn, and the Grille at Flower Hill. Registration donation is $20 per rider, $10 per passenger with a possible $1,000 pot. All bikes and cars are welcome! Battley’s Cycles Dinner Ride Saturday, May 2, 2015 Join us as we ride under the full moon (or close to it) on the back roads of Montgomery (and neighboring) counties. The group takes an enjoyable ride and then stops for a bite to eat. We typically stop somewhere that you can spend about $10 for a meal. Afterwards, we head back to Gaithersburg. This ride is a dealer sponsored event and is open to all makes and models of bike, and all skill levels of riders. Sometimes a Road Captain from the local HOG chapter will lead the ride in place of a Battley employee. Gather at Battley Cycles at 6:30pm. Kickstands up at 7:00pm. For more info contact John Hardison jhardison@battley.com – 301-948-4581 www.battley.com MCV Cares Spring Fling Ride 2015 Benefit Saturday, May 2, 2015 9:00 AM Fund raising efforts benefit patients undergoing treatment and recovery at the Breast Care Center at Northwest Hospital, a Life Bridge Health Center. MCV cares, Inc. is MAY 2015

a Maryland 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Join us for a scenic 1.5 hour group ride to Lake Redman. Breakfast and Lunch are Included. $25 for one-up and $35 for two-up. Departs from: Full Moon Pub and Grill, 1100 Westminster Pike, Reisterstown, MD. Breakfast Served at 9:00, Ride Departs Promptly at 10:30, Pre-ride safety meeting at 10:20 Please register at: http://www.mcvcares. org/Events/2015SpringFling.aspx You can also register in person on May 2, beginning at 9:00 am. Departs from: Full Moon Pub and Grill KKMM 8th Annual Biker Sunday/ Bike Blessing Sunday, May 3, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 2015 BIKER SUNDAY! SUNDAY, May 3rd AT 10AM...plan to be at THE LARGEST Biker Sunday/Bike Blessing in the DMV! Don’t start your riding season off anywhere else! The only way to start is BLESSED! Our First Knight, Pastor Anthony G. Maclin will deliver the message and the blessing. ALL Bikers are WELCOME! Wear your biker attire and club colors or Christian casual attire! Bikers come from near and far so join us! Trophies awarded and free food after the blessing! www.atthesanctuary.org Ride to Rescue! Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 8:30am 4pm Come out to join us for the SEVENTH Annual Joann Miller Memorial Run (JAMM). This 60 mile Police Escorted Run through scenic Warren/Morris/ Sussex Counties in NJ is sponsored by Beagle Rescue League, Inc and benefits homeless dogs waiting for their furr-ever homes. Starting Point is the Chatterbox Drive-In Restaurant on Route 15 in Augusta, NJ. We’ve got a great day lined up which includes a radio hosted event, super sponsors, a continental breakfast & More. Families are welcome to bring the kids too. Ride fee is $15.00 per person (under 12 free!) You can register on site the day of the run. We’ll host a Bike Blessing at 10:30am courtesy of Christian Motorcycle Association, ROAR Chapter 920. Kickstands up at 10:45am. Our ride ends with an (optional) cash lunch at the Corner Pub & Brewery of Flanders, NJ. Great food, very reasonable prices too! Commemorative pins available

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

The Fire Chief’s Ride. May 9 A tribute ride to Chief Tom Carr who was both a volunteer and career chief here in Montgomery County. This ride raises money to help fight Parkinson’s disease, which Chief Carr suffered from. Registration is at 8:30am at Fire & Rescue Headquarters at 101 Edison Park Dr. in Gaithersburg, MD and passes through several fire stations before ending at the Fire Rescue Training Academy. This is a police escorted ride unlike any other! Battley’s Poker Run & Fish Fry Saturday May 16th What a day! Register for the poker run from 8:30am to 11am at Battley HarleyDavidson and head out on an enjoyable, scenic ride while you collect poker cards. Return to Battley to see if your hand is a winner. Also, grab a free lunch as the Black Jacket Cruizers perform magic with fried fish – you do not want to miss this! The poker run has great prizes for the winning hands, benefits a rider with heart disease, costs $10 and includes a t-shirt. The fish fry is free. Battley’s Ride to the Wall Weekend: Saturday May 23rd Party - Live music! A free Ride to the Wall Party at Battley Harley-Davidson featuring free food, live music, and hundreds of motorcycles. Big Al the patch guy will be here sewing patches and leather - he can repair zippers, leather and shoes while you wait. See the Luke’s Wings charity armed forces tribute trike, and much more! 9am – 5pm. Battley’s Ride to the Wall Weekend: Night Ride to the monuments – Saturday May 23rd Join us for a very special evening ride downtown to see the monuments by night. Gather at Battley Harley-Davidson at 6pm with a full tank. Its kickstands up at 6:30pm as we take the George Washington Parkway down to the Lincoln Memorial. We’ll have a caterer with a van there selling complete dinners for $10. You can sit on the grass and eat, take a stroll to see the monuments, come back and eat, whatever you like. As the sun sets the monuments light up. We’ll be next to the Korean, Lincoln, and Vietnam

memorial (all memorials are open 24hrs.). We think the best is the Korean Conflict Memorial which is so different seen at night, it’s like, well, night and day! So many bikes are in town to ride by day, join us and see the memorials in a whole new light - at night! This ride is free and open to all makes and models, but dinner will cost you $10 - cash only. Battley’s Ride to the Wall Weekend: Ride to Rolling Thunder – Sunday May 24th This is the Big Event! Start gathering at 6am at Battley Harley-Davidson as 4,000 of your fellow bikers prepare to ride to the Pentagon and stage for Rolling Thunder. We will have free doughnuts and coffee around 7am. There will be a pre-ride briefing and Pledge of Allegiance before we depart at 8am. This is a police escorted ride around the beltway to the Rolling Thunder staging area at the Pentagon. Hits4Heores Poker Run Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM This poker run is to raise money to support local military veterans who suffer injuries or TBI or PTSD. This year’s recipient is a young marine who was with fire and rescue in Afghanistan and suffer multiple Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. All funds raised through Hits4Heroes goes to the recipient see our Facebook page Hits4Heroes and hits4heroes.org sites. If you can’t make this one make another to support our veterans. Thank You. Seabreeze Restaurant The Carnival of HOGs. June 6 The Montgomery County Chapter of the Harley Owners Group is running their 8th annual Carnival of HOGs. It is a lot like a poker run, but you play carnival games at the stops for points. Top points win prizes. The $10 registration goes to the charity Linkages to Learning. Registration opens at 10am at Battley HarleyDavidson and closes at 12noon. Cancer Sucks…Let’s Ride! June 13 A benefit poker run to help Chris fight Leukemia. Registration opens at Falls grove Village Center (14955 Shady Grove Rd in Gaithersburg, MD) at 9am, closes at 11am.

SAVE THE DATE Ocean City Bikes to the Beach Apr. 30th – May 3rd

Capitol City Biker Bash June 11th – 13th

UPCOMING EVENTS

while supplies last! Full details can be found here: www.wix.com/jammiv/ runLast year we had more than 260 attendees!! We hope to top that this year and YOU can make it happen! Hope to see you there.

Mountainfest July 22nd – 26th

Apple Mountain Motorcycle Rally Aug. 5th – 9th

OC Jams / Delmarva Bike Week Sept. 17th – 20th

BOOB’s 2nd Annual Ride to Benefit

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Baltimore County Special Olympics Sunday, June 14th, 2015 Vipers V.I.P. Athletics 12226 Pulaski Highway Joppa, MD. 21085 Registration: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM All riders back by 3:00 PM Members from Chesapeake Region Antique Car Club, Baltimore County Special Olympic Athletes will be there to help us raise money for our “Special Olympians” $10.00 Per Rider / $10.00 Per Passenger Cars are welcome to join the ride. For More Info – Fred Bromwell – 443-3921686 Apple’s 12th Annual East Coast Motorcycle Rally Wednesday, August 5, 2015 Saturday, August 8, 2015 Formerly known as the “East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” Two Stages, GREAT BANDS five days of Colossal Entertainment You won’t Forget! Come Early, Stay Late! There will also be a Poker Run, Bike Show, Field Events, Contests and All Kinds of Wild Fun! This is the event that’s taking the country by storm! All the reasons are right. Mountains, Open Country, Good People, Clean Air and the Freedom of the road! The East Coast Motorcycle Rally is the hot spot for motorcyclist to get together for good times, good food, and great entertainment. Come, Camp, Party! NO ONE DAY RATE! Rally Ticket price includes: Camping / Concerts / Tours / motorcycle Demolition Derby and All other Activities HOT SHOWERS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY: FREE RV’S, CAMPERS, BUSES ETC.. Apple mountain main event grounds for the east coast motorcycle rally has no full hook up sites, rv’s, campers etc are welcome on the main event grounds, self-contained. www.eastcoastmotorcyclerally.com/

WEST VIRGINIA Rally in the Valley - 4th Annual Friday, May 1, 2015 - Sunday, May 3, 2015 Motorcycle Rally in the Winding Hills of Southern WV the 1st weekend in May each Year. You won’t want to miss this one - There is something for everyone! Live Bands All Weekend Bike Show & Bike Games Miss Rally in the Valley Contest. Bikini Bike Wash, All Kinds of Vendors. All kinds of Food, 1000’s of Miles of Curves on the Country Roads around Williamson and Much Much More! 28

www.facebook.com/ RallyinthevalleywilliamsonWV Capitol City Biker Bash Thursday, June 11, 2015 Saturday, June 13, 2015 4th Annual Capitol City Biker Bash in 2015 is an event for ALL bike riders. Music, Food, Vendors, Poker Run, Bike Show, Rides, Motorcycle Giveaway and much more! The city of Charleston closes a four lane highway for Motorcycle Enthusiast to come to Charleston to enjoy our West Virginia roads, music, food and to see old / new friends. www.capitolcitybikerbash.com SCRC West Virginia State Rally Friday, June 12, 2015-Sunday, June 14, 2015 Check the event website (below) for additional details and updates. The Southern Cruisers Riding Club is a Free, Family Oriented Motorcycle Riding Club that uses the Web to communicate and focuses on the Enjoyment and Fellowship of Riding Motorcycles while doing so safely. The Southern Cruisers is not an Internet club for Motorcycle Enthusiasts. www.wvscrc.com C.E.’s Helping Hands Fun Fest Bike Rally June 19th, 20th and 21st C.E.’s Helping Hands will be holding their annual Fun Fest Bike Rally on June 19th, 20th and 21st at Thorn Spring Park south of Franklin, WV on US Route 220 south. Gates open Friday at 9:00 am and close Sunday at 12:00 pm. There will be fellowship rides, motorcycle poker run and ATV poker run. The fellowship ride will be Friday and the poker runs will be Saturday. There are cabins for rent, RV hookups and tent camping space. Food, beverages and draft beer will be available. We will have a DJ Friday night, we will have a White Elephant Auction Saturday evening and the band “Push to Start” will play Saturday night. Call 304-668-9563 or email: email@cehelpinghands.com for more information. 14th Annual Hogs for Dogs Dice Run Saturday, June 20, 2015 10:00 AM Join us for the 14th Annual Hogs for Dogs Dice Run to Benefit the Harrison County Humane Society 3rd Annual Skylar Neese Memorial Poker Run June 20, 2015 10 am11:15am Smokin’ Jill’s on Rt 7 (what used to be the old Long Necks Saloon) $20 a driver and $10 a passenger. Kickstands up at 1130 am, stops will be at Smokin’ MAY 2015

Jack’s, Terra Alta VFW, The Riverview Lounge, Kingwood Eagles, and back to Smokin’ Jill’s for food, 50/50 drawings, and raffles for prize baskets. All bikers and cagers are welcome! This is a family event to honor Skylar and the good work her Memorial fund does. Soft colors are preferred and encouraged!! All proceeds go directly to the Skylar Neese Memorial Fund, Proudly sponsored by Mountain Renegades MC. West Virginia State HOG Rally 2015 Wednesday, July 8, 2015 Sunday, July 12, 2015 The 2015 West Virginia State HOG Rally will be held in Huntington, WV There will be Entertainment, 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.wvstatehogrally.com/ MountainFest Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Sunday, July 26, 2015 Mountainfest is a motorcycle rally that takes place in in the beautiful mountains of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. The event consists of vendors, bands, runs, shows, camping, etc. Locations include: Mylan Park, Triple S HarleyDavidson, Downtown Morgantown, and surrounding areas. All are welcome to this family friendly event. Wild and Wonderful MountainFest is presented by MountainFest, LLC, in cooperation with the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau, and our many generous sponsors. MountainFest, LLC is a 501(c)3 non-profit limited liability corporation. MountainFest, LLC is comprised of area residents from all walks of life who value their community and want to share the magic of West Virginia with bikers everywhere. Proceeds from MountainFest go to non-profit Mylan Park, and the many worthwhile public and private projects underway there. Our long-term goal is to make Wild and Wonderful MountainFest one of the nation’s premier motorcycling events. MountainFest on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/MountainFest http://www.wvmountainfest.com/ Further Information can also be found by emailing info@wvmountainfest.com; contacting Mylan Park via Telephone at (304)-983-2383; and/or also by contacting Triple S Harley-Davidson via Telephone at (304)-284-8244

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wildwheels

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MAY 2015

Dealers & Shops

Biker Friendly Directory

Demotto Honda-Yamaha RT 33W Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-5489 www.demottohondayamaha.com Harley-Davidson of WV 4924 MacCorkle Ave. S. Charleston, WV 304-768-1600 wvharley.com

Insane Cycles & Muscle Cars 285 Don Knotts Blvd. Morgantown, WV 26501 304-291-2453 www.insanecyclesandmusclecars.com JT Cycles 202 City Ave Beckley, WV 25801 681-207-7098 Jtcycleparts.com New River Gorge Harley-Davidson 25385 Midland Trail Hico, WV 304-658-3300 Hicohd.com RG Honda-Yamaha 1619 Buckhannon Pike Nutter Fort, WV 26301 304-624-5420 www.rghonda.com The Twisted Spoke 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-326-4644 www.twistedspokeinc.com Triple S Harley Davidson Exit 155 off I-79 Morgantown, WV 304-284-8244 www.tripleshd.com

Bars & Grills

Bryans & Brent’s Place 229 N. River Street Weston, WV 26452 304-997-8722 Gameday 318 Pike Street Shinnston, WV. 26431 Giovannis Restaurant 451 US Hwy 33 E Weston, WV 26452 304-269-4563 32

Photography

Hickory House 1137 US Hwy 19 North Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-269-7373

Bobby Tarowsky 304-797-1470 304-723-8955 www.BobbyTRocks.com

Kickstands Bar & Grille 3200 Junkins Ave Clarksburg, WV 26301

Retail

Pikeview Sports Bar& Lounge 221-223 Pikeview Drive Beckley, WV 25801 304-256-2490

Certainty Stores 101 Randolph Ave. Elkins, WV 26241 304-630-1716 Certaintystores.com

Rallow’s Place 4030 W. Washington St. Dunbar, WV 304-205-7974

Joi Ride Leathers Motorcycle Apparel 8403 MacCorkle Ave Marmet, WV 304-400-7613

Road Hogs Saloon 415 Clayton Street Rivesville, WV 26588 304-816-6901

Tattoos

Swamp Fox Tavern 4404 Sissonville Drive Charleston, WV 25312 304-340-8094 The Dairy Winkle 162 Campbells Creek Drive Charleston, WV 25306 304-925-6800 The Ridge Tavern & Grill Route 19 / Marion Co. Line Rivesville, WV 26588 304-278-8041 Wright Dawgs 1228 Country Club Road. Fairmont, WV 26554 304-368-0834

Insurance Rider Insurance www.Rider.com

Legal Services

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

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. For more information call: 304-538-6953 or visit our website at: www.cehelpinghands.com

Law Offices of Ralph C. Buss 800-582-5577 www.RalphBuss.com

Fraternal Order of Eagles #2481 Weston, WV 304-269-6134

Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com

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.

Walton’s Bail Bonding 49 W. Main Street Buchannon, WV 26201

304-473-8955

MAY 2015

If you’re a 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. THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

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DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC BY JOYCE ELAINE

Funny Things

ello May! I’m so excited for the warm weather to finally be here and stay for a while! I can’t wait until my classes are over this month so all my free time can be devoted to the bike and day trips and weekend trips and maybe even week long trips, and writing about all of them. I look forward to living my life and having fun this summer. FUN! Speaking of fun, I was riding around last weekend, getting lost in my travels when I realized that I see so many things that make me laugh or at least chuckle while I’m out riding – things that probably wouldn’t have happened if I were driving the cage. I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that said, “People always notice bikers…but bikers rarely notice people, because bikers are too busy enjoying freedom.” It was posted on a biker related page. I couldn’t disagree more with this statement. First of all, people DON’T always notice bikers. They may notice us when they are not driving but when they are driving, well, I don’t even need to say it. The other part of that quote, “bikers rarely notice people,” couldn’t be farthest from the truth. Yes, we are enjoying our freedom but I’m pretty sure we all are very aware of what’s going on around us, meaning we are noticing people. We see that girl putting on her makeup while speeding down the road, we see that tractor trailer driver texting on his cell phone, we notice the asshole riding our ass, and all the people who take away our right of way, and we may even see some hanky panky going on in the car next to us. Why? Because we want to live! I’m always aware of my surroundings whether I’m riding or not; I’ve always been that way. I see many things that most people don’t see because I’m paying attention to everything around me. Riding a bike intensifies that but I can’t ignore the funny things I see while riding…things that make me laugh to myself, and maybe they aren’t really all that funny, but when I’m riding, I’m relaxed, stress free, and happy so I think I just laugh at things that some people wouldn’t. For example, I was out riding last week and I was driving down a curvy and hilly road. I see many people riding bicycles on this road and on that day they were out in full force. I passed a couple of people on their bicycles and…they gave me the biker wave. Who knows, maybe they ride motorcycles too and forgot which wheels they were on but I laughed when they waved to THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

me. I couldn’t bring myself to wave back! On this same day, it was about 67 degrees outside. I was finding that I wished I had put on my leather chaps because I was a tad bit chilly. So when I saw a chic on a dirt bike that was WAY TOO SMALL for her, I busted out laughing. Not only because she looked too big on this thing but also because she was wearing shorts. I’m not talking about Capri shorts either. She was wearing booty shorts…and no helmet. All I saw as she crossed from one neighborhood into the other one in front of me was her hair flying and her pale white legs. She had to have been cold because I was and I was more properly dressed. Never wear shorts on a motorcycle. I know some people do it but I’ve gotten enough burns to know better! Kids are the best for a smile, though. I was going down a side road the other day when I came upon a woman and two kids. They had a trash bag so they were either picking up trash or searching for cans but the kids were young – a little boy and a little girl. As I drove by, the boy and the mom were a little ahead of the girl. When the girl saw me she stopped dead in her tracks, froze and just watched me as I drove by. This little girl couldn’t have been no more than 4 or 5 years old and she was in awe as I drove by. You would have thought she never saw a motorcycle before. Maybe that was the closest she had ever been to one but it cracked me up. If there was somewhere to stop, I would have so she could have gotten a better look. The look on her face was priceless though. As I drove away, I looked in my mirror as she snapped out of her gaze and ran to catch up with her mom and brother. Years ago, when I had my old bike, I had pulled into the mall parking lot and as I was getting off, a family was walking by and their son, maybe 7 or 8 years old, stopped, looked at my bike and said in the most manliest voice I’ve ever heard for a boy that young, “Nice Harley!” This was funny for two reasons. One, because he was so young and trying so hard to sound like a cool adult, and two, it was not a Harley! I was laughing on the inside but I smiled at him and told him thanks but it wasn’t a Harley. He said, “Oh. It’s still nice!” I could go on and on with funny things I’ve seen while riding, maybe I’ll write a book. In the meantime, enjoy your travels, be safe, and notice the people around you…you never know what you may see!

MAY 2015

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MAY 2015