Thunder Roads Magazine WV 1406 by Thunder Roads West Virginia

Thunder Roads Magazine® West Virginia

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

Big City’s Two-Wheel Testament................. 7 MX Antix USA.............................................. 9

Facebook – Thunder Roads WV Twitter – TR_BigCity

Joker’s Wild................................................11

Editor / Owner / Publisher BIG CITY BIGCITY@TRMDEL.com

Big City Road Hounds............................... 15 Centerspread Calendar............................. 18 Featured Bike............................................ 20 Featured Band: The 5th Gear.................... 25

SALES & MARKETING Steve “Hillbilly” Craig Mike “Rhino” Ryan (681) 209-0832 (681) 209-0834 Hillbilly@trmdel.com rhino@trmdel.com Jeff Davis (304)-673-7321 yesterdaysbest@hotmail.com Southern State Sales Accounting Mike “Bighead” Abbott (681)209-0842 bighead@trmdel.com

Twists and Turns....................................... 27 Newsbytes................................................. 29 Biker Friendly Directory............................. 30 Sippin’ Shine.............................................. 32 Thunder Cam............................................ 35 Seats & Saddles........................................ 36

Marketing & Social Media Mgr. Catherine “Kitty” Noske / CRAVE Marketing Solutions 443.591.1882 kitty@trmdel.com Layout & Design Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics

ON THE COVER:

Contributor Mike “Smiles” Johnson Photography Michael J. Alves, www.uspatriotphotography.com Bob Tarowsky, www.BobbyTRocks.com

Model – Jenna Photographer – Studio 413s Don Carrick

National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive, Chapmansboro, TN. 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

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i everyone and welcome to June. It’s a great time of year to get out and ride around West Virginia. What’s the best thing to take with you? Thunder Roads WV has all the info you need for riding around the Mountain state. This month we have an interview with Halo in Sippin’ Shine with Hillbilly. We have a feature band that I know you will enjoy called 5th Gear. You can ride with the Patriot Guard and dedicate a bridge in Twists and Turns. We give you the chance to catch up with our race team MX Antix. Don’t forget that while you are out riding around this summer to take some pictures. Everyone likes to see themselves in Thunder Roads. Send those pictures to us. Funny, sad, goofy, embarrassing, etc., we love them all. Please be safe riding around this summer. Take some time to enjoy those hills of WV. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place make sure you take the time to enjoy it. Keep changing lanes and we are looking forward to seeing you around the state. Montani Semper Liberi, Big City

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304-267-2007

SOBER TAXI E SERVIC BLE A V A ILA

3485 WINCHESTER AVE , MARTINSBURG WV

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1 Corinthians 10:31….whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

ust how am I supposed to do that? I grew up memorizing verses, getting those little gold stars, avoiding eye contact so I wouldn’t get picked for a part in the Christmas program, and trying to be the good son. I never put much effort into applying those biblical truths to my life. This led me down some very twisted and rough roads to nowhere. I’ve got scars, bad examples, tattoos, and stories to show for it. So now I’ve learned some hard lessons and I try to apply these biblical nuggets of truth as often as I can. So back to the verse, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Just how am I to do that? Riding my bike is one of my favorite things to do in life. Just how does barreling down that straight away, scrapping the pegs in the turn, throttling out of it give any glory to God? This is one of the top three things to do in my life. It’s full of personal gratification, adrenaline, speed, excitement, freedom, friendship, power, and thrills. Again, where is God’s glory? Then bam it hits me… Let’s look at some other biblical nuggets of truth, God created it all!God loves me, you, every one! So God’s grand design that allowed the raw materialsto get stripped from the ground to make hard metal, plastics, fuels, and lubricants was part of his plan. The chemical reactions of a spark plug to the fuel, the friction of brake pads to rotor, the air to fuel ratio to power results all originate with the creator Himself. The laws of gravity and the principles of centripetal force that keep you glued in your seat as you take a 35mph curve at 60 mph… yep God came up with those! God knew the pleasure I’d take from looking down at my boots and seeing the outside heels ground down by the asphalt.

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He knew it all along! He wanted me to experience that thrill! He wanted me to love that twist of the throttle and the wind blasting my face! He wanted me to know he created and designed everything involved in the making of what I love about riding, and it’s a gift. Just like the air webreathe and the sunsets we ride into, they are blessing from God. God designed, implemented, and carried out to the Glory of God! A God, THE GOD that loves us so much to make 93 octane explosive, chocolate taste like chocolate, steak taste like steak, the mountains look like mountains, and riding feel so much like freedom. The same God that sent his son to pay for every screw-up, bad thing, bad thought, or sin we’ve ever done or will do, just so we wouldn’t have to suffer the penalty of sin,Eternal Hell. He also loved us so much that he gave us the choice to accept His grace through His Son’s death, or turn down His offer of eternal peace in Heaven. So the next time someone with more money than sense does a burnout, remember God’s glory that he created the friction, that creates the heat, that melts the rubber,that creates the smoke, that leave the burn mark, ……. All for the Glory of God! Scott Villers BFC Valley chapter elder North Central Bikers For Christ and Rushing Wind Church 26 B street Spelter WV 26438, 304-624-4777

JUNE 2014

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MXA N T I X

X M A N TI X

WHO IS

GREG MOSS & THE MOSS INSTITUTE?

Greg Moss is one of Australia’s top motocross and supercross coaches. When it comes to coaching, Greg Moss and the Moss Institute have proven to be the premier organization in this sport. The Australian based Moss Institute conducts professional motocross coaching all over Australia & New Zealand and now has the opportunity to hold courses in the USA in August through MX Antix USA & NZ. Greg Moss, head coach and founder of the Moss Institute, has developed a proven coaching technique after almost 40 years in the sport and over 20 years of coaching experience. Greg is accredited as a Level 2 Master Coach and has a unique way of analyzing and communicating with riders about their riding. Those features have been honed from many years of working alongside his professional sons Matt & Jake Moss - who have both achieved as Australian National Champions and also at the American AMA SX & MX. With Matt Moss’s recent success winning the National MX & SX rounds in Australia in 2013 and his awesome effort at the 2014 rounds of the Supercross - Greg remains the lone coach in the country to train a rider from club level racing on a Pee Wee through to AMA Pro Racing in America. Australian Women’s MX Champion Meg Rutledge is also an experienced and well accomplished Moss Institute rider. Coached by Greg since the age of four, Meg dominated the national women’s titles in her rookie season during 2011 at the age of 16, plus 2012 and 2013. Meg has made her move on to the world stage traveling to Europe last in 2013 to win the Queen of Geneva SX as well as 2nd place at the Women’s World MX Champs. Meg has won the 1st round of this years Women’s Worlds in 2014 already. Greg has also coached and worked alongside many pro level Australian riders since they were young. All have gone on to battle at the top level of MX in Australia and around the world. Greg coached Jay Wilson to a World Championship title on an 85 in 2009, also Caleb Grothues who was crowned ‘World Champion’ on a 65 in 2012 and Hunter Lawrence #2 in the World on an 85 in 2013. Greg’s recent success was 4 Moss trained New Zealand junior riders that took four #1 NZ titles out of 6 classes that were up for grabs at the NZ Junior MX Nationals. The Moss Institute aims to provide leading edge MX training that will help riders be the very best they can be.

MX ANTIX & THE MOSS INSTITUTE AIM TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT JUNIOR & MINI MX THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & NOW THE USA.

We are very proud to have Greg Moss coming to the United States in August to run coaching courses for young riders at the North Carolina Motorsport Park & Speed Citi MX in Delaware. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Erika Born Mobile: (717) 817 8557 US Email: mxantixusa@gmail.com U SA A www.mxantix.com

MXA NNZ TI X NZ

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MXA N T I X

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NZ 9

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‘Mom, may I take the dog for a walk around the block?’ Mom replies, ‘No, because she is in heat.’ “What’s that mean?’ asked little Suzie. ‘Go ask your father. I think he’s in the garage.’ Little Suzie goes to the garage and says, ‘Dad, may I take Belle for a walk around the block? I asked Mom, but she said Belle was in heat, and to come to ask you.’ Dad said, ‘Bring Belle over here.’ He took a rag, soaked it with turpentine, and scrubbed the dog’s backside with it to disguise the scent, and said ‘OK, you can go now, but keep Belle on the leash and only go one time round the block.’ The little girl left and returned a few minutes later with no Belle on the leash. Totally surprised, Dad asked, ‘Where’s Belle?’ Little Suzie said, ‘She ran out of gas about halfway down the block, so another dog is pushing her home.’ _______________________________________________ A flat-chested young lady read an article in a magazine that stated Dr. Bumbutu in Africa could enlarge your breast without surgery. So she decided to go to Dr. Bumbutu to see if he could help her. Dr. Bumbutu advised her, ‘Every day after your shower, rub your chest and say, ‘Scooby doobie doobies, I want bigger boobies!’ She did this faithfully for several months, and to her utter amazement she grew a terrific D-cup rack! One morning she was running late, got on the bus, and in a panic realized she had forgotten her morning ritual. Frightened she might lose her lovely boobs if she didn’t recite the ritualistic rhyme, she stood right there in the middle aisle of the bus, closed her eyes and said, ‘Scooby doobie doobies, I want bigger boobies.’ A guy sitting nearby looked at her and asked ‘Oh! Are you a patient of Dr. Bumbutu’s?’ ‘Yes I am.. How did you know?’ He winked and whispered, ‘Hickory dickory dock...’ _____________________________

Flawless Male Logic: Woman: Do you drink beer? Man: Yes Woman: How many beers a day? Man: Usually about 3 Woman: How much do you pay per beer? Man: $5.00 which includes a tip Woman: And how long have you been drinking? Man: Approx. 20 years Woman: So a beer costs $5 and you have 3 beers a day which puts your spending each month at $450. In one year, it would be approximately $5,400. correct? Man: Yes, sounds correct Woman: If in 1 year you spend $5400, not accounting for inflation, the past 20 years puts your spending at $108,000, correct? Man: Again, sounds correct Woman: Do you know that if you didn’t drink so much beer, that money could have been put in a step-up interest savings account and after accounting for compound interest for the past 20 years, you could have now bought a Ferrari? Man: Do you drink beer? Woman: No, I do not. Man: Then where the hell is your Ferrari?

When little Tony Soprano returned home from elementary school, in his youth, he told his Dad he got an F in math. “Why?” asks the father? “The teacher asked ‘How much is 2 x 3’, I said “6’”, replies Tony. “But that’s right!” says his dad. “Yeah, but then she asked me “How much is 3 x 2?’” “What’s the f***ing difference?” asks the father. “That’s what I said!”, little Tony yells. THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

JUNE 2014

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THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

JUNE 2014

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Hello I am Lil’ Hustle and I am a Boxer/Plott Hound mix. I am very energetic and playful! I love nothing more than to have you come outside and play with me…..for a long time! I am only about 4 months old, so I am going to end up being a pretty big guy! I am very friendly and will make a great loyal pet for someone out there. I was dropped off at Animal Control and never picked up! My name is Billy Budd and I am a small to medium sized Spaniel mix with a lot of energy. I have luscious long black hair that I will sit and enjoy having brushed. Other than that I like balls and tearing up stuffed animals! I am a wild little guy that needs a lot of attention from that special someone out there. I was saved by the Humane Society in Harrison County from being put down because my owner didn’t want me anymore. Hiya, I’m Aurora and I am the sweetest, friendliest, loving, affectionate, playful and wonderful little gal you could possibly hope for! I like to go on walks and

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play outside with friends and cuddle out when I’m out of energy and be petted at the end of a good day. I am such a wonderful gal! I’d be great for anyone! I am half lab and half pitbull and was abandoned. I was scared of the shelter at first with all these other barking dogs, but I like them now and all kinds of people too! Hullo my name is Barney and I am a 10 year old Beagle. The woman that I spent time with for almost 8 years of my life ended up having to give me up to the Harrison County Humane Society because I’m getting older and she cannot afford to take care of me anymore. I am sometimes a little grouchy that I have to be here at my age. I long for nothing more than attention and love it when the girls here give me loving!, but I would be the happiest old dog in the world for a new home to love me for the rest of my life!

Humane Society of Harrison County Rt. 2 Box 932 Shinnston, WV 26431 304-592-1600 *10:00am - 3:00pm * 7 Days A Week *

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Half-Day “Covered Bridges Tour” Is Perfect for June! There’s nothing like riding through a historic covered bridge–and this tour has five built in the 1800s–plus plenty of curves, scenic overlooks and small towns. Our cool University City has plenty of live entertainment and nightlife in a walkable downtown. Greater Morgantown CVB is a Proud Sponsor of MountainFest Motorcycle Rally: July 23-27

800.458.7373 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

| tourmorgantown.com JUNE 2014

a n n e J

model:jenna 20

Photography: Photographer – Studio 413s - Don Carrick JUNE 2014

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JUNE 2014

Upcoming Events

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@TRMDEL.com

Delaware

Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally 2013 (in Maryland) Thursday, June 19, 2014 - Sunday, June 22, 2014 The 2014 MD/DE Rally in the mountains offers the perfect getaway! The Cumberland area provides breathtaking scenery through Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Explore the National Road, an area rich in history and small town charm. Participate in rides and events and enjoy the evening parties and get together’s with fellow H.O.G. members. Online registration is open and is $30 for National H.O.G. members. Price includes access to all rally rides and events (see webpage for details on these.) Register by March 15 and receive rally pin and patch. Registration ends on May 1. Find out more details and register at www. mddestatehogrally.com and “like” us on Facebook at Maryland/Delaware HOG Rally 2014. Go here for more information on the 2014 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally www.demdstatehogrally.com 2nd Annual Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder/ Wounded Warrior Project Motorcycle Run Saturday, June 28, 2014 8:30 AM 2nd Annual Run To Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Scenic ride through Delaware’s coastline with a special stop along the way afterwards food and entertainment will be provided rider pins will be provided 50/50 Door prizes Silent Auction For more info.: bhendricks@aetnahhl.org Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally 2013 (in Maryland) Thursday, June 19, 2014 - Sunday, June 22, 2014 The 2014 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally is being held in Cumberland, MD Go here for more information on the 2014 Delaware / Maryland State HOG Rally

Maryland

I1st Annual LLS Ride for Charity Leukemia & Lymphoma Society MWOY Campaign Sunday, June 1st 2014 10:00 AM Chester, MD Family friendly event, ride starts from Club One for a 128 mile scenic ride (rain or shine). Riders will proceed at their own pace to the token check points. $35 Registration More information – www.MWOY.org 22

on motorcycles in accordance with the requirements of Transportation Article, §21-1306, Annotated Code of Maryland. Organization affiliation clothing- also known as “colors”. No “colors, regardless of the organization will be displayed during the ride. Obey the rules of the road- No Speeding, reckless or unsafe driving. Obey directions of all Police Officers No Alcohol on Anne Arundel Community College Property. Thank You for your continued support for the Burn Foundation and Thank You to Anne Arundel County Police, Maryland State Police, Anne Arundel Community College, Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART), Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Bay Bridge. With their help we are looking forward to a safe and enjoyable ride! More Information – www.burnride.org

Mountains, Music & Motorcycles State Party Friday, June 6, 2014 - Sunday, June 8, 2014 Live Music, Adult Games, Motorcycle Rodeo, Contests, Wet t-Shirt Contest and more. Restrooms and hot showers. Tent camping, limited RV hookups. Weekend Pass: ABATE Members $30 - Non-Members $40 Friday or Saturday Day Pass: $20 info@abateofmd.org Ride for NF Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM We start with a FREE (on us) pancake breakfast at Applebee’s Restaurant in Timonium, MD, Limited to the first 300 registered riders/passengers at 8 am and then–if you choose–continue on a self paced, self guided motorcycle ride through northern central Maryland to raise funds for NF Mid-Atlantic and the Baltimore Ramblers Motorcycle Clubs charities. Meet, Mingle, and Ride! The ride will end at the Ramblers Clubhouse where additional activities, door prizes and more free food will be available. All fees associated with this fundraiser are 100% tax deductible. - See more at: http:// www.nfmidatlantic.org/ride The Burn Ride Saturday, June 14th, 2014 @ 7:00 AM Ride organizers have worked diligently with the Anne Arundel County Police Department to return this event to its origin as a “great riding experience”. This year all traffic along the route will be managed by Anne Arundel County and Maryland State Police law enforcement, this will allow event participants to experience a safe and enjoyable group ride. In order to make this route safe we have moved the starting location of the ride to the Anne Arundel Community College parking lot F. This lot is conveniently located on West Campus Drive adjacent to Governor Ritchie Highway (Route 2) in Arnold Maryland. The time and date for the burn ride will remain the same June 14th, with registration starting at 7am to 9am, Safety Briefing at 9am with ride departing lot F at 9:15am. Please remember you will be parked HOW and WHEN you arrive NO EXCEPTIONS! If you are riding in a group please meet prior to your arrival at the community college. This new location allows all participants to register, depart and remain as a group from the Arnold Campus to Mears Point Marina. Our law enforcement partners will manage traffic along the route so that riders may enjoy the ride without the risk of conflicting traffic. We have established a few guidelines to make this ride safe for all participants: Motorcycle must be mechanically sound and properly registered. Fuel- please arrive at the starting location with a full tank. Headgearall riders/ passengers must wear a compliant helmet meeting The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, Motorcycle Helmets, 49 CFR §571.218 (1991), which is incorporated by reference, is adopted as the minimum standard for helmets required to be worn by operators and passengers JUNE 2014

Shithouse Side Poker Run Kingsman Saturday, June 14th, 2014 @ 10:00 AM The Big Owl Tiki Bar 3025 Kent Narrows Way – Grasonville, MD Donation $20 per Hand Best hand – Second Best and Shittiest 50/50 Drawing – T-Shirts – Giveaways More info – kingsmanmc@gmail.com Faces of Valor USA – Heroes Benefit 4 Events in 1 Day Saturday, June 28th 2014 Family Picnic, Clasic Car Show, Motorcycle Ride, 5k Run/Walk Goto Facebook for More information – Faces Of Valor USA The Dove Ride Sunday, June 22nd 2014 – 10:30am – Noon Dove House – 292 Stoner Ave. Westminster, MD Come join us for a beautiful scenic ride through Carroll County and surrounding counties. All proceeds go to Dove House and Carroll Hospice $15 Donation per person More Info – 443-822-2558 A.R.M.C Strip Club Poker Run Archangel Riders M.C. Saturday, June 28th 1:00 PM Bring your Singles ….. $1 $1 $1 $1 $30 Entry Fee – Free T-Shirt $400 1st Prize - $200 Second - $100 Third Prize Lap Dances will be Raffled Off at no Charge Starts at 1:00PM at Millstream to Gold Club, to Escape, back to Millstream

Apple’s 11th Annual East Coast Motorcycle Rally Wednesday, August 6, 2014 - Sunday, August 10, 2014 Formerly known as the “East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” Two Stages, GREAT BANDS five days of Colossal Entertainment You won’t Forget! Featuring The Outlaws & Great Train Robbery 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! 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 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

America’s 9/11 Ride, the 13th Anniversary Friday August 15th This is the 14th annual fully police escorted commemorative motorcycle ride to all three of the September 11th crash sites. It is in remembrance of those who served, protected, lost their lives and to the volunteers of that tragic day. Our ride takes place in August, respecting each site and the survivors, allowing them to mourn during September. The ride officially starts on Friday August 15th at 7:00am from Highland Harley-Davidson in Somerset, Pa. and rides through the Flight 93 Memorial (but does not stop). Continuing on to Cumberland, Md. (fuel stop for small tank bikes) and regroup at Rocky Gap State Park (bathroom break). Then we travel to the Outlet Malls in Hagerstown, Md. for lunch and fuel. Then the group rides to the Double Tree (host) hotel in Arlington, Va. Saturday morning we gather at the Pentagon for a 7:00am departure on our way to NY stopping at the Maryland House (fuel), then at Barb’s Harley-Davidson (lunch & fuel) and Applebee’s in Linden, NJ (for closing ceremonies) before completing our journey to New York City. Once we arrive at the hotel in NY the ride is officially over. On Sunday morning (for those that want to join us) we ride down (police escorted) to the World Trade Center Memorial. The ride stops about every 70 miles for food and/or fuel. Pre-registration is required!! Get people to sponsor you, raise $250.00 and we will waive your registration fee, raise more & get extra goodies. Solo riders pay a $150.00 registration fee; passenger pays an additional $40.00. This covers lunch and tolls for Friday and Saturday, (keep in mind we go through New Jersey) The links for our host hotels will be posted on our website. www. americas911ride.org This is a very well organized ride, it is fully police escorted, we have a “pumper team” to assist at the fuel stops, we have “road captains” spaced every 50 bikes to maintain the ride and they are in communication with each other. We have chase vehicles with trailers to pick up bikes that experience difficulties. We have mechanics & spare parts travel with the ride. Southern Maryland Bike Fest Saturday, Aug. 16th ST Mary’s County Fairgrounds Gates open @ 12pm Close @ 10pm Tickets $10.00 in advance $15.00 at the gate. Live Music, Bike Show, Rodeo Games and More www.somdbikefest.com

West Virginia

Avalon Bikes, Blues & BBQ 2014 Friday, June 6, 2014 - Sunday, June 8, 2014 The first weekend of June begins Avalon Resort’s Summer Concert series. On Friday, June 6, ‘Bikes, Blues & BBQ’ returns to Avalon, ‘Your getaway to the friendliest clothing-option al resort!’ There is a full weekend of food, fun, bikes, music and activities including guided area rides, motorcycle show, food, live blues band and a DJ dance. Avalon is proud to have the event once again be registered with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Part of the admission proceeds will be donated to that organization. The fun begins on Friday, June 6. There will be guided area rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Come early, stay late and enjoy all Avalon Resort and this event have to offer. On Saturday the Avalon front lawn is the site of the 14th annual Motorcycle Show sponsored by Montgomery Motors and George Montgomery. There is no extra fee to enter a bike into the show. Trophies will be awarded in several classes plus ‘Best in Show’. So grab your suntan lotion, your bike or just your love of bikes, great food/drink and a lot of fun and join us for a great time! Throughout the day on Saturday there will be a variety of food available featuring mouth-watering BBQ. The outdoor bar will be open serving draft beer along with other favorites. In addition to the great Bikes and BBQ there will also be on the outdoor stage live Blues music provided by the band ‘Bushmaster’ featuring Gary Brown (www.bushmasterblues. com). The night ends with a DJ dance. There is no extra fee to register a bike into the motorcycle show. The price of admission for non-members bringing a bike to the event is $20 for 2 people with $5 going to the WWP. Admission for nonmembers without a bike is $20 per person with $5 going to the WWP. Vendors are welcome to set up a table to swap/sell bikes, parts, etc. Just call the Avalon office at (304) 947-5600 for the details. Vendors participating in more than one of Avalon’s events receive a discount. Come for the day or stay the whole weekend. Avalon Resort has a variety of lodging options available. Options include lodge rooms, 3 BR chalet and condos plus a year-round campground with heated bath houses. The campground has full-hookup sites as well as primitive tent-camping sites. Avalon is a full service resort with a variety of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, restaurant, snack bar, 2 bars, hiking trails, volleyball, pickleball and a host of other amenities. For information about the event, lodging, directions or any questions call (304) 947-5600 or email information@avalon-resort. com. Visit the Avalon Resort website www. avalon-resort.com for more details. Follow us on twitter at ‘avalon4fun’ or ‘like’ the ‘Avalon Resort’ facebook page. The 6th Annual Dana Hibbs Memorial Ride Saturday, June 7th Registration is from 10am til Noon at The Cotton Patch Cafe in Farmington. “FREE BREAKFAST” Last Bike out at Noon, and Last Bike in at 6pm. Great food and refreshments at the after party to be held at the Farmington Athletic Field. Great Prizes $20.00 Per rider, $10.00 per passenger Proceeds to benefit WVU Children’s Hospital Dana was a two time cancer survivor who lost her life in a motorcycle accident in 2008. Her kind heart has been the inspiration for many to participate in this ride and to help provide assistance to this wonderful cause. Capitol City Biker Bash

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Thursday, June 12, 2014 - Saturday, June 14, 2014 Third Annual Capitol City Biker Bash is an event for ALL bike riders. Ride Hard And End Your Nights At Our Block Party With Some Cold Beverages, Vendors And Entertainment On The Boulevard Along The Kanawha River. For more information: www.capitolcitybikerbash.com Shinn Cemetery 1st Annual Poker run Saturday, June 14th 11am- 5pm Fundraiser for the Shinn Cemetery Preservation Project $10.00 per Rider 11am-3pm check in at Game Day, Pike St, Shinnston, WV Prizes for Best Hand After Party with The Allied Brothers Band! For more information: Mike Ridenour 304-615-9848 13th Annual Hogs for Dogs Dice Run Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM B&B Harley Davidson and the Humane Society of Harrison County Invite you to Ride on One of WV’s Largest Bike rides $20.00 for Driver $5.00 for passenger hand $10.00 for after ride party. Music By Bad Mother Trucker www.HSHCWV.org Ronald McDonald House Charities Poker Run Saturday, July 12, 2014 $1000 First Prize! Food, Music, Raffles and More All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, Morgantown, WV. Ride starts at Triple S HD. www.rmhcmgtn.org/

Upcoming Events

6st Annual Ride for Animals Sunday August 10th Benefitting Bella’s Bully Buddies and BARCS. Rain or Shine Registration Starts @ 10:00AM KSU @ 12:00PM Entertainment All Day Long, Vendors, Raffles, Contest & More “Colors Welcome” Starting and Ending @ House of Rock, White Marsh, MD Ticket Prices includes Event Souvenir: Rider $20.00 / Passenger $5.00 Purchase Tickets online at: Http://www.showclix.com/event/ RideforAnimals2014 For more info or to be a vendor Contact: Natalie Kasszak @ rideforanimals@ymail.com 443-447-5768 (Leave Message) JC @ djjcrox@yahoo.com 443-447-7044 (Leave Message)

2014 WV HOG Rally July16th – 19th Canaan Valley Resort The HOG rally has come back to Canaan Valley. Some of the best riding in the country is in West Virginia. Come and enjoy some great riding, great fun and fellowship. Checkout our web site and get registered. With you, we will make this the best rally ever. www.wvstatehogrally.com Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - Sunday, July 27, 2014 Motorcycle Stunt Shows, Poker Run, Games, Contests, Live Bands, Vendors, Food, and lots more... “MountainFest is the most exciting motorcycle event on the East Coast!” 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. Plenty of Lodging nearby & Camping is available! See the event website (below) for complete information and schedules. wvmountainfest.com Biker United for Make-A-Wish 11th Annual Benefit Bike Show Sunday, August 17th Six Pence Pub & Eatery 1956 7th Street, Parkersburg, WV Registration 1pm - 3pm $10 Per Entry Bike Classes: Big Twin- Touring- Metric CruiserSportster- Classic- Sports Bike- Custom- Trike Judging by Public *** Awards given in all classes *** 50/50 Drawings, Auctions, Food Specials. For more information Contact: Mike 304-481-0523, Roger 304-615-6003, Les 304488-1515, Mike 304-481-9975 23

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The Fifth Gear feataunrded b W

hen you see The 5th Gear perform, it’s hard to believe that they’re teenagers. That’s because they don’t play teenage music—they belt out hard rock anthems from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 21st century. This is no kids’ pop band. These are legitimate hard-rockers. The band’s musical talent, confidence and stage presence are nothing less than amazing. Although The 5th Gear just formed last year, they are tight, both on and off stage. They performed a two-hour show for Clarksburg’s downtown Trick-orTreat in front of a crowd estimated at 1,000. The Greater Clarksburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau partly attributed the much larger-than-expected turnout to the band’s performance. The 5th Gear has rocked Schmitt’s Saloon, normally a country music bar, with jaw-dropping shows. The emcee at Schmitt’s has called them one of the best bands he has seen on Schmitt’s stage. The band’s repertoire runs from Bon Jovi to Metallica to My Chemical Romance to Guns-n-Roses. They’ve also written several original songs, including “Asylum,” inspired by the history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV. One of their personal favorite songs to perform is Alicia Keys and Jack White’s “Another Way to Die,” from the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. The five members of The Fifth Gear mesh into a well-tuned, high-performance rock machine. Head-banging bass player Riki Satterfield has played in a middle school rock band and before soldout crowds at Bandland’s Rock Camp for two years. During the 2013 Rock Camp, Riki and his brother Dylan were in a band with Brandon Kennedy and Kelsey Jeffries, leading to the later formation of The 5th Gear with the third Satterfield brother, Franky. Not content to just play one instrument, Riki

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also played the cello (a bass is really only a cello on its side, isn’t it?) and drums in high school. Riki has played the bass for five years, studying under the Master of the Bass, Walt Mick. Many bands have a “quiet one.” For the Beatles, it was George Harrison. For the Rolling Stones, it was Bill Wyman. For The 5th Gear, it’s Chillin’ Dylan Satterfield. Dylan has been playing guitar for 12 years. A founding member of The 5th Gear, he has played in front of standing room only crowds at Bandland’s Rock Camp, where he and his brothers met Kelsey and Brandon. Although Dylan is content to remain in the background playing a solid rhythm guitar track that holds the song together, he also takes on lead guitar duties. And sometimes the band can even coax him into a vocal performance, as in their cover of Green Day’s “Holiday.” Franky Satterfield has been playing drums for eight years—that’s more than half his life! Franky played in a middle school rock band, as well as with two Bandland Rock Camps, where he played before standing room only crowds. Franky plays behind an impressive drum kit, consisting of 12 pieces, 8 cymbals, and of course, a cowbell. Franky not only bangs the drums like a madman, he also sings in his school’s show choir, although The 5th Gear hasn’t taken advantage of his singing. . . yet. Brandon Kennedy is a multi-talented musician. In addition to his role as “lead shredder” for The 5th Gear, he plays drums, keyboards, and bass, too. Brandon also occasionally takes on lead vocals for the band. Brandon played before sold-out crowds for three years at Bandland’s Rock Camp, where he first met The 5th Gear’s lead singer, Kelsey Jeffries. After he and Kelsey played in a Rock Camp JUNE 2014

band with Dylan and Riki in 2013, Brandon got together with the Satterfield brothers and formed The 5th Gear. Before this, Brandon had played at Shinnston’s Independence Day celebration with Kelsey, as well as at church events. Brandon’s guitar playing is influenced by legends Randy Rhoads, Brian Haner (aka Synster Gates), and, of course, Eddie Van Halen. His musical tastes include many of the artists covered by the band, including Boston, Guns ‘n Roses, Bon Jovi, and Green Day. Lead

singer and rhythm guitarist Kelsey Jeffries has been performing in various venues for over six years. She has played for Shinnston’s Fourth of July celebration, where she opened for the Dennis McClung Blues Band. She also performed there as half of a duo, with The 5th Gear’s Brandon Kennedy. Kelsey has also had gigs with other bands at Shinnston’s Frontier Days for two years. She has sung to standing room only crowds with Bandland’s annual Rock Camp since it began in 2008. While on vacation at Walt Disney World, she sang in front of two crowds of over 1,000 people for Disney’s “American Idol Experience,” where audience members voted her the winner of her initial round. Kelsey currently attends West Virginia Wesleyan College on a music scholarship, where she hones her performance skills with the Wesleyan Singers and Percussion Ensemble. The 5th Gear’s crazy guitar licks, powerful vocals, and tight rhythm combine with their love of performing, audience participation and energy in a show that will have the crowd singing and dancing and wanting more. The 5th Gear will be performing at Cycle Source’s Big Mountain Run in Parsons, West Virginia on June 14, 2014 at the main stage from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. They will follow that show up the next day with a performance at Triple S Harley-Davidson, 7300 Willie G Avenue, Morgantown, West Virginia, beginning at noon. You can check out The 5th Gear through their Facebook page, www.facebook. com/the5thgear, and their Reverbnation page, www.reverbnation.com/the5thgear. They also have a YouTube channel with over twenty live performance videos. Search for “The 5th Gear WV.”

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Twistsandturns

love this column in the magazine. It gives any of us the chance to write about our adventures from the road. Since we started publishing the magazines we are on the road constantly. The down side of that is a lot of time away from home. The upside of that is a lot of stories and memories from the road. It seems the only people who spend more time on the road are the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). I’m a member of the Maryland PGR and I had the chance to ride with the WV PGR recently. It turned out to be a great day and a chance to honor a Hero.

School class there to help honor him as well. The local American Legion and some of the politicians who helped get the bridge dedicated were there as well. As the service went on my mind began to race in a thousand different directions. It’s about time that we showed our Vietnam Vets the respect they have deserved for so long. I was so happy for Cpl. Somers family and you could see the pride in their faces as they pulled the cover off of the bridge sign that bore their loved ones name. I looked around and saw about 75 plus people that had turned out to say thank you to Cpl. Somers. Forty five years after his death all these people stopped to take time to say thank you. I hope Cpl. Somers could feel the love and the heart felt THANK YOU we all felt on that bridge. If you get a chance ride over to rt.270 in West Milford and go across the bridge and say your own thank you.

I spend time with the PGR and most of my rides have been to honor our Heroes at Arlington Cemetery. While I was in WV for another event I was given the opportunity to ride with the PGR to dedicate a bridge for a fallen Marine from Vietnam. No matter when I ride with the PGR it turns out to be a great day. This ride was no different. I headed off to West Milford. For those of you that have not had the chance to ride with the PGR each ride begins with a briefing. We spend some time talking about the route and what we can expect as we ride together and arrive at our destination. It was a short ride and we arrived at the bridge and the Harrison County Sheriffs Dept shut down traffic on the bridge. The PGR got their flags out and formed a line and the ceremony started. We were there to honor Cpl. Gene William Somers, Jr. He grew up in the area around the bridge and was killed in action by hostile fire on March 19, 1969 in the Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. His family was there and got the chance to speak about him. There were people from his South Harrison High THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia should make us all proud. During the Vietnam war West Virginia lost more soldiers per capita than any other state. When called upon we stand up. When it’s time to honor one we lost we do it like no other. I know I will never forget Cpl. Somers and I want to THANK him for my freedom. I will be back to ride my bike across that bridge and I will think about all of his family and friends who have never forgotten Cpl. Somers and his sacrifice for us all. If you are interested in joining the PGR please go to www. patriotguard.org to join. Remember it’s free and their only mission is to honor those that have done so much for us all. You will be glad you did. Hillbilly

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NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S “GROW AMERICA ACT” PUSHES HELMET LAWS The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has sent to Congress a $302 billion four-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, the “Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act” – or GROW AMERICA Act; President Obama’s blueprint for a model transportation bill, which happens to include a push for mandatory motorcycle helmet laws nationwide! Specifically, buried in the Obama Administration’s 350-page proposal, found under “Title IV -- Highway And Motor Vehicle Safety,” in SEC. 4004: Amendment to Motorcyclist Safety Grant Criteria, the GROW AMERICA Act would amend Section 405(f) of title 23, United States Code by inserting the following: “SUPPORT ACTIVITY -- The (Transportation) Secretary or the Secretary’s designee may engage in activities with States and State legislators to consider proposals related to motorcycle helmet use laws.” The time to act is NOW! This new highway bill is under immediate consideration as the current two-year “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21) expires in September, but the Highway Trust Fund -- the main funding source for most state and local transportation projects -- is headed toward insolvency and is expected to run out of money as early as July. So contact your Congressional representatives today, and protect your rights fortomorrow! LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL WOULD PREVENT YOUR MOTORCYCLE FROM TESTIFYING AGAINST YOU Data collected from so-called “Black Box” devices can be used against you in a court of law, and most people don’t even realize it. That’s why U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is proposing to amend the language of the Driver Privacy Act to protect all information recorded by event data recorders installed on all “motor vehicles”, including motorcycles. The way S. 1925 is currently written grants privacy only for data the government “requires” to be collected. Currently the government does not require “black boxes” on motorcycles, only passenger vehicles, trucks and buses. But some current motorcycle models are equipped with the recording devices. A similar bill in the House (H.R. 2414) is worded that “any data recorded on any event data recorder in an automobile or motorcycle shall be considered the property of the owner of the automobile or motorcycle.” Under current law, insurance companies, law enforcement and auto rental agencies can access the data on the device THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

and can use it as evidence against the driver/owner in legal proceedings. Data recorders collect a wide range of information on crashes, including whether the brakes were applied, the speed at the time of impact, the steering angle, and whether seat belt circuits were shown as “Buckled” or “Unbuckled” at the time of the crash. Fourteen states have statutes that restrict access to the event data recorder or limit the use of recovered EDR information. GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION NOTES REDUCED MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association projects that the number of motorcyclist fatalities fell by 7% last year, the second decline in five years, despite an increase in motorcycle sales in 2013. The report, “Spotlight on Highway Safety,” based its findings on motorcyclist fatality counts reported to the GHSA by all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the first nine months of 2013, and indicated that motorcycle fatalities are projected up in 13 states, down in 35 states and D.C., and to remain the same in two states compared with the first nine months of 2012. Noting bad weather the first six months of 2013, the association projects that the number of motorcyclists killed last year will total 4,610, down from 4,957 in 2012 and nearly identical to the 2011 figure of 4,612. Meanwhile, new motorcycle sales ended the year with a 1.4% overall increase, up from 452,386 total units in 2012 to 458,972 last year, bringing total U.S. motorcycle registrations to a record 9 million nationwide. The Governors association also noted that the use of helmets dropped to 60% in 2012 down from 66% in 2011, citing that only 19 states now require helmets for all riders. GAS PRICES RELATE TO FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS Researchers have found a strong relationship between gasoline prices and motorcycle fatalities: As gas prices rise, so do the number of fatalities, and falling gas prices tend to be mirrored by reduced numbers of motorcycle deaths. An analysis by the National Safety Council showed a strong correlation between gasoline prices and motorcycle fatalities, charting the trend since 1976. Safety experts speculate that higher gas prices encourage people to use fuel-efficient motorcycles instead of cars. With new unit sales increasing when gas prices go up, there are more people riding and potentially more inexperienced riders on the road. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “They’ve (bikers) got the same rights as anybody. The day it becomes a crime to ride a motorbike down the street, by God that’ll be a sad day for all of us.” Capt Bingham addressing his police officers in the 1968 movie “Angels From Hell”

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Dealers & Shops

Biker Friendly Directory

B&M Cycle Repair, LLC US Hwy 33 West Weston, WV 26452 304-269-3338 BMCycleRepair.com

Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles 406 West Race Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 301-260-0070 www.bustedknucklescycle.com Cutting Edge Customs 3078 PT. Manion RD #2 Morgantown, WV 304-862-6688 Demotto Honda-Yamaha RT 33W Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-5489 www.demottohondayamaha.com Evil Swing Arms 336-847-2476 www.evilswingarms.com Hitt’s Garage Rt 19 North Weston, WV 26452 304-269-2123 Insane Cycles & Muscle Cars 285 Don Knotts Blvd. Morgantown, WV 26501 304-291-2453 www.insanecyclesandmusclecars.com Mid State Marina & Cycle Inc. 1150 Sutton Ln, Sutton, WV 26601 304-765-7325 www.midstatemarina.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 Wiskybilt 137 Harmony Grove Rd. Albright, WV 304-379-BIKE www.wiskybilt.com

Bars & Grills Beander’s 314 Davis Ave Elkins, WV 304-636-6000 Bearskin Inn 1599 Alexander-Helvetia Rd. French Creek, WV 26218 304-924-9900 Classic 3 Restaurant & Bar 1384 Greenbag Rd. Sabraton, WV 26508 304-292-8368 www.classic3.com

Giovannis Restaurant 451 US Hwy 33 E Weston, WV 26452 304-269-4563 Hickory House 1137 US Hwy 19 North Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-269-7373 Homewood Bar & Grill “Home of the Purple Monkey” 223 Homewood Rd. Weston, WV 26452 304-997-8666 Jane Lew Junction 43 Mcwhorter Rd. Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-884-6806 Jester’s Hilltop Pub 4726 US Hwy 33W Camden, WV 26338 304-269-4004 Joe’s Place 136 Main Ave. Weston, WV 26452 304-918-8557 Lamberts Vintage Wines 190 Vineyard Drive Weston, WV 26452 304-269-4903 www.lambertsvintagewine.com Lee & Janet’s Place Cherry Falls / Webster Springs, WV 304-651-0777 Longneck Saloon 3787 Earl L. Core Rd Morgantown, WV 26508 304-241-1174

Copper House Grill 1155 Airport Road Fairmont, WV 26554 304-534-8323

Lost River Brewing 155 West Main Street Wardensville, WV 304-874-4455 www.lostriverbrewing.com

RG Honda-Yamaha 1619 Buckhannon Pike Nutter Fort, WV 26301 304-624-5420 www.rghonda.com

Duckie’s Bar & Grill 2 Locations 100 Ashfield St. Piedmont, WV 26750 304-355-8887 & RT 28 FT Ashby, WV 304-298-3741

Mountaineer Bar & Grill 664 Fairmont Pike Wheeling, WV 26003 304-238-0061

Smack Jack & Wack Upholstery 1879 Blue Horizon Drive Morgantown, WV 304-328-5707

Gateway Lounge 123 Casino Drive Anmoore, WV 26323 304-623-3060

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

M&J Motor Company 1000 S. Queen Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-262-6200 www.mjtrikes.com

Smittys Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha RT 33 East Corridor H Buckhannon, WV 26201 304-472-4824 www.supersmittys.com

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Nan & Pops Place 3485 Winchester Ave. Martinsburg, WV 304-267-2007

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Schmitt’s Saloon 245 Cheat Road Morgantown, WV 304-291-9001

The Custard Stand- Webster 364 Webster Road Webster Springs, WV 26288 304.847.7774 CustardStand.com facebook.com/ CustardStandWebsterSprings The Custard Stand- Flatwoods 3945 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601 304.765.6500 CustardStand.com facebook.com/CustardStandFlatwoods The Custard Stand- Oak Hill 4342 Lochgelly Road Oak Hill, WV 25901 304.469.7606 CustardStand.com facebook.com/CustardStandOakHill The Custard Stand- Danville 33 Ramsey Road Danville, WV 25053 304.369.0001 CustardStand.com facebook.com/CustardStandDanville The Custard Stand- Elkins 989 Harrison Ave. Elkins, WV 26241 304.637.4100 CustardStand.com facebook.com/CustardStandElkins

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The Mason Jar Tavern & Grill 81 N Dents Road Granville, WV 26534 304-241-5914

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

Retail

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

Tattoos

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

Legal Services Bills Bail Bonds 401 Spruce Street P.O. Box 4191 Starcity, WV 26504 304-296-5009

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Law Offices of Ralph C. Buss 800-582-5577 www.RalphBuss.com Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com

Clubs, Organizations & Riding Groups C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV) A non-profit organization enlisting the help of other good hearted people wanting to contribute to the cause of helping others in need. The organization holds monthly meetings and several fundraising rides every year. Donations are always appreciated. For more information call: 304-538-6953 or visit our website at: www.cehelpinghands.com

Biker Friendly Directory

Softails Bar & Grill 3414 US Hwy 19 North Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-269-0669

The Custard Stand- Mannington 12 Rainbow Plaza Mannington, WV 26582 304.986.1068 CustardStand.com facebook.com/CustardStandMannington

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

If you would like to be listed in the Biker Friendly Directory, please contact Sales and Marketing or email BFD@TRMDEL.com for more information. If you’re a Club, Foundation, or Association would like to be listed in our Directory, please email BFD@TRMDEL.COM with your name and contact information and someone will be in touch with you.

Sippin Shine with Hillbilly and my guest Halo from Black Lotus Tattoo and Ink Masters

ou know it’s gonna be a good interview when you show up and your guest asks you where’s the shine? I was scrambling to make this interview and forgot the shine. There is no excuse ever good enough for not bringing the shine. I promise to make it up to Halo at a later date. I really appreciate Halo giving me this interview on such short notice. After spending a couple of hours with him I realized this is the kind of person he is. I really enjoyed getting to know him and spend some time with him. It’s kind of surreal talking to someone that you have been watching for a bunch of weeks on television and now he’s here in front of you. If Halo was one of your favorites on the show then you will be glad to know that the time I spent with him confirmed that he is the same off camera. He is just a good guy. We sat down and talked while he was giving a tattoo to a client. I bet the guy getting the tattoo is glad I forgot the shine. HB- Do you ride or own a bike? Halo- Yes, I’ve been riding since I was about 18. I have a Honda Fury Chopper and a Yamaha Road Star Silverado, and I just got rid of a couple of crotch rockets. HB- Sounds like you’re feeling the need for some speed. Sound right? Halo- You bet. It’s all about the fun and I don’t have a 401k or a retirement plan so I am going to live it up. HB- What gave you the idea to go on Ink Masters? Halo- The shop. I had turned them down before and thought this might be the time. I turned them down for season 2 and then Sarah Miller recommended me for season 3 and I said no I wasn’t really interested and then I opened Black Lotus and I had my friend Kyle Dunbar recommend me for season 4. When you are given a recommendation you automatically get an interview. So when I opened the shop I knew I had to 32

give it a shot. It would benefit everyone here and it seemed silly not to do it. It would be a great experience. It was the right time in my life and with opening of the shop everything just fell into place. HB- How long were you away taping for the show? Halo-All of November and December of 2013. HB- Did you know your competition ahead of time or do they keep that from you? Halo- I knew them but I didn’t know them before we got there. It was like I know that guy or girl and I’ve seen them at a show or something. I really knew their work more then I knew the person. None of the people besides Kyle Dunbar I knew personally. Kyle and I have worked side by side at a couple of shows together and he is one of my good buddies. HB - I always ask people after they do JUNE 2014

a reality show like this do you have any regrets or want a do over on anything now that you have had the chance to see yourself on the show? Halo - No not at all. I went in whole heartedly, this is who I am. I didn’t try and pretend to be anything or anybody I wasn’t. I was gonna be me and that was gonna be a regret free path that I could take. I am really happy about where I made it and how I came out on the show. HB - Now in all honesty I didn’t feel like you deserved to be put off the show when you left. How did you feel? Halo- Yes I was a little bummed about it too. It seemed like everyone has some mixed feelings about it. If you’re playing to win you have to take the path that leads to the win and I thought the choice I made would lead me to the win. Not every football team wins every game and the point is I tried my best and I did it with integrity and that’s how I played

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the game and I can live with it. HB- Now you mentioned Kyle a couple of times and you know I gotta ask about the big fight Blow up episode. What did you think? Halo-You know there is so much more that you don’t get to see in the episode that airs each week. They didn’t show it as much on television but they really picked at Kyle really hard. With Kyle being a friend of mine we had a sit down and I told him you need to chill out it’s not real but as a man I felt like it got a little personal and if it is a competition it shouldn’t be getting so personal. You shouldn’t be lobbing personal shots at people and you should be unbiased. I don’t think they were unbiased and Kyle being a man had to get off his chest what he felt he had to say and do. HB - How many years have been tattooing and is this your first shop? Halo - I’ve been tattooing for ten years and I promised myself that I wouldn’t open a shop before I was in business for at least ten years and here we are. HB - How is the business doing? Halo - The business is doing well. It was doing great before the show. Now that the show has aired the major difference is the wait time. I’m booked pretty solid but that’s a good problem to have. The other artists that I have in the shop are really good and they are filling up their schedules as well. We all tattoo everyday and we all have our own clients. The good thing about this is we can all be a little bit choosey about our work. We can start taking on more impressive pieces and do the pieces we have always wanted to do instead of doing whatever walks in the door. I don’t want that to sound bad but it’s nice to be able to work from appointments now and that’s a positive thing for all of us here at the shop. HB- Do you see a difference in your clientele now? Halo- Well yes you know it used to be just the biker and outlaw or convict coming in and picking a design off the wall and getting a tattoo. Now doctors and lawyers are coming in and getting full back pieces and things and you wouldn’t know they have a tattoo because they have it covered in a suit and tie. My girl is getting her PhD and THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

you wouldn’t know that she is tattooed from head to toe unless she let you know. That’s the good part but the bad part is that now everyone is a critic and for $300.00 you can buy a tattoo kit and start doing them in your kitchen. People are going about it the wrong way and the respect for the craft is missing. It’s a double edged sword. Ink Masters is a show that I respect for the fact that it forces the typical client to be a little more microscopic about portfolio searching. It’s no longer walk in a shop and I want that off of the wall. Now it’s like I need to make sure this guy does the style I want. Ink Masters exposes people that may have been tattooing for twenty years and so what you still suck. It doesn’t matter how many awards that you have won you may not be any good. It helps you realize that there are some good artists and you have to look until you find the one that suits you. HB- Who are you rooting for and who do you think will win the show? Halo- I’m looking at Sausage and Matti they are my favorites. Matti and I had a good ending to the show. We had a heart to heart talk. Sausage is doing this to put his kids through college and I think that is admirable that he is doing it for his family. People that can be selfless and do it for others I’m a big fan of that. It’s such a rare thing nowadays. I like that and if you’re doing it for like an ego boost I will probably root for the one doing it for his family. I honestly liked pretty much everyone on the show there really weren’t any that I didn’t like. I became friends with most of the people on the show and we still stay in touch with each other and I hope that continues. Some of the guys and gals are going to do guest spots here and I will do it at their shop as well. We also will be doing some conventions together. You can find out that kind of information at our website www.blacklotustattoos.com and be sure to like us on our facebook page. HB- Every show has a bad guy and it seems that Scott was the man this year. What did you think about him? Halo- I think Scott let the show get to him a little too much. I would always rather be a people’s favorite than being a paper favorite. What Scott said was usually the truth every time. He was ruthless in the competition and remember it is a competition. Off the JUNE 2014

show Scott is a good guy and he is a friend. I got tattooed by him on the show in the middle of us going at each other. HB- How much of what we see is really what happens on the show? Halo- The order of what you see things and the lack of some sentences definitely are not the way I remember them happening. Most of it though is pretty true to what you see each week. The critiques take nine hours and it takes about forty hours in three days to do the show. There are times where you have to take a 45 second sentence and make it 10 seconds long. You can see how some things get left out. I will be watching and say that’s not exactly how I said that or what happened to the rest. All in all they are good at what they do and know what they are doing. Facial expressions are shot before the critiques happen and that’s how you get the editing. Welcome to the magic of television. HB- So if they call and say we are doing an Ink Masters All Stars would you go back? Halo- I would go back and do an All Star edition, but a regular competition show again next year, no. I have no interest and I think I left the show on a good note with no regrets. I left on a good tattoo and I left with a decent representation of my character. I might be stressed out a second time around you never know. It was hard to leave my girl for 2 months and I don’t think I would like to do that again. I really enjoyed spending this time at the Black Lotus Tattoo shop in Severn, M.D. It is also the neighborhood that Halo grew up in. If you watched any of the shows you know he did Maryland proud. I got a chance to watch him work and see some of the work his shop has done and I know you would love a tattoo by this shop. Give Emily a call and tell her Hillbilly sent you. I want to Thank everyone at Black Lotus for their hospitality and making me welcome. Now remember when you are sippin the shine always lose the lid, move around the circle for best results, and always share with your friends. I got a new rule for sippin always give the Big Dog his due. Til next time follow a leader not an imposter. Hillbilly 33

JUNE 2014

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

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THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

JUNE 2014

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE WEST VIRGINIA

JUNE 2014