Clint Watts
Bradshaw
Tony Culpepper
Cammie Bunch
Robert Holley
Deb Davis
Woody Whitlock
Mrs. Ruby Red
"Original Chrome"
April 2025
Ms. Ruth Turner
Mount Pleasant, SC
Photography By Tony Culpepper
Owner of TLC Photography
Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III
I have written many stories about the Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival held annually at the Blackthorne Resort 348 Sunside Rd. East Durham, NY. I have said many times that this event is just so great, that my words never really do it justice. Every year when CMT ends all I can think is "why can't my life just be The Blackthorne Resort & Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival?"
So when an event that is too good for words to do justice,has what in my opinion was the best year so far, what is a writer to do? Well, all I can think of is this year I am going to write a few less words and save room for more awesome photos taken by my Father "Pappy"! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Pappys are probably worth about 10 thousand.
Of course, there are a few amazing things that happened that have to be mentioned, like headlining bands: Moonshine Bandits on Friday night and Trapt on Saturday night. There were also many great local bands that played like Geezer, Heavy Gauge, Mixed Tape Revival, Meat Chickens, Fallen Youth, Mike & the Monsters and Bullzeye.
Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival always has more going on than most people can do, Wall of Death, Aerial Burnouts, MX Stunts, Wall of Death, Bike Build Off, Bike Show, Bike Artists, Bike Run, Fireworks, Bike Games, Vendors Field, Bars & more Bars!
There is just always so much going on at this 100 Acre plus Resort with plenty of camping (always room for one more) I recommend getting there a few days early and staying a few days after.
Till next time.
Story and Photos by LJ James and Pappy
See you all in September 9th-14th for CMT 2025
Call for Info & reservations 518-634-2541 or go to
Page Photography by L J & Pappy
Page Photography with Article by Wally Wersching
Red’s Watering Hole Annual Toy Run
By Wally Wersching
On Sunday December 8th, Red’s Watering Hole along with the Brotherhood of Bikers held their annual Toy Run to assist the Gaffney Elks Lodge Christmas Program.
The run was scheduled to start at 1:00PM with lunch served to all participants before leaving to ride to the Elks Lodge at 3:00PM. I left home at about 1:00PM heading south toward Gaffney on Rt 18. The temperature was comfortable in the low 60’s – warm for a December day.
When I arrived at Red’s, there were a few motorcycles parked on the road, and in the parking lot. I found a spot, and parked in front. Then I walked into Red’s with a stack of Carolina Chrome magazines under my arm. I placed the magazines on one of the pool tables.
I found the manager of Red’s stirring a large pot of chicken stew. She offered me some but I just had lunch – maybe next time. We talked for a while. When she smiles, you know that everything is OK.
I walked out front to watch the bikes roll in. The street was filling with motorcycles, and Red’s was filling with the bikers. Everybody was having a good time visiting with old friends. Some were club members, and others were like me – independent. It didn’t matter; everybody was welcomed, and very friendly.
The group from the Armored Saints Motorcycle Ministry rode in, and parked in the street. They completely blocked one lane. It was OK because there’s not much traffic on that street. I walked up to say “Hi”. They are a very friendly group, and “Pop’s” is a good friend of mine.
Soon, it was time for the run to start. Billy Richards of the Brotherhood of Bikers called everybody together in the street. There was a brief meeting describing where the run would go. It sounded like a very scenic ride to the Elks Lodge. Then there was a prayer by “Pop’s”. After the “Amen”, everybody went to their bikes, and started them with a roar, then got in line for the run.
Once the run started, it seemed like everybody was in a hurry to catch up. The bikes roared past me as I took pictures. Before I knew it, they were all gone – on their round-about way to the Elks Lodge to drop off the toys.
I walked back to “Miss Vickie”, and then headed home. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon – with friends helping youngsters for Christmas.
Submitted eventS 2024 Submitted eventS 2025
SATURDAY APRRIL 5TH SWAP MEET
10AM - 3PM @ HARLEYDAVIDSON OF GREENVILLE. FREE ADMISSION, $10 VENDOR TABLE. BUY-SELL-TRADE-SWAP. FOOD TRUCK, MUSIC, & MORE.
SATURDAY APRRIL 5TH
8TH ANNUAL TOMMY
VICKERS BENEFIT RUN
HOSTED @ RED’S WATERING HOLE 111 MILLS ST, GAFFNEY, SC. REGISTRATION: 10AM. FBO @ NOON. $35/COUPLE $20/SINGLE. $10 DOOR COVER FOR BAND (RIDERS COVER CHARGE INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION) PROCEEDS THIS YEAR GO TO LINDA GRAYSON WHO IS AWAITING A LIVER TRANSPLANT. MUSIC BY KEGTOWN 3:30PM-7PM. HIGH/ LOW WINNER. 50/50 & AUCTION. FOOD TRUCK ONSITE. FMI TOMMY 864-425-2725
SATURDAY APRRIL 5TH
CVMA ANNUAL SPRING RIDE
9:30 AM @ THE BEAVER’S DEN 3482 JOHN G RICHARDS ROAD LIBERTY HILL, SC
CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE, MUSIC, BEER, VENDORS, 50/50 AND MORE
$20 RIDER - $10 PASSENGER PROCEEDS GO TO HELP VETERANS IN MIDLANDS
SATURDAY APRIL 12TH
ABATE OF SC
BARRIER ISLAND’S SPRING FLING 1PM-5PM @ VFW POST 445, 1639 CAMP RD. JAMES ISLAND, SC. $15 GETS YOU GREAT FOOD & MUSIC BY THE GREEN THIEVES. GAMES, BEVERAGES & MORE
FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH
MYRTLE BEACH H-D BLOOD DRIVE
10AM - 1PM THE BLOOD CONNECTION BLOODMOBILE WILL BE OUT IN THE FRONT PARKING LOT OF THE DEALERSHIP READY TO TAKE DONATIONS! SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME @BLOODCONNECTION.ORG/DO -
NOR OR WALK-IN! REMEMBER, ONLY TAKES ABOUT 15 MINUTES, AND ONE UNIT OF BLOOD CAN SAVE UP TO 3 LIVES!
SATURDAY APRIL 19TH
4TH ANNUAL RIDE A WISH DUAL RIDE
REGISTRATION 9 AM
$15/RIDER $5/PASSENGER ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE MAKE A WISH SC FREE COFFEE AND DONUTS 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET SALES MYRTLE BEACH H-D:
REGISTRATION: 9AM
KSU @11AM - RIDE WILL BE ESCORTED BY THE HORRY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT, GEORGETOWN COUNTY SHERIFF’S & GEORGETOWN POLICE DEPT
LOW COUNTRY H-D
REGISTRATION: 9AM
KSU: 10:30 AM RIDE WILL BE LED BY THE LOW COUNTRY HOG CHAPTER AFTER PARTY
RIDERS FROM BOTH DEALERSHIPS WILL MEET AT BUZZ’S ROOST FOR AN AFTER PARTY FROM 12/12:30PM-3/3:30PM FREE FOOD, LIVE MUSIC FREE H-D DOOR PRIZES
2 DEALERSHIPS FOR ANOTHER GREAT RIDE FOR AN EVEN GREATER CAUSE! LAST EVENT BEFORE SPRING RALLY!
SATURDAY APRIL 19TH INDEPENDENT MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION MEET & GREET 1PM TO 4PM @ WILD WINGS ANDERSON, SC COME AND MEET FUN PEOPLE ON MOTORCYCLES. WE LOVE TO RIDE AND HAVE FUN. LONG DISTANCE OR A SHORT DAY RIDE. ALL TYPES OF BIKES ARE WELCOME. COME ON OUT, MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND RIDING BUDDIES. RAFFLE ITEMS AND A 50/50 DRAWING. JUST COME AND ENJOY THE FELLOWSHIP AND LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THE RIDES WE HAVE SCHEDULED FOR 2025
SATURDAY APRIL 20TH EASTER
SATURDAY APRIL 26TH CMA - RUN FOR THE SON RIDE 10:45AM - 1AM @ LOW COUNTRY
HARLEY-DAVIDSON 4707 DORCHESTER RD NORTH CHARLESTON, SC ANNUAL RUN FOR THE SON - 100 MILE RIDE
SATURDAY APRIL 26TH 10TH ANNUAL CHANCE BENEIT RIDE FOR LOCAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY START@ BOGART’S RESTURANT ENDS @ VFW. REGISTRATION @10AM. FBO 11AM LBI 3PM. $20/RIDER $5/PASSANGER INCLS BREAKFAST. GUNS FOR RAFFLE, BIKER GAMES & MORE
SATURDAY MAY 3RD CAROLINA REBELS OCONEE MC REBEL RIDGE RUN AT THE LAST CHANCE OF WALHALA RIDE STARTS @ NOON. INCLUDES BBQ PLATE AND XEMPT BAND FROM 3-7PM. PORTION OF PROCEEDS GO TO OCONEE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER. VENDOR SPOTS AVAILABLE. RAFLE AND DOOR PRIZES!
SATURDAY MAY 3RD 19TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY IFRD IS A GLOBALLY SYNCHRONIZED RIDE DAY FOR WOMEN MOTORCYCLE RIDERS AND WOMEN POWERSPORT ENTHUSIASTS, AIMING TO CELEBRATE AND EMPOWER WOMEN IN MOTORCYCLING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. IT AIMS TO BUILD AWARENESS, EXPAND FEMALE RIDER NUMBERS, AND PROMOTE PARITY GLOBALLY ACROSS ALL FORMS OF MOTORSPORT AND POWERSPORTS.
SATURDAY MAY 3RD THE 2ND ANNUAL OPEN CAR, TRUCK, & MOTORCYCLE SHOW HOSTED BY THE SWANSEA BAND PROGRAM8 AM - 2 PM THERE WILL BE LIVE MUSIC, 50/50, FOOD TRUCKS AND MORE. REGISTRATION WILL BE HELD FROM 8AM TO NOON. JUDGING WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 1PM. AWARDS WILL BE HELD AT 1:15 PM. BENEFITS THE SWANSEA BAND PROGRAM
WENDESDAY MAY 9THFRIDAY MAY 18TH
MYRTLE BEACH BIKE WEEK
SATURDAY MAY 10TH
INDEPENDENT MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION MEET & GREET 1PM TO 4PM @ HICKORY TAVERN 143 FERNWOOD DR SPARTANBURG, SC COME ON OUT AND MEET THIS LITTLE GROUP OF INDEPENDENT MOTORCYCLIST WHO LOVE RIDING TAKING TRIPS MAKING FRIENDS AND JUST HAVING FUN. COME LET US SHOW YOU OUR MISSION STATEMENT OUR RIDES OUR EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE. WE WILL HAVE RAFFLE ITEMS AND A 50/50 RAFFLE. THIS IS THE RIDING GROUP OF FRIENDS. YOU WANT TO BE AROUND. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
WEDNESDAY MAY 14TH
CRUDES 14TH ANNUAL VETERAN RIDE
SUNDAY MAY 18TH
THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE TAKING PLACE AROUND THE WORLD AND IN ALL 50 OF THE US. RIDING TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND PROSTATE CANCER RESEARCH. RAISE FUNDS FOR CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH INTO PROSTATE CANCER,& MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS GENTLEMANSRIDE.COM
MONDAY MAY 26TH
Memorial Day
Federal holiday honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
9AM @ GOLDEN EGG PANCAKE HOUSE 417 US 17N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC FREE RIDE NO REGISTRATION FEES OR RELEASE FORMS TO SIGN. MEET AT THE GOLDEN EGG IN SURFSIDE BEACH STARTING AT 8:30 AM AND THEN KSU AT 10:30-11AM FOR A NICE RIDE TO GILLIGAN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN MONCKS CORNER SC. IN YEARS PAST WE HAD OVER 250 RIDERS! THE EVENING PART OF THIS EVENT WILL KICK OFF AT 6PM AND GO ALL EVENING. DETAILS TBA. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS.
COMPASSION
Devotional By Dennis Reynolds
Every year, a group of 50 to 75 riders bundle up, saddle up, and brave the cold for a 50-mile journey to Anderson South Carolina for our annual New Year’s Day Ride. Various clubs and independent riders join us as we ride, sit down for a time of fun and fellowship, and share a meal of hot wings to celebrate the dawn of a new year.
Last year, with my stepson riding his bike for the first time, one of my granddaughters happily rode in the car with her mom and then met us at the restaurant. Oakleigh is a beautiful, spunky, 3yr old who melts the heart of anyone around her. While she is a little shy, she has been around motorcycles since birth and has no fear of bikes or bikers.
At the restaurant, there sits one of those machines where you grab a joystick and try to drop a claw onto a ten-cent stuffed animal, which costs and arm and a leg to actually get one. Oakleigh saw it as soon as she walked in…
While we were waiting on our food, her dad went over and wasted $10 trying to get her anything he could, but he failed. Then, she looks up at me and says, “Pop-Pop, come on!”
Can’t say no, so here I go!
After a few tries, and another seven or eight dollars, I finally won some kind of stuffed creature that made her happy. She wrapped her arms around it and grinned, then trotted off to show her mom and dad. I was ecstatic! I stuck my chest out like I had won some great victory and strutted back to the table.
After what seemed to be less than ten seconds, she handed her mom the toy, grabbed my
finger, and said again, “Pop-Pop, come on!” Apparently, she didn’t think she was done yet. I mean, that glass box was FULL of those things, and she wanted more!
Before I had the chance, bikers started forking out dollar bills! Oakleigh’s dad, complete with a handful of cash, walked her back to the machine. A few minutes later, here she came, smiling from ear to ear, with an armful of stuffed toys that had probably cost over fifty bucks.
There is nothing like a small child to make tough, grown men fall all over themselves and hand out cash.
This is an example of compassion; In 2015, I was with over a hundred bikers who rode into Charleston, South Carolina to attend a church service at Mother Emmanuel just a month after Dylan Roof murdered some of their members. When hundreds of motorcycles show up every year at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home, I see the faces of old soldiers who appreciate our gesture. When bikers raised tens of thousands of dollars for a brother of mine who is suffering from cancer, I felt the love.
Having been a part of the motorcycle community for most of my life, I can attest there are few more pure examples of unregulated, unbiased compassion for other people than exists in the heart of the American biker. They will give their last dollar, donate their time, and do anything necessary to assist those in need. This too, is an example of compassion…
Jesus was a man of compassion. He reached out to
the downtrodden, diseased, and ostracized. He ate with criminals and prostitutes, fed the poor, and healed the sick. Jesus gave of his time, talents, and possessions in order to assist those who needed it more than him. After all that, compassion was the motivating factor when he walked up the hill to the cross. He gave his life so that we could be saved.
Jesus knew that our sinful behavior would require a sacrifice and he became that sacrifice. Not because he wanted to, but because he had compassion. Just like my granddaughter will likely remember those bikers who were kind to her, we need to also remember the Savior who died in our place long ago so that we might live. And with our lives, we should honor his sacrifice.
Finally, all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Ride on and stay safe
Dennis Reynolds
Mideast National Elder
Bikers for Christ M/M
Page Photography by Ruby Red
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This page reflects personal views & opinions of the writer. It is not the intention of CCM to offend or disrepect anyone. It's for entertinment purposes only. If you feel that you might be offended by differing perspectives, we kindly suggest you turn the page. NOTE: Contains current & vintage Q&A's to Dr.Dilligaf,Sr. The GOAT. A BIG TY to your Chiropratic Cuz for covering while you were on a beer run that lasted 8 yrs. Send to: carolinachrome@yahoo.com
Bike Run And Bike Show
“Riding For Achievements”
By; Ruby Red Photos; Barbwire
On Saturday October 26th, 2024, a group of students at Great Falls Elementary School in Great Falls SC. Organized a bike show at the school & a bike run around Lake Wateree. $10 got you entered into the bike show & $20 got you an event T and lunch. The bike show was judged by the students. All proceeds went to the students for special awards throughout the school year. The kids loved it and as always the SC biker community love helping anything involving kids! Special CHROME shoutout to Sadie for helping Carolina Chrome Magazine get the info we needed and photos.
Photography
Page Photography by LJ
Page Photography by LJ
