Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic 4157 Mountain Road #233 Pasadena, Maryland 21122 www.ThunderRoadsMidAtlantic.com
Diary of a Biker Chic...................................... 5
Big City Two-Wheel Testament...................... 8 Facebook – Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic Twitter- TR_BigCity Instagram- ThunderRoadsMid-Atlantic EDITOR / OWNER / PUBLISHER
Road Captain’s Report................................10 Across The Pond...........................................12 Center Calendar...........................................18
Mike “Rhino” Ryan 443-875-7482 Rhino@BigCityRhino.com
Featured Bike...............................................20 NCOM Newsbytes........................................24
MARKETING SPECIALISTS
JB 410-459-2443 jb@bigcityrhino.com (Northern Baltimore/Delaware)
REDD 540-398-7551 Amanda 540-539-1492 Unity@BigCityRhino.com (Western MD / Northern VA / WV Crew)
Cathy Curran Darren Myers 410-251-5438 757-286-3377 Cat@bigcityrhino.com Darren@BigCityRhino.com (Eastern Shore Sales Crew) (Virginia Sales Crew)
Biker Friendly Directory...............................28 Bullet Points..................................................30 Upcoming Events.........................................32
ART DIRECTOR Meredith Hancock Hancock Graphics
CONTRIBUTORS Preacher Gordon Bacon “Two Wheel Testament” Joyce “Biker Chic” Marc Ritchie & Rose Grant “Road Captain’s Report” Leon Brittain “Throttle Life” Andy Tallone “Across the Pond” DISTRIBUTION Suzy “Carebear” Leighton Mike “Smiles” Johnson David “Barney” Barnhouse NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive, Chapmansboro, TN. 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com
ON THE COVER:
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.
2
Model: Kaleigh Photography by: Michael Abbott aka Bighead AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
THE SCUTTLEBUTT 12320 Neale sound dr. Cobb island, Maryland
A QUAINT LITTLE DRINKING VILLAGE WITHA BIG FISHING PROBLEM
R
IDING SEASON is in full effect. Last month I took a short ride down to Nashville, Tenn. to attend the Music City Bikeweek. That was one of the only rallies I haven’t attended yet. I must say it was a great event. The riding down there was amazing and the entertainment they put on was top notch. This was no surprise once I found out that the event is run by the same person that runs OC Bikefest in Ocean City. She has always delivered with some top acts, and this year will be no different based of the line up they have listed. Thursday the legend Vince Neil will take the stage. Friday night will be a hot one for sure with my friends Pop Evil opening for Seether. That should be a do not miss show. The of course the show of the week will be Saturday with 38 Special opening for country star Kip Moore. All that with the list of bands playing on the boardwalk stage will make it a weekend full of entertainment. I have my tickets already and I will be in the VIP Section this year. Come and Join me. This month is also full of events in the Mid-Atlantic area. Be sure to share your events every Tuesday on our “Tell Us Tuesday!” post through Facebook. We keep you posted with all the latest events and rides in the MidAtlantic Area. Get involved! This is your magazine too! If you want to see something, let us know! And don’t be afraid to take some pictures, and write down your stories, and send them to us. You never know, it might end up in the magazine! We are always looking for a good story, or a new road, or a helpful tip on new parts or just routine maintenance on the bike. Help you fellow Brother and Sisters out, don’t be selfish, share what you learned with everyone. For a full list of all the local events in the MidAtlantic area, be sure to check out our website - www. thunderroadsmidatlantic.com. We have all the information you will need to plan your season as we update our calendars weekly with new rides and rallies. As always, feel free to submit your event to be listed on the site at no charge. Just go to the web page events tab and click the submit your event tab. We will get it up on the site asap. The Road Crew here at Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic works very hard at keeping you up to date with all the local events in your area. We attend as many events as we can, more than any of our competitors, but we can’t be everywhere. Submit your photos and stories to bigcity@bigcityrhino.com and be a part of the THUNDER!!
Waterfront Bar and grill Biker Owned and Operated
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 240-233-3113
Living the Lifestyle, NOT just selling It! L&R, Rhino Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 3
844-957-1502
702 S 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa
www.hmcindustries.com American Made Shop Equipment - Since 2010 - an Alternative to Handy ® - Better Quality, Better Value - Dealers Wanted Motorcycle and Powersports Lifts SL-2482, SL-3090, SL-6090 Gas Caddy Equipment GC-30, GC-20, GC-15 Follow us on Facebook
ATTENTION:
Karma Cycles Cambridge, MD
Riding Season Hours: Thu - Mon 10am - 6pm
Check out our in store sales, Get ready for riding season!
2934 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), next to Comfort Inn 4
S
ts & Soldie Hampton Roads Riders ain rs
Looking for a Riding Club that actually Rides a lot?
meetup.com/Saints-Soldiers facebook.com/groups/saintsandsoldiersrc
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
BY JOYCE ELAINE
DIARY OF A BIKER CHIC HD SLINGSHOT
H
July 1, 2018
appy summer everyone! Yesterday, Dave and I got back from our North Carolina trip. We started from one end of NC, stayed there for a few days and then drove to the other end to the Outer Banks. No, we were not on our bikes but there were many times that I wished we were. It was my first time visiting NC so it was my first time going to the Outer Banks…if you’ve never been you need to take the time to get out there. It’s such an awesome area! I can’t wait to go back there someday. But, that’s not what you guys want to know about, I’m sure. You want to know about how my trip was up in the Great Smoky Mountains and more importantly, how Tail of the Dragon was. We checked into our room at the Fontana Village Resort around 7:00…it took us all day to drive there in our rental car. The resort was a decent enough place and I would stay there again. The area was so beautiful. It’s nothing but mountains…big smoky mountains and nice windy and curvy roads. The Fontana Dam was also a great sight to see. The next morning, we headed over to Wolf Creek Motorcycle Rentals where we had already reserved a Slingshot. Our initial plan was to rent motorcycles but we were not too fond of the one’s they had for rent as neither of us have much experience with other kinds and brands of bikes. The Slingshot looked like it would be fun at least. I was a passenger all day since I don’t know how to drive a stick shift. I’m sure I would have had more fun if I was actually driving the damn thing but oh well. The first place we went was Tail of the Dragon, of course. It was only 20 minutes away so that was nice. If you are unsure of what Tail of the Dragon is, it’s a stretch of road 11 miles long that has a total of 318 curves. It’s a major motorcycle attraction and yes, I felt stupid not being there on a motorcycle. I have to say that the road itself was fun. It reminded me of some of the mountain roads in West Virginia which I have ridden the bike on a couple of times. After completing the Tail of the Dragon, I had mixed feelings. There was a part of me that wanted to go rent a motorcycle and take my chance at the road but there was also a part of me that really didn’t want to. I knew I could ride the road and conquer it but I also thought I’d probably need a drink afterwards…or a couple of aspirin because you really have to be alert on that road; the tree of shame confirms that. The tree of shame is a tree that has hundreds of motorcycle parts hanging from it from bikes that have crashed on the Tail of the Dragon. I guess as I’ve gotten older and more grounded, my sense of adventure has shifted from doing dangerous things to just doing “normal” things. The biggest bummer, though, was that there are people on the side of the road taking your picture as you fly by. That would have been an awesome photo to get while on the bike. The one we got of us riding the Slingshot through is cool, but our bikes would have been cooler! Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
After we hit the end, we came upon a little store that had shirts and souvenirs but they also sold food. We were starving by that point. I ordered a hot dog and some potato salad. I have to say it was the best hot dog I had ever had in my life! The potato salad was good as well. I’d recommend eating in there if you ever have the chance to. I bought me a t-shirt even though I feel a little bit like a poser since I didn’t actually ride a motorcycle on the Dragon. The area itself was kind of boring unless you drove forever and ever to see all the sights. Dave and I weren’t feeling it since we just spent 12 hours on the road the day before. I think if we ever do go back there again, we’d just ride the bikes there but take a couple of days to get there. I have no desire riding a 10 hour trip on the bike in one day… again…I’m getting old, I guess! As far as the Slingshot, it was a fun ride! I think if I ever won the lottery, I’d buy one jut to have for fun. Dave and I were debating on whether it’s considered a motorcycle or not. The guy at the rental place who rented it to us told us that in NC, we wouldn’t have to wear helmets but when we crossed into Tennessee, we would. So it seems like the states can’t even agree on whether if it’s a motorcycle or not. To me, it’s not a motorcycle. It’s only got three wheels but it has a steering wheel and seat belts. Dave said it was more like a motorcycle than a car. We passed tons and tons of motorcycles during our time on the Slingshot and out of all of them, only two gave us the biker wave. So even the other bikers didn’t think it was a motorcycle. Therefore, my conclusion is that the Slingshot is NOT a motorcycle…it’s just a fun toy! Not even a minute after we dropped the Slingshot off, it started raining and it was so windy outside that the trees were swaying and branches were falling off into the roadway. Once again, I got lucky! In fact, all three evenings that we were there had weather just like that. The days were nice and warm and the evenings were mean and stormy! I still feel a tiny bit bummed that I didn’t take my motorcycle or any motorcycle down the Tail of the Dragon but I just keep telling myself that you never know when I may end up there again. Besides, WV has roads just like that, just not as many curves, which I can travel to to get my fix! The next day we wanted to go check out the Wheels Through Time Museum. I’ve heard that they have many old bikes there and it takes a while to go through the whole thing. Unfortunately, they were closed. They are closed on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s so if you are ever in the area, be sure to remember that. I was bummed that we were not able to check it out. All in all it was a fun trip and I’m glad we didn’t have any mishaps like we did two years ago when we tried to tow our bikes there. It’s still early in the summer so who knows what other trips I’ll end up taking on the bike. Like always, thanks for reading! Until next time, keep it shiny side up!
AUGUST 2018 5
This isn’t just a hobby. It’s who I am. Rider gets it.
Share how deep your passion runs.
#NotaHobby
Ride with Rider. Get your quote today. Visit rider.com or call (844) 276-0161. Available in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. 6
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 7
PRECIOUS IN GOD’S EYES? COULD IT BE TRUE?
I
T’S AMAZING that God clearly demonstrates our value throughout the Bible. Imagine anything on this earth that we value, and it’s incomparable to how God feels about us. Think for a moment about diamonds. They are one of the most precious items in creation. They are rare, beautiful and highly prized. But they are nothing compared to how God values us. Does God really think you and I are more precious than diamonds? We — who trip and fall and fail more often than we care to admit? It’s so easy to make an assertion without any facts to back it up. If you stopped right there and assumed this title is true — that you really are more precious than diamonds, you could go away feeling better about yourself without having any foundation on which to base your good feelings. And how long would that last? Not very long, I’m afraid. So, if we’re going to compare ourselves to diamonds, how much is a diamond worth anyway? In 2013, a nearly 60-carat flawless pink diamond called the “Pink Star” was auctioned by Sotheby’s for a whopping $83.2 million. That made it the most expensive jewel or
8
diamond ever sold at auction. But the most precious diamond, we’re told, is the Kohi-Noor, now part of the British Crown Jewels collection. Experts say this gem cannot be valued — it’s calculated to be approximately 3.5 times the wealth of the whole world! These diamonds are incredibly valuable to us. But to God, diamonds just aren’t that precious. Nor are other costly stones, or even gold. After all, in heaven He uses gold for paving streets, pearls for gates instead of wrought iron (Revelation 21:21) and gems to decorate the foundations of the heavenly city (Revelation 21:19). But you? Now, that’s another matter. God has formed many diamonds. But He made only one you. You are unique. You are unlike anyone else who has ever lived or ever will live. He made you because He wants someone exactly like you. He has plans for you. You may be feeling pretty worthless right now, beaten down. Life has probably thrown more at you than you can handle. You don’t feel worth as much as a rhinestone, let alone a diamond. Take heart! “You are precious in my eyes,” God says, “and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4a). God never said He loved a diamond but He does say He loves you. You Are More Precious Than Diamonds
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 9
BLACK BIRD AND THE TYPICALLY EXTRAORDINARY ROAD CAPTAIN’S REPORT Snowy Mountain
S
OME OF THE BEST times include meeting new friends. John Edmunds, Road Captain for Triple S HOG Chapter and admin for We Ride West Virginia, reached out seeking tips for a lunch stop in my area. He was putting together a ride on the 4th, and since Rose and I had off, we asked if we could tag along. The sacred closet’s door would once again be opened! We met John and his crew of merry men and women at Seneca Rocks. They had made it all the way from Morgantown, WV by 10 AM. Rose and I were on our favorite bike, a Rushmore Ultra Limited, AKA: “Black Bird”, provided by Shenandoah Harley Davidson. Our ride over Snowy Mountain was as magical as ever. I sensed an alignment of the stars and the planets as Rush dominated the shuffled tunes. The squeeze was on like never before. It was another indescribable experience that has become somewhat second nature. The Sportster Road King, complete with external fuel tank, spotted in the parking lot, leaned to the extraordinary as well. Introductions made, we all chatted, joked and laughed for a time, all the while keeping a third eye out for any cameras at our 9’s and 3’s (sides). Rose loves to cook and it’s hard to pass the IPA isle at the grocery store:) I was volunteered to lead the way, which I gladly obliged. We all agreed we’d have a more enjoyable ride avoiding congestion, but it was all up to an oasis in the middle of nowhere being open, if we were going to eat before dinner time. Just then, an antique Chevy roared past an inflatable dinosaur. I can’t make this stuff up folks! We stopped in Franklin for fuel and plumbing. I made the call to the restaurant and thankfully they answered. Cha Ching! I realized I had done this route with friends a couple of months ago in the June issue, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show our travelers some of the best roads in the area. Besides, we were doing it backwards:) The riding here is spectacular. Heading up Shenandoah Mountain on Rt. 33 provides a passing lane if you’re heading east. If any-
10
AUGUST 2018
Antique Chevy and Dinosaur
Descending to Oak Flats
Sportster Road King Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Sara John Mike Lisa Charlie and Debbie
No Respect
Safely Done
one can imagine Pocono with hills and right turns, this is it. At the top, we parked in formation Alpha for a group shot, and discussed different strategies, both for avoiding and capturing the dreaded side profile shot. As the fun continued, once on flat ground, and free from the clutch and brakes, we enjoyed a tranquil cruise through one of the longest canopies of the George Washington National Forest. This time, it was Steve Perry’s voice echoing off the trees, as The Dry River was once again, full of swimmers below. Our tranquility was short lived as an oncoming pickup truck was demonstrating why it is unsafe to text and drive. The Day Maker’s high beams were immediately fired in time for Ricky Bobby to jerk the wheel back to the right before a head-on, or a ditch in the Dry between trees at highway speeds. I understand the text had to get out before signal loss. That would suck… Drawers in tact, we exited 33 for 613 and the open country. Here, the only hazard was wildlife and the occasional horse and buggy on the other side of a camel back. The pace was relaxed: not so much from equine exhaust bombs on the tarmac, but from the constant distraction otherwise known as scenery. We saw a sign advertising karaoke in a town called Singers Glen. Try that on an interstate. Black Bird was in cruise mode as we followed the North Fork of the Shenandoah River for a while before giving way to Capon Run ahead of the West Virginia border. Storm clouds emerged when we rounded past an obstructing foothill; the smell of rain filled the air. With just a few miles to go, the skies opened up, pouring liquid sunshine. Our waitress greeted us in the parking lot before we even got off Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
613
Heading to Franklin
the bikes. She invited us to come inside through the screened in patio right where we parked. We elected to eat inside and cool off in the AC. The patio would have been nice too if it hadn’t been so muggy. We missed this side of the restaurant otherwise known as TK’s Lounge the last time we were here. It was one of the warmest and intimate sports bar settings I’ve stumbled on: complete with a fireplace and leather couches. I highly recommend them to host your next ride. It turned out to be the perfect setting for our group of eight. ‘Twas was a great time and everyone at the table got to share their stories and laughs. At one point listening to John, I felt like I was at a Jeff Foxworthy show. It was a shame they had wifi, because everyone’s radar summary wasn’t looking very good when it was time to leave. Rose and I were going to bail in Baker, so we said our goodbyes and shared hugs, sensing we’d just experienced something very special. Despite the best efforts of a few, to emphasize our differences and divide us, strangers became friends on a day we celebrate our independence. It’s just another typical day in the life of a biker: and left field to the ordinary. I often admit that if I had all the money in the world, Rose and I would ride everyday and everywhere we possibly could. And today was another reason why it’s a lifestyle like no other. Cheers and thanks for reading! Marc Ritchie Photos: Rose Grant www.facebook.com/friendsof211
AUGUST 2018 11
1959 A10 Rocket 650 twin. This was BSA in her prime.
FROM ACROSS THE POND
“THE JAPAN EFFECT”
THE EARLY 1960S
BY ANDY TALLONE Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
THE 1950S WERE GOOD & BAD
W
HILE THE 1950S had been good for Britain’s leading motorcycle manufacturers Triumph, BSA and Norton, most of the rest of the industry had been hit hard. Elsewhere in Britain, the legendary marque Vincent closed its doors in 1955. Ariel gave up on its iconic Square Four in 1959. AJS, Matchless, Royal Enfield, and Velocette all struggled. Royal Enfield was so desperate for cash that they sold the manufacturing rights and tooling for their 350cc Bullet motorcycle to Madras Motors of India, who produced them in direct competition with the parent company (and still builds Royal Enfield Bullets to this day). In America, the classic Indian Motorcycle brand went bankrupt in 1953. Even Harley-Davidson, a giant in the industry today, was barely building 16,000 bikes a year. The Europeans had a long tradition of building some interesting bikes, and this continued after the War, but few were seen outside Europe. The Japanese motorcycle industry was in its infancy, building primitive machines for a home market still shell-shocked from the War. By the late 1950s, the British motorcycle industry as a whole was the world leader in sales, performance, and style. While the Brits didn’t have ultra-advanced engine designs, what they did have worked very well, and were built in volumes and to a price point that made them widely available to normal people. British bikes were the fastest bikes that average folks could afford. They were lighter than a Harley and handled better than anything else on the road at the time.
At the dawn of the 60s, BSA was the world’s largest producer of motorcycles, the top dog in the heavyweight class was surely the Triumph 650 Bonneville, and BSA owned Triumph. Launched in 1959, the twin-carb Bonneville was a handsome machine that sounded great, handled fantastic, and ran like a scalded ape! They were faster than nearly anything else on the road at the time, on two or four wheels. In the early 1960s, if you wanted a fast bike, you likely bought a Bonnie or Norton’s new 750 Atlas, or a BSA 650, all classic vertical twins, and all fast, greathandling machines. They led a field crowded with other vertical twins from AJS, Ariel, Matchless, and Royal Enfield, all from Britain. There were even Royal Enfield’s being badged as Indians for the US market. The only other mass-market heavyweight twins were all Harleys, a much heavier bike geared more toward comfort on long cruises than tearing through tight corners at breakneck speeds, like the scrappy Brit bikes. This was truly one of the British motorcycle industry’s finest hours, they were on top of the world, leading the market with no direct competitors. Ah, life was good... Over in Japan, they’d been struggling to recover from the devastation of World War 2, focusing their national will on building themselves up industrially. Prior to the War, most products in Japan were handmade and rather crude. Practically the only motor vehicles they built were primitive trucks, most used by the expanding Japanese military. The total destruction of Japan during the War meant starting over from scratch, with all new factories and equipment. Of course, the money was slow in coming, but the government subsidized many fledgling industries to help kickstart their economy. Soichiro Honda was a piston-ring specialist and an exceptional engineer who had a passion for racing. Yamaha was famous for making musical instruments. Kawasaki was a shipbuilder and even made airplanes. Suzuki made weaving machines and looms. But by 1960, they were all building motorcycles, mostly tiny bikes for the transportation-starved Asian market.
The hottest bike of its day: The Triumph Bonneville
12
This ’64 Honda 305 Dream shows how utterly clueless they were at styling. AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
BRITS MISREAD THE JAPAN EFFECT
old-fashioned, homely, or even outright odd. But just like the dorky Toyota Prius today, people still bought them because they were so good.
In 1960, Edward Turner, the legendary designer of both the Triumph vertical twin and the Ariel Square Four, and now a board member at BSA, traveled from Britain to Japan to check on the Japanese motorcycle industry. What he came away with was the arrogant assumption that they were hopelessly and incurably backward, and that there was nothing to learn from them. He concluded that the British motorcycle industry was on track and heading in the right direction. Boy, was he wrong on all counts. By the very early 1960s, Honda alone was producing more motorcycles in one month than the entire British motorcycle industry produced in a year! Japan was hungry to export, because their economy desperately needed Western currency. By the early 1960s, small Japanese bikes, similar to the peashooters they were selling in Asia, started showing up on American streets. Harley and the British brands didn’t pay much attention, because they didn’t produce those kinds of motorcycles anyway. Since the War, the Brits had been playing to a home market starved for commuter bikes, targeting working class adults as their market. The clever Japanese however were targeting a whole new demographic: the youth market. They weren’t just looking for wage earners who needed to get to work and back, they were attracting young people who just wanted to have fun. Honda changed it all with their clever “You meet the nicest people
on a Honda” ad campaign of 1966.
The final blow: The 1969 Honda CB750 Four
JAPAN LEARNS STYLE
Even bigger gains came around 1968-69. By this time, the only British bikes left were Triumphs, BSAs and Nortons, and they were struggling to compete against the tsunami of great new motorcycles pouring in from Japan. The Japanese bikes started every time (many with electric starters), the lights worked, and they didn’t leak oil, hallelujah! Years of hard work were really starting to pay off. Honda replaced it’s 160 twin with a new 175, and it’s 305 was replaced by a brand new 350. Honda restyled its entire line in 1968, with the restyled DOHC 450 at the top of the lineup, giving them all a much more modern look. Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha did the same, only with 2-stroke bikes. CONTINUED....
The first serious threat to the Bonneville: the 1965 Honda 450 ‘Black Bomber’
THE TURNING POINT: 1965
By this time, the big boys must certainly have been concerned by this new upstart competitor, but still the Japanese were only producing lightweight 2-strokes and small-displacement 4-strokes, nothing like the brawny 500 and 650 twins pouring out of England. The only Japanese company making 4-stroke bikes was Honda, and its largest model was just a 305cc twin. 1965 was the turning point in the Japan Effect. Honda introduced their 450 “Black Bomber” which was a technological tour de force with Dual Overhead Cams, torsion bars instead of valve springs, constant-velocity carburetors, and a 5-speed gearbox. Despite a 200cc disadvantage, a well-tuned Black Bomber could run with, or even beat most British 650 twins. What really surprised the Brits was how well the Japanese bikes were made, and how reliable they were. The British bike makers had trained their customers over the years not to expect too much reliability. These new Asian bikes were changing that perception, and it hurt the reputation of not just British bikes, but also Harley and some of the European brands. Still the vast majority of bikes coming over from Japan were smaller (250cc and under) 2-stroke singles and twins, and small 4-strokes singles and twins from Honda. They were selling like hotcakes. During the early- to mid-60s, the Japanese seemed clueless when it came to styling. They all looked Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 13
The big news came in 1969. Kawasaki introduced their insane 500 2-stroke triple, the wicked Mach III. It was so fast it was dangerous. Then Honda came out with their world-altering 750 Four and it was game over for the Brits. Triumph and BSA had rushed their two 750 Triple sister bikes, the Triumph Trident and the BSA Rocket 3, to market to try to beat Honda to the punch, but had barely done so by only a few weeks. While they were impressive bikes in their own right, and amazing achievements for the talented people who made it happen, the Triples were completely overshadowed by the almighty Honda. While the Triumph 750 Trident was actually faster and handled better, the Honda was smoother, it had a 5-speed, a front disc brake and an electric starter...oh, and a lower The ’69 Kawasaki Mach III was price, to boot. How do you scary-fast! compete with that?
THE HITS KEEP COMING
And it didn’t end there. While the Brits struggled to sell fewer and fewer bikes, the Japanese ramped up not just production, but engineering as well, cranking out one new bike after another, many with advanced designs. Honda launched two new 4-cylinder bikes in 1971, a 350 and a 500, expanding on the 750 Four’s success. Suzuki introduced the radical water-cooled GT750 2-stroke triple in 1971. In 1972, Kawasaki delivered a one-two punch with the Mach IV 750cc 2-stroke triple, and the game-changing Z1 900 DOHC 4-cylinder. Then, to add insult to injury, in 1972 Yamaha introduced their new XS650, a thoroughly modern OHC 650 vertical twin in the classic British tradition and layout. They out-Britished the British! And this new generation of Japanese bikes weren’t just fast, they were well-built, loaded with valuable features, and The Brits should have built: the totally reliable. Yamaha XS650.
THE BIG TURN-AROUND
The 1970s of course, were very good for the Japanese motorcycle industry, and the 80s were even better. They not only made copious sales, but they dominated the motorcycle market, nearly pushing everyone else out. Harley hung on This 1973 magazine ad compares by a thread, and Triumph not just the bikes, but the riders sputtered along building themselves. fewer and fewer bikes until they finally called it quits in 1983. This closed the book on the classic British motorcycle industry, and the British auto industry wasn’t far behind. Japan changed everything. Look at the havoc they wrought on the American car industry. But, all things change. The Brits taught the Americans, the Americans taught the Japanese, and after a couple of decades of runaway success, the Japanese taught the rest of the world, including the Brits and the Americans. Japan’s highquality and high-content raised the benchmark for all industries, as well as the expectations of buyers. Harley turned itself around, Triumph reopened as a modern high-volume producer, the European brands (particularly Ducati and BMW) have flourished, heck even the American auto industry has turned around. We may not have liked what Japanese bikes did to the rest of the motorcycle industry back in the day, but there is no arguing that the Japan Effect has been positive in the long run, bringing us more and better motorcycles that anyone could have dreamed of in the 1970s. For more on British bikes, please visit Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
SLOW-MOTION TRAINWRECK
In England, BSA went belly-up in 1972, after having attempted a merger with Norton, which left Triumph in Norton’s care. In 1973, Norton announced that they would shutter Triumph’s legendary assembly plant at Meriden, and the workers revolted, barricading themselves in the factory, not letting anything in our out. This wiped out Triumph twin production (triples were built in BSA’s old factory at Small Heath) in 1974 and part of 1975 before the strike was settled, by setting up a shaky workers’ buyout of the company, and the formation of the Meriden Co-Op. They were hopelessly undercapitalized from the start and struggled along trying to make ends meet, while their production steadily dwindled. Norton continued to sell Commandos, but only a few thousand a year until production ended in 1975. Triumph reengineered the Trident for the 1975 model year making it a much better bike. It would be the Trident’s final year. It finally got an electric starter though. By 1976, the entire British motorcycle industry was down to just one motorcycle: The Triumph T140 Bonneville, and they weren’t building very many of those.
14
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 15
16
AUGUST 2018
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
t s a F e Rid Take and nces Cha
Lifetime Parts Warranty
Over 100,000 Sold World Wide
Invisaloc
Heritage Bags Lid Locking Systems 2000 through 2017
Before
After
1990 Through 2017 - $124.00 + S&H Systems Do Both Bags
New & Used Bags for Sale Bikes for Sale
Custom Heritage Softails for Sale Very Low Miles
Accessories Springer Saddlebag System Leather Care The installation must be done at our Drink Holders facility. $225.00 Plus All Shipping Utility Pouches Buy Direct or From One of 600 Dealers Across the USA & World Wide
702-558-0497 Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Made in U.S.A. AUGUST 2018 17
20
AUGUST 2018
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
r Badass Build by the o An
Model: Kaleigh Photography by: Michael Abbott aka Bighead
22
AUGUST 2018
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 23
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) HAWAII APPROVES SHOULDER SURFING Some places allow lane splitting, riding between lanes of slow moving traffic, and others allow lane filtering where riders can filter through traffic at stop lights and proceed ahead of other vehicles when it turns green, but as an alternative Hawaii will now allow motorcycles to ride on the shoulder of the roadway. Authorities have been debating allowing riders to practice lane filtering, as opposed to lane splitting, but after much deliberation Hawaiian riders will get neither, and instead will be the first state to get shoulder surfing: House Bill 2589 will allow two-wheel motorcycles to travel on the shoulder in designated areas of state roads, when there is congestion. In Hawaii, the lanes are narrow, which makes lane splitting and filtering a greater concern. The motion was approved, however, Governor David Ige (D) was initially against the idea, stating that the shoulder lane was reserved for stopped vehicles and emergency services. He considered that allowing motorcyclists to surf the shoulder would equate to higher risks of accidents. Despite the Governor’s initial intention to veto the motion, on July 12th, 2018, it was passed by default, without the Governor’s signature. In Hawaii, any bill left unsigned and un-vetoed automatically becomes a law. Effective January 1, 2019 riders will be allowed on the shoulder on roads of at least two lanes in each direction and with a shoulder lane wide enough for a vehicle to circulate safely. This experiment will also serve as an indication of whether this kind of measure concretely helps the flow of traffic or not. LANE SPLITTING MAY BE ALLOWABLE IN MORE PLACES Although practiced by motorcyclists around the globe, lane splitting is legal in only one American state; California, though theoretically the practice could be permissible in 12 other states and Washington, D.C., reports RideApart.com; “California is the only state where lane splitting has any sort of official legal status, but that has only been the case since 1 January 2017. Before then, the commonly practiced riding technique was something of a gray area -- not specifically legal, but equally not specifically 24
illegal. According to attorney Michael Padway, lane splitting exists in the same legal gray space in the following states: Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia.” So, perhaps the only reason people think it’s against the rules in the states mentioned is precedent, but since lane splitting is not necessarily protected it would be up to an officer’s discretion to determine whether the practice is safe. MICHIGAN MODIFIES HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LAW Michigan recently became the latest state to modify or repeal their antiquated handlebar height law, which many states enacted decades ago to give police a reason to pull over bikers. Currently, Michigan law prohibits anything with a handlebar height over 15 inches (measured from the lowest point on the saddle to the highest point on the handlebars), but Senate Bill 568, signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder (R) increases the maximum allowable height of handlebars on motorcycles and mopeds from 15 inches to 30 inches. “Motorcycles have changed drastically over the years and customization is very popular among riders,” said Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) who sponsored the legislation. “One area where they are often doing so is with the height of the handlebars to offer a more enjoyable ride…by allowing for additional rider customization that does not expose a safety hazard.” Additionally, many motorcycles on the road today may not even be compliant with current state law. In recent years, states like Wisconsin and Ohio have eased their restrictions; “I look forward to the governor putting Michigan on par with some of our neighbors concerning handlebar restrictions,” commented Sen. Jones, adding that some states have no height restriction at all. Jones said the bill was brought to him by the group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) after a member of the riding community proposed the idea. INTERIOR DEPARTMENT PROMOTES POWERSPORTS A new U.S. Department of the Interior summer video posted on YouTube and other social media sites features exciting scenes of off-road motorcycling on public lands, and the Motorcycle
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Industry Council (MIC) is calling on all riders to applaud the efforts of the department and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). The Interior Dept. video, “Recreation’s New Look,” is the latest result of combined Interior and industry efforts to give outdoor recreation a new look for the 21st century, and one that clearly includes powersports. “Along with Interior and the ORR, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) have worked hard to make powersports an even more recognized outdoor activity on public lands and this new video really showcases that effort,” said Tim Buche, MIC president and CEO. The ORR works to promote policy and legislative reforms needed to enhance the outdoor recreation economy, which accounts for $673 billion in annual economic output. Since early 2017, the MIC, SVIA, ROHVA and other outdoor industries have been meeting with Secretary Ryan Zinke and officials from Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to discuss ways to improve visitor experiences on America’s public lands and waters, including providing more and better access to trails.
rights were indeed violated when a Albemarle County, Virginia, police officer strolled onto the defendant’s (or rather his girlfriend’s) property, lifting a cover to reveal a stolen motorcycle. In this particular case, the Supreme Court Justices voted 8-1 in favor of Collins, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor asserting the search was an “invasion of the sanctity” of Collins’ curtilage (basically the land/area surrounding one’s house). Regarding the “automobile exception” which allows certain types of searches to be conducted on vehicles without a warrant since, unlike a house, cars can be moved at a moment’s notice, Sotomayor contended it “does not justify an intrusion on a person’s separate and substantial Fourth Amendment interest in his home and curtilage”. So in the end, Collins’ “receiving stolen property” conviction previously handed down by the Virginia Supreme Court was overturned, though the U.S. Supreme Court has yet to close the book on the potential for Collin’s convictions to be upheld on different grounds. Of particular importance to the motorcycling community, irrespective of guilt or innocence, ownership of a motorcycle does not invite an unwarranted search.
H-D SHIFTS OVERSEAS CITING TARIFFS, TRUMP LURES OTHER BIKE-MAKERS TO U.S. A few weeks ago, Harley-Davidson announced that it was moving some production offshore claiming it was due to President Trump’s trade war tariffs, stating in prepared remarks; “Increasing international production to alleviate the EU tariff burden is not the company’s preference, but represents the only sustainable option to make its motorcycles accessible to customers in the EU and maintain a viable business in Europe. Europe is a critical market for Harley-Davidson.” To briefly recap: Trump enacted tariffs on imported steel and aluminum earlier this year, prompting the European Union to place tariffs on a broad range of American imports, including motorcycles. That, in turn, prompted Harley, already facing headwinds, to move some of its jobs overseas, announcing plans to open a motorcycle assembly plant in Thailand this year. In response, according to a report by Business Insider, the President is now looking to foster foreign manufacturers in the US, tweeting; “Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S. Harley customers are not happy with their move - sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!”
WORLD’S FIRST MOTORCYCLE-THEMED / AMUSEMENT PARK BREAKS GROUND What could be more exciting than a theme park dedicated to motorcycle-riding, including a high-speed head-to-head roller coaster race? To be identified as “Ducati World”, Ducati laid the first stone to the world’s first theme park dedicated to all the motorcyclists, young or old, that will include a showroom, children’s attractions, virtual reality and many more indulging experiences fully showcasing the Ducati brand in a larger than life format. Located at Mirabilandia, the “Ducati World” will be the world’s first entertainment arena themed after a motorcycle brand. It will become a part of the Mirabilandia leisure park which is in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, the birthplace of Ducati. It will be spread across 35,000 square-meters and feature a unique new-gen roller coaster that will “turn each visitor into a Ducati rider” as a major attraction. It will also be home to motorcycle simulators allowing visitors to have the feel of the road on superbikes and track machines going at full throttle. The highlight of the amusement park would be a racinginspired interactive roller coaster, which simulates a ride on a Panigale V4 with the power to control the acceleration and braking; “An authentic head-to-head between bikes roaring along parallel rails.” A museum will showcase the rich history of the iconic brand, and of course you’ll have fine multi-cuisine Ducati and Ducati Scrambler-themed restaurants and Michelin-starred kitchens cooking delicious meals. The Ducati shop will give the visitors the opportunity to buy all sorts of official Ducati and Ducati Scrambler apparel and merchandise. Gates to the “most engaging and innovative experience for motorcycling fans” will open to the public in 2019.
SCOTUS SIDES WITH MOTORCYCLE THIEF It’s not often that a motorcycle-related legal case ends up in the U.S. Supreme Court, but as the result of a dispute over a stolen bike in Virginia, the case of Collins v. Virginia, 16-1027 focused on the Fourth Amendment, and whether or not police violated the defendant’s Constitutional right against unreasonable searches and seizures during a 2014 investigation. Now, several years after the initial incident, the highest court in the land has concluded that the defendant’s fourth amendment Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 25
Ÿ Custom T-Shirts Event Giveaways Club Branding Fundraisers Event Pins Embroidery Banners
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Sc r E ee Si mb npr gn ro in s & id tin e M ry g or e!
GET YOUR BRAND OUT THERE!
Best Impressions A D V E R T I S I N G
(757) 638-7100
www.bestimpressions4u.com customercare@bestimpressions4u.com
26
AUGUST 2018
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
biker friendly directory
Dealer & Shops
Baltimore Harley Davidson 8845 Pulaski Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-238-2003 www.hdstore.com
TG Automotive 8176 Telegraph Road Suite E Severn, MD 21144 443-795-4733 www.tgautomotivemd.com
Bayside Harley-Davidson 2211 Frederick Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23704 757-397-5550 www.baysidehd.com
The Twisted Spoke 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-326-4644 www.twistedspokeinc.com
Colonial Harley-Davidson 1701 Temple Pkwy Prince George, VA 23875 804-861-4700 www.colonialhd.com
Whirled of Color Customs, LLC Body, Paint and Custom Airbrushing 116 Roesler Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-553-0953 www.WhirledofColor.com
CPC Powder Coating 6800 Mid Cities Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705 443-336-2105 District Harley-Davidson 7830 Airpark Road Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-948-4581 www.districthd.com Indian Motorcycle of Fredericksburg 10151 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-642-4017 www.indianbikesva.com Old Glory Harley Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 www.oldgloryhd.com 301-575-0575 Patriot Harley- Davidson 9739 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA 703-352-5400 www.patriothd.com Pete’s Cycles 344 Bel Air Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-879-3586 For other locations go to www.petescycle.com
28
Bars & Restaurants Hickory House 1137 US Hwy 19 North Jane Lew, WV 26378 304-269-7373
Law offices of Jay Irwin Block 90 Painters Mill Rd. Suite 131 Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-356-6555 800-875-6554 Carolyn Crowley Injury Attorney 301-676-1120 1-866-523-9529 www.LadyLaw.com Law Offices of Richard M Lester Aid to Injured Motorcyclist’s A.I.M 7334 Topanga Canyon Blvd Ste. 200 Canoga Park, CA 91303 800-531-2424 Offices Nationwide to Help You. Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8969 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com
Millstream Inn 5310 Dogwood Rd. Baltimore, MD 21207 410-265-8224 www.millstreamgirls.com Rips Casual Dining 3809 N. Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD Restaurant:n301-805-5901 Deli: 301-805-5903 Wine & Spirit Shoppe 301-805-5902 www.ripscountryvillage.com Seabreeze / Swampy’s 27130 S. Sandgates Rd Mechanicsville, MD 301-373-5217 The Tavern 4975 St. Leonard Rd. ST Leonard, MD 20685 410-586-2225 www.thetavernofstleonard.com The Woodstock Inn 1514 Woodstock RD Woodstock, MD 21163 410-750-3673 www.woodstockinn.net
Legal Services
Weatherholtz Bonding 306 W. Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-267-5888 www.weatherholtzbonding.com
Apparel / Retail
Best Impressions Advertising 3325 Taylor Road, Suite 101 Chesapeake, VA 23321 (757) 638-7100 www.bestimpressions4u.com Blaze Leather 2239 Randolph Avenue Elkins, WV 26241 681-298-5055 www.Blaze-Leather.com Maryland Small Arms Range 9801 Fallard Court Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-599-0800 www.msar.com
AUGUST 2018
Mary’s Bargain Cycle New Castle Farmers Market 110 N. DuPont Hwy. New Castle, DE 19720 302-322-9323 Outback Leather 309 Main Street Laurel, MD. 20707 www.mdoutbackleather.com 301-604-2211 Renegade Classics Biker Outlet 7950 W. Broad Street Merchants Walk Shopping Center Richmond, VA 23294 804-501-BIKE (2453) www. RenegadeClassicsRichmond. com
Photography
Bobby Tarowsky 304-797-1470 304-723-8955 www.BobbyTRocks.com
Tattoo
Big City Body Art 154 C Lafayette Ave Laurel, MD 20707 240-482-6162 www.bigcitybodyart.com Lodging Francis Scott Key Family Resort 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 800-213-0088 www.fskfamily.com
Insurance Agents Rider Insurance www.Rider.com
Clubs, Organizations & Riding Groups
American Motorcyclist Association (800) AMA-JOIN AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Saints & Soldiers Motorcycle Riding Club Meetup.com/Saints-Soldiers Facebook.com/groups/ saintsandsoldiersrc
Places of Worship
Iron Horse Fellowship 414 Battlefield Blvd South Chesapeake, VA 23322 www.ironhorsefellowship.com
Rushing Wind Ministry Meets 11am Sunday’s Location: Charlotte Hall Farmers Market We are a Biker friendly church focusing on uplifting and encouraging others to follow Jesus Christ. “We believe we live in a real world with real people looking for real answers “
biker friendly directory
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. www.cehelpinghands.com
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic If you would like to be listed in the Biker Friendly Directory, please contact Sales and Marketing or email BFD@BIGCITYRHINO.com for more information. If you’re Club, Foundation, or Association would like to be listed in our Directory, please email BFD@BIGCITYRHINO.COM with your name and contact information and someone will be in touch with you.
PUT YOUR BFD HERE EMAIL TO: BFD@BIGCITYRHINO.COM Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 29
BULLET POINTS UND ERGROU N D PHOTO AND ARTICLE BY: BRODY KENNEN
Amid the chants of “Traitor!”, Governor Phil Scott (R-VT) signed expansive firearms controls into Vermont law; which has ranked in the top-ten best pro-firearms states in most polls since 2010. Scott signed two control bills into law. S.55 covers a raise of age to all firearms at 21-years unless a hunting license is presented, a hard limit to 10- and 15-rounds for long-gun and handgun magazine capacities, bans all non-family and non-reported private sales, and bans bump-stocks. S.221 covers “extreme risk protection orders”.
The implications of the former are glaringly obvious. The latter holds hopes grandfathering. Retaining any “bump stocks” will mean violating the NFA ’34 and false promises. I view these “red flag” stop-gaps being potentially abused as and Hughes Amendment (FOPA ’86) and, as the text from the Office of Public similarly as messy divorces can be. This, despite the included criminal penalties Affairs states: “current possessors of bump-stock-type devices would be required to counter false reporting. This is merely lip-service and the “penalties” are to surrender, destroy, or otherwise render the devices permanently inoperable.” hilarious, at best. There is not enough compensation for a wrongly accused It is extremely disconcerting to see this level of control attempted to be party, the penalties are likely mirrored across equivalent laws elsewhere, and enforced from so many different camps. It also proves that there are no qualms I dare say, cases will never be properly pursued. about being hostile to the pro-Second Amendment entities and customers In the news, multiple agencies have run stories calling for the full repeal when Congress won’t act. Removal by majority constituency isn’t something of the Second Amendment. While Sen. Feinstein made a statement outlining that Congress wants. The Democrats ramble on about the “success” of the doubt of such an action occurring, the calls for repeal have not gone unnoticed. Assault Weapons Ban from 1994, but don’t remember what it cost them in the Not with John Paul Stevens running his mouth in the New York Post or the House. NAACP president, for that matter, either having not done his proper research They contemplate controls instead of looking back on history. Instead of, on Australia or outright lying that “there has not been a single mass shooting for instance, contemplating a quote from Chief Justice John Marshall about in Australia since 1996.” And, additionally, using an ambiguous phrase as “mass the Constitution, while determining Marbury v. Madison (1803): “It is also not shooting” due to there not being a proper definition. entirely unworthy of observation, that in declaring what shall be the supreme Citigroup started the next slippery-slope by ceasing business with any law of the land, the Constitution itself is first mentioned; and not the laws of FFL, firearms manufacturer or accessory company who couldn’t meet any of the United States generally, but those only which shall be made in pursuance three conditions that potentially applied to them. All sales require mandatory of the constitution, have that rank. Thus, the particular phraseology of the background checks and all purchases to 21-year olds only, and no “high- constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, capacity” magazines. Bank of America won’t lend to manufacturers of “assault supposed to be essential to all written constitutions, that a law repugnant to the weapons”. The latter’s vice chairman went on record with Bloomberg, stating: constitution is void; and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by “It’s our intention not to finance these military-style firearms for civilian use.” that instrument.” The banks believe the Left’s rhetoric that there are parties, other than the But, at what point does it become the duty of the law-abiding People to perpetrators, who are responsible for shootings. ignore all violations of the Constitution? Slide Fire Solutions, Inc. is shutting their doors prior to the Attorney General’s There shall be no underground. There is nothing to hide. final determination of how “bump stocks” are to be categorized. They will either be banned entirely, or they won’t. The reason being is due to amending the If you wish to read extended version of this article, then visit National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act. If the AG decides to go forth with www.thearmednovelist.com. a definition change, it will mean that all variations of the “bump stock” will Questions or comments? Email thisistheline3@gmail.com. be classified as post-Hughes “machine-gun modifications”. There will be no 30 2018 Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic www.thunderroadslams.com 16 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana/Mississippi | May 2018 | AUGUST
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 31
upcoming events
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic is not responsible for inaccuracies or the specifics of the information provided. If you would like your event listed, please email details and your contact information to: Events@BigCityRhino.com
DELAWARE 2/6 Marines Memorial March/ CVMA 50-1 2018 Motorcyle Ride Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM This is a Poker Run style Ride that is being hosted by the 2/6 Marines Memorial March and Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Chapter 50-1. The proceeds for this ride will go to building a memorial at Camp Lejeune at 2/6 Headquarters honoring those who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 2/6 Marines Memorial March has been hosting several events to raise money to honor my brothers who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 2/6 Marines Memorial March goal is also to raise awareness for those who are affected by PTSD. Please come out for this event and support a good cause. We will start the ride at 1200 hours at Port Penn VFW #838 located at 1919 Augustine Beach Road, Port Penn, DE 19731 and will end at Irish Eyes in Lewes DE. Those participating in this event will register at Port Penn VFW#838 on the day of the event. You will pick up your first poker card, locations of other card pick up spots. The cost of this ride is $25 per bike, if you have an additional rider it will be $5 extra. If you are wanting an extra hand you can buy that at Irish Eyes Lewes DE at the end of the ride for $25. We have picked locations with food and beverages along the ride for the card pick up spots. The Port Penn VFW#838 location will have a limited supply surprise for first arriving motorcycles. If you know anyone without a motorcycle that wants to attend this event to support it they can go directly to Irish Eyes at 4 pm on September 8,2018. Please come out and enjoy yourself while supporting the 2/6 Marines Memorial March and Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Chapter 50-1. FYI VFW posts accept cash only for food and beverages some have onsite ATM but I would stop at an ATM prior so that you don’t go thirsty or hungry. Irish Eyes accepts cards. Each poker card pick up location will be manned by a CVMA 50-1 Member.
32
Delmarva Bike Week Thursday, September 13, 2018 – Sunday, September 16, 2018 Welcome to Delmarva Bike Week 2018, the largest rally on the east coast. In conjunction with OC BikeFest, this year we offer two great locations with Custom bike builders, Cruzin’ the Coast poker run, the riding, live music, tattoo contest, Wall of Death, national vendors, factory demos and more. Come see us a Arthur Purdue Stadium and Winter Park place for all the big name national vendors!
MARYLAND 5th Annual Eli’s Ride For A Cure Saturday, August 4, 2018 9:30 AM All Motorcycles welcome. Please join the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, Inc. as we RIDE FOR A CURE AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER. We will meet at Hannum’s Harley-Davidson Chadds Ford, PA August 4, 2018 at 9:30 am and kick stands up at 10:00 am. We will ride to Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. ... We will make a donation to the Music & Arts Department. We will than head to Northeast, MD to pay respect to my HERO in life my son Eli. We will than head over to the VFW 815 Turkey Point Rd North East, MD 21901 for lunch. Each rider and passenger will get Eli’s memorial patch if your first ride. Also rocker in memory of Eli. The cost per rider is $20.00 and passenger is $10.00 Expensive Hobby at The Woodstock Inn – Sunday afternoon August 5th Carey Ziegler’s Expensive Hobby plays The Woodstock Inn. (2pm show) Classic Rock on the new deck & courtyard with outdoor bars, Braglio Farms BBQ on the grill and a scenic ride to get here. Tickets to the show are $20 from Mission Tickets at www.MT.cm. Cover material includes : Alan Parsons, Beatles, Chicago, Zappa, Yes, Tower of Power, Supertramp, CSN and the list goes on. We’re fresh off a string of sold out shows so get those tickets quick! As always, we are looking forward to seeing all of you again. So come out, have a seat, relax, and leave the therapy to us. Rally for Hope Motorcycle Run & Car Show Saturday, August 18, 2018 9:00 AM A police escorted scenic 30-mile ride starting at Chesapeake Harley Davidson and ending with a family friendly after-party at the Ed Walls Activity Hall at Fair Hill Fairgrounds. Ride - starting Chesapeake Harley 9:00 – 11:45: Bike registration at Chesapeake Harley Davidson. 12:00: Kick stands up at Chesapeake Harley Davidson. Car show registration AUGUST 2018
at Ed Walls Activity Hall at Fair Hill Fairgrounds. 1:00 – 5:00: Car show, food, beer, sodas, entertainment, live music from Old Skool, vendors, door prizes, raffles, more! Each rider and passenger registered will receive an event t-shirt and pin. 9th Annual Charm City Mods vs. Rockers Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 Motorcycle/Scooter Show, Live Music, Vendors, Pinup Contest, Bike Contests/ Games and More www.charmcitymodsvsrockers.com BikeFest at The Woodstock Inn – Sunday August 26th 1-5pm Tale Gunner rocks the outdoor stage. There’s no cover for this event. Enjoy a gorgeous ride through country roads and enjoy great food fresh off the grill, outdoor bars and plenty of seating down in the newly renovated courtyard and pavilion. 7th Annual 9/11 Patriot Day Ride Saturday, September 8, 2018 8:00 AM Join us as WE ride as 1 to NEVER FORGET 9/11 and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror since that horrific day 17 years ago. Registration begins at 8am followed by 6 moments of silence Harford Co. VFC Honor Guard National Anthem Pledge of Allegaince Reading the names of the 69 Marylanders killed on 9/11 Tolling of the Remembrance Bell Honored Guests KSUP at 1045am for a Police escorted ride that ends in Parkville Darlington VFC will be offering up a breakfast buffet for around $10 beginning at 8am. Fees: $20 for driver $10 for passenger OC Bikefest 2018 Thursday, September 13, 2018 – Sunday, September 16, 2018 Motorcycles, Music, Entertainment and lots of fun In conjunction with the Delmarva Bike Rally, which attracts 150,000+ motorcycling enthusiasts to the area – OC BikeFest raises the bar and brings those bikers down to the beach to enjoy a gated event with concerts, stunt shows, custom bike builders, national motorcycle vendors, shops, rides, and the fabulous bars and restaurants of Ocean City.
Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
Ride, Music, Food, 50/50 and More $20 in advance and $25 at the door. $10 Passenger cvma40-1.org/ride_to_zero Spooky Ride & Halloween Party Saturday, October 27, 2018 9:30 AM Come ride with us to Burkittsville, Maryland, home of the “Blair Witch” and tour the grounds of Gathland. Gather at District HD at 9:30 am for donuts, kickstands up at 10 am. The ride is about an hour, plus a 40 minute stop, riders should return to District HD around 1pm. All are welcome on this ride.
VIRGINIA Bike Nights:
Tuesday’s Tidewater Motorcycles – Chili Dog Social– Suffolk, VA Thursday’s High Tides – Colonial Beach, VA. 6-11PM High Tides is kicking off the riding season by starting a bike night that promises to be a very good time. DJ Rockin Roger will be providing the tunes for now but as the summer starts arriving look for live music to be on the menu. The Tiki Bar is almost an arm’s reach away from the water and there is usually a fire going in the firepit on those chilly evenings. CLUB COLORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! No Drama, No BS and have a good time. El Rodeo Restaurant – Fredericksburg, VA. 5-9PM Big O Bike Shop LLC sponsored Bike Night Weekly 50/50 drawings. Proceeds to a different charity each month. Games, contests, raffles, and giveaways. Great authentic food and homemade ethnic desserts. More info - Kerry O’Shields - 703 963 0697 Big Woody’s - Virginia Beach, VA Great specials, biker buckets, live music and prize giveaways Oceana Cycles – Virginia Beach, VA Legendary Hot Dog Night 1st Thursday of Every Month! 6:00pm Buffalo Wild Wings – Culpeper, VA. 5-11 PM - Saturday – 4/17, 5/12, 6/9, 7/14, 9/8 Sons of Blackwater Military MC Thunder Roads® Mid-Atlantic
For more Info - Vice – 423-304-4294 Sipe’s Restaurant and Bar – Harrisonburg, VA. 6:30PM-?? – Saturday – 4/28, 5/26, 6/23, 7/28, 8/25, 9/22 - $5 Cover – Live Music Sons of Blackwater Military MC For more Info - Tailgate – 540-246-3365
Events:
4th Annual Blue Ridge Thunder Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Annual event sponsored by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 27-4 Blue Ridge Chapter. After party at Ballast Point Brewing Co. open to the public and non-riders! Live music by Black Collar, bike show, raffles, silent auction, and special vendors. Food available for purchase from Ballast Point for all non-riders. For more information and to preregister, please see www.cvma274blueridge.org Proceeds to benefit local veterans charities. Hogs for the House 2018 Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 Join us for fun time at Colonial HarleyDavidson enjoying their fall open house and a benefit cook off competition with live music, vendors, and plenty to eat and drink. Food vendors will compete to win titles and guests will purchase $10 tasting cards to sample the foods and vote in the People’s Choice Award. Live music will include Anderson Highway. Lord Fairfax Charity Ride 9739 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA Dates: September 22 – 25, 2018 Times: Registration 7am on September 22; Departures begin at 8am Description: A charity ride led by Lord Nicholas Fairfax benefitting four Northern Virginia charities and circumnavigating the 5.2 million acres of the original Northern Neck Proprietary/Fairfax Land Grant. Ride features 1-4 day itineraries and departs from Patriot Harley Davidson Fairfax. Supported by the Fairfax H.O.G. Visit www. lordfairfaxride.org for details. Annual IMRG Skyline Ride Friday, September 28, 2018 – Saturday, September 29, 2018 Friday Night 6-9:00pm - Pre-Ride Social with Band, Food, Drinks, Vendors, etc. Lodging - Riders arriving from around the USA can use event discount. Saturday - 9:00am late registration & KSU at 10:00am at Indian Motorcycles of Fredericksburg. Ride to Skyline Drive, and return to the dealership by 5:00pm. Post ride gathering.
WEST VIRGINIA Bike Night: 2nd Friday of every month @ 7PM Sorry Souls MC WING NIGHT 9505 Williamsport Pike, Falling Waters WV. Come out for a great Time and GREAT EATS!! Try al the flavors
Events:
17th Annual Ride For Life Saturday, August 18, 2018 10:00 AM We will be riding through beautiful scenic WV and ending at the Best Western Plus in Bridgeport, WV. This year we are raising awareness of childhood cancer. Live music, bike games, prizes, 50/50 drawing, and more. Registration: 10am – noon 1st Annual Berkeley County Bike Rally & Rodeo Saturday, Aug. 25th 2018 11am-11pm A day full of entertainment, vendors, bands, and food. Calendar Girl Contest – Tattoo Contest For Vendor Information email bcwvbikerally@ yahoo.com More details visit www. Berkeleycountybikerally.com Patriot Ride 2018 Saturday, September 8, 2018 12:00 PM The Patriot Ride is an annual event on the Saturday closest to September 11th. We remember that fateful day and honor all the men and women who is serving or has served in the United States Military. All proceeds go to Mountaineer Military Museum.
LIST YOUR EVENT!! EMAIL TO: EVENTS@BIGCITYRHINO.COM
AUGUST 2018 33
upcoming events
Ride to Zero Saturday, September 22, 2018 10:00 AM Help support to end Veteran suicide. Proceeds go to National Center for Veterans Studies.
34
AUGUST 2018
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
AUGUST 2018 35
36
AUGUST 2018
Thunder RoadsÂŽ Mid-Atlantic
Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists. We ride so we understand. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, call the Motorcycle Law Group.SM
1-800-321-8968 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.