TRWV APRIL2011 Web

Dragon Tales
Spring is here! We made it, and now is the time to start looking at I know that this economy has hit everyone hard, but West Virginia
the Thunder Roads West Virginia calendar of events to plan your has had it tougher than most, most of the time. But yet we persevere.
summer travels. We print the calendar for at least the next month’s We cannot count on the internet with the multitude of unknown
worth of events in the magazine (Page 37 this month). Our online suppliers to be trustworthy. We also know that it is nearly impossible
calendar has every listing that has been submitted to us, for the entire to buy 100% American made products these days but we can support
year. It is updated regularly, so check back often. There are numerous good old American businesses by backing their products and services.
benefit rides, charity runs and all-out rallies happening throughout our Too often I hear of someone getting a great deal on-line for something,
state in the months to come. As if we needed a reason to ride, why and finding out afterwards that they did not get what they paid for.
not give it a purpose from time to time? Alone we may not be able to We have heard many stories of botched orders, misrepresentation of
do much, but together we can make a difference to someone in need. products and just plain lack of customer service. Do yourself a favor
Remember, you may need help down the road someday, too. and before you click the “Buy Now” button on a website, print off
There are a number of reasons we work so hard to produce this the information and pricing, and go to your local shop. Give them the
magazine every month. The main reason is to give this state’s riding opportunity to match price if possible. To be honest, if you end up paying
community a central place for information, communication, and a little bit more for the product, you can at least be assured that if you
representation. We are breaking down the barriers that public opinion have any problems at all, that business will be right there to make things
has built against bikers. We are bringing the bikers of this state together right. Try that with the majority of internet product sales sites.
with the biker friendly businesses that reside in every nook and cranny We Americans need to rebuild our own economy, one dollar at a
of this Wild, Wonderful place we call home. These business owners, time, right here at home. So go out and get your ride on West Virginia!
who are often riders themselves, want us all to know where they are Say “Hi” to those Biker Friendly businesses for us as you go.
and that we are welcome through their doors. There are so many of
those businesses throughout West Virginia that survive on the local
economy. With times being tough for all of us right now we need Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
to remember that every little bit we keep in-state, and bring to West
Virginia businesses, helps our own economy. And every hard earned
dollar we keep in the United States helps our own as well.
2 Thunder Roads® West Virginia april 2011

Thunder Roads® West Virginia Dragon Tales................................................3
P.O. Box 606 / Charles Town, WV 25414
www.thunderroadswv.com
From The Editor............................................4
Letters..........................................................5
Owner / Editors
Bikers Rally for Dave Mast........................... 6
Gary Westphalen, Editor-in-Chief Hidden Highways – U.S. Highway 50........... 8
gary@thunderroadswv.com / 304-616-0102
Donna K. Westphalen, CFO Daytona Run.............................................. 11
donna@thunderroadswv.com / 304-261-1609
TRWV On The Radio.................................. 11
Layout & Design New for 2011..............................................12
Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics Getting Fit...................................................14
COPY EDITOR
Helmet Repeal Dies...................................16
Thomas M. Korzeniowski TRUCKS: Size Determines Right-Of-Way....... 17
TRUCKS: Flying Alligators......................... 20
office ADMINISTRATION
Melinda Hendrix Center Calendar.........................................22
Road Ready Gear – Battery Tender........... 24
Contributors
Andy Bean, Donna Jones, Dave Luksa, Jim Jammer Marcum, The Hog Pen Goes West............................ 26
Greg Roach Nicklin, Earl Nuzum, Susan Vetter Bike of the Month.......................................28
Mountain State Ink.....................................30
Advertising Sales / Distribution
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS The Jokers Wild..........................................33
Donna K. Westphalen - 304-261-1609 / donna@thunderroadswv.com TNT.............................................................36
EASTERN PANHANDLE Upcoming Events.......................................37
Dave Luksa - 304-268-1315 / dave.luksa@thunderroadswv.com
Thunder Pub & Grub.................................. 38
NORTHWEST WV Biker Friendly Directory.............................. 40
Earl Nuzum – 304-816-2863 / earl@thunderroadswv.com
The High Road...........................................43
PARKERSBURG
Debbie Postalwait - 304-266-7873 / debbie.postalwait@thunderroadswv.com ON THE COVER
POTOMAC HIGHLANDS Walking into the showroom of your favorite motorcycle
Moe Vetter - 304-668-9563 / moe@thunderroadswv.com dealership this spring is a real treat. Motorcycle manufacturers
have unleashed a crop of new bikes on the 2011 market like
SOUTHEAST WV
Jeff Davis – 304-673-7321 / jeff@thunderroadswv.com we haven’t seen in years. In every category of bike, there
are new entries designed to make you crave that new scoot.
Technical and styling advances are rampant throughout
Copyright 2011. Published by Thunder Roads West Virginia, LLC under license from Thunder
Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this magazines content may be reproduced without the lines from each manufacturer. Greater power, more
the written permission of the Publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility and is not dependable engineering, better fuel mileage, and cooler
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 styling fill every corner of the showroom. It’s an exciting year
control, any and all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use
of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors to be in the market for a bike. Start your shopping by reading
are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads West Virginia,
Thunder Roads Magazine, or Thunder Publishing. The Publisher does not promote the abuse our story about what’s hot for 2011 on Page 12.
of alcohol or other drugs.
www.thunderroadswv.com april 2011 Thunder Roads® West Virginia 3

I’m not a paperwork kind of guy.
Sit me down in front of a form
full of little boxes that I am required
to fill in, by locating obscure bits of
data that supposedly represent my
life, and my eyes glaze over within
seconds. I don’t know if a phobia has
been named for people who can’t
deal with forms, but if there is, I have
it.So it was very challenging when Donna and I recently sat down
to purchase new health insurance. Churning through page after
page of small print, trying to compare this policy to that, delving into
copays and coinsurance (I still don’t understand the difference), and
comparing apples to oranges because no two plans present things
the same way.Just when I was about to go catatonic, a question
jumped off the page at me with such force that all symptoms of my
formophobia were immediately reversed. Here in the middle of this
application questionnaire, full of questions about whether I had a
history of everything from seizures (no) to malaria (again, no), I was
asked if I ride a motorcycle. Excuse me?!!!
A health insurance company is singling me out
because I ride a motorcycle?
Seriously?!!!
They’re not asking me if I skydive. They’re not asking me if I
train wild lions for a hobby. They’re not asking me if I rock climb,
hunt, scuba dive, race speed boats, play Russian Roulette, or any
other potentially dangerous activity. All they ask is whether I ride
a motorcycle. They don’t even ask about my training or history
aboard bikes. I’m a biker, and in their minds, that puts me in a
special subclass of people.
This is the nation of anti-discrimination laws so strong that it that
has to make every single person who gets on an airplane take their
shoes off, because we can’t be seen as profiling a special subclass
of people. This is the nation whose Constitution provides for equal
rights for every citizen, so as not to step on the interests of any
special subclass of people.
Unless, of course, they’re bikers. Here’s a special subclass
of people for whom it’s okay if an insurance company charges
a higher price, or even denies coverage altogether. Anti-
discrimination laws and practices don’t have to apply. It’s not
like bikers are real citizens who serve in our military, have jobs,
pay mortgages, taxes, and inflated insurance premiums just like
everybody else. Is it? They’re just bikers. It’s okay to discriminate
against them.
People who ride motorcycles put up with more laws than anyone
else on the road. Specialized training, an endorsement on our
drivers license, and the wearing of certain safety gear are required
by laws applied uniquely to motorcyclists. We are told by law how
high our bars can rise above the seat, how loud our machines
can be, and on and on. The discriminations leveled against riders
of motorcycles are legion. Do we really have to put up with being
ostracized by health insurers, too?
It’s not the Destination…It’s the Journey.

Gary

March 2011 Mag ROCKS
What a great bike rag you

guys have busted your butts
to produce! March is a
masterpiece! I love you guys!
Keep up the great work!
Magz Tudor
Charles Town
Once again, a great issue! Thanks for all your hard

work...well...maybe Donna meeting Arlen Ness wasn’t
such hard work.
Weeze Mace
Martinsburg
Buck’s Indians
I stopped in Mercer
Choppers today to show
off my new 2010 Chief
and saw this mag on the
counter. What a great
article about Bucks Indians!!! I
have seen the collection, and know Steve and his
wife Dee Dee from when I lived in Romney. I love your
magazine, and think it’s a great idea. I plan to visit as
many of your advertisers as I can and mention your
mag.
Bob Faulkner
Princeton
Thanks to all of you for the positive feedback. We

genuinely appreciate the compliments and truly enjoy
bringing the stories of motorcycling in West Virginia
to your home each month. To each and every reader
and advertiser we say “Thank you” for your support.
Gary

Bikers Rally for Dave Mast
Hundreds of rides are organized around the State of West Virginia we went kickstands up.
each summer to provide assistance to bothers and sisters who It was a great feeling to once again have the leather on, and here
have run into a bad patch. But those things happen in winter, too. the bikes fire up. Spring is on its way! It was a nice ride up RT11 into
So when the weather breaks, bikers are eager to get out and help Williamsport and Sharpsburg in Maryland, then back into the Great
where they can. One of the first fundraiser events of the year was State for the party, like only Nan & Pops can pull off.
run to benefit biker and musician Dave Mast of the Martinsburg area.
Dave has had some medical issues, which always lead to medical Next thing, the musicians started to roll in. It was fun to watch
bills. Thunder Roads West Virginia’s Dave Luksa made the run, Dave Mast play at his own benefit. In all, the party included five
and gives us the details: bands. Dave has a great group of musical friends that came out to
support the event. I have to admit that I didn’t make it till the end of
We arrived around 11:30 on a Saturday morning. The early March the party…just to my end.
sky was cloudy, but the temperatures were in our favor. There was
a great turn out with close to twenty bikes lined up in front of Nan It was another showing of how bikers make it happen in this state.
& Pops place on RT 11, south of Martinsburg. We had just enough When a brother or sister is down, we are there with a hand to help
time for some greetings a couple of hugs and hand shakes before them up. Be proud, West Virginia!

Hidden Highways
U.S. Highway
50
progressively to a thousand feet, 1,200,

by Gary Westphalen
1,600, and so on.
It’s a bright red squiggle that runs the
The 87 miles between Romney and
entire width of the West Virginia road
Grafton is a wide-open romp of vertigo-
map. In fact, it runs from Ocean City,
inducing mountain serpentines and
MD all the way to Kansas City, MO.
switchbacks, tempered by a few stretches
There’s really nothing hidden about
of riverside valley sweepers that will give
this one, but U.S. Highway 50 from the
you a chance to let the blood flow through
Virginia state line to its intersection with
those white knuckles. The elevation
I-79 at Bridgeport is a must-do for any
changes really get serious as the road
West Virginia biker.
climbs the mountains west of Keyser. The
Jumping on U.S. 50 somewhere views from the 2,840 foot high perch near
around Winchester, VA, doesn’t give Mt. Storm are tremendous. There is an
a biker much inspiration. It’s a divided enormous wind turbine farm up here that
highway with a lot of traffic. Yuck! But stretches for 12 miles along the Allegheny
when those two wheels hit the West Front. The 132 turbines can be spotted
Virginia line, traffic has thinned and the from great distances, but this is where
road narrows. U.S. 50 begins a 130 mile you see them up close.
trek over and around mountain after
The land never really levels out for a
mountain. It will take a biker through
long stretch through here. A bike’s nose
some of the most pristine wilderness
is either pointed up or down, and often
and highest elevations this state has to
on miles-long grades of up to 10%. It
offer. Along the way, it will make sure
naturally follows that it’s almost always leaning left or right as well.
that even the very edges of the tires get a taste of pavement.
Sometimes it feels like you’re riding a giant slalom course, and at
There is usually still some traffic between Capon Bridge and other times you’ll find yourself dropping into the little gears to handle
Romney, although there are enough passing zones here to give a the hairpins. If you want to freak yourself out, take a peek over that
biker a chance to escape the exhaust plumes of impeding cages. It’s guardrail as you roll through one of the many curves clinging to the
also the stretch where foothills become mountains. Elevations rise side of these mountains. But don’t look for too long. You don’t want
that “you go where you’re looking” effect to the waterway for a few miles before getting a little
kick in. rowdy again. The mountains begin to soften and
traffic thickens as you near Grafton where U.S. 50
66 miles after crossing into West Virginia
crosses 119, another legendary bike road.
from the east, you’ll once again leave the
state. After rolling through Gormania, U.S. 50 Just west of Grafton, in Pruntytown, a biker’s
spends the next nine miles winding around glance to the left locks onto a towering 58-acre
in the southwestern corner of Maryland’s hillside, covered with the greenest of grass
Garrett County. But the mountains don’t know crisscrossed with precisely ordered rows of
boundaries, and the highway continues to upright headstones. Dedicated in 1987, the
deliver the same level of fun for bikers. Within West Virginia National Cemetery was the 110th
minutes, U.S. 50 reenters West Virginia and such facility in the nation. It is the successor to
passes through Aurora four miles later. If the Grafton National Cemetery, which ran out of
you’ve made it over all of those mountains space. Park your bike in the circle at the top of the
this far, you’re ready to relax on the grips drive, and walk up the steps to the flag-topped
for a while. The highway accommodates hill which, at 1,335 feet in elevation, provides a
by dropping into a valley carved out by the powerful vantage point looking down over the
Cheat River. Rolling gently through the valley, hillside cemetery. As the Stars and Stripes flap in
the highway mimics the gentle undulations of the wind above your head, remind yourself that
continued on next page...

you are able to ride this road as a free person because of the men stretch is a four-lane divided get-me-there kind of road. It’s still very
and women whose memories are carved in stone below. beautiful territory, and this is serious motorcycle country. You’ll enjoy
this stretch of road too, but the center of your tire tread is going to be
There are only a few pleasant miles of road left before coming
doing the heavy lifting.
upon Bridgeport and our jumping off point at I-79. But there is one
more interesting sight as our 130 mile journey comes to a close. It’s U.S. Highway 50 wears several hats as it makes its way across
not often that a biker cresting a hill is met by the stony stare of a the state. It attacks boisterous mountains with vigor and walks softly
concrete giraffe. But this is one of those times. when the terrain quiets down. It plays tag with some rivers and
bounds instantly over others. It travels some of the highest and lowest
The highway continues west of I-79, passing through Clarksburg.
elevations the state has to offer. It is an artery for commerce in places
It’s 74 more miles to Parkersburg and points west of the state. This
and, in others, a peaceful ride through breathtaking wilderness.

Daytona Run
Thunder Roads West Virginia
On The Radio
by Greg Roach Nicklin Join Thunder Roads West Virginia owners Gary and
Donna Westphalen as they dish it out on the radio about
motorcycling in the Mountain State, on Saturday, April 9.
The snow is blowing out in the yard, They have been invited by hosts Randy Damron and Greg
Wind howling through trees, oh so hard. Winter to appear on Cycle Talk, a weekly show about
motorcycling that airs during the riding season on WCHS
Bad weather sucks. I can’t go outside.
radio in Charleston.
Just wanna crawl under the covers and hide. The talk show, which has been on the air for six years,
We worked on our bikes to take a little trip, is the only dedicated radio motorcycle safety show in West
On down to Daytona and cruise the strip. Virginia, and maybe the entire country. Mr. Damron is the
Special Events Coordinator for the State Department of
10,000 scooters on the highway, Transportation and Mr. Winter is the new State Director of
Not a cop in sight and a beautiful day. Motorcycle Safety.
Sun on my face and feet in the sand, “We are very excited to join Randy and Greg for what
promises to be their best show ever,” joked Gary, who serves
Chicks in bikinis and brew in both hands.
as Editor for the magazine. “This is going to be a great hour
We saw the bike shows all the customs and freaks, of motorcycle talk. Donna and I travel the state extensively on
Even two tattooed moped geeks. our bikes and we can’t wait to yak endlessly about the fun we
Back on the bikes and headed up the road,
have, as we create Thunder Roads West Virginia.”
Even if you don’t live near Charleston, you’ll still be able
Made a quick stop to see a few bros. to listen to the show. WCHS feeds the program live on
At the old homestead we did arrive, their website. Just log on to www.58wchs.com and click
And the temperature outside was a cold minus 5. on the “Listen Live” button at the top of their home page.
The episode of Cycle Talk featuring Thunder Roads West
Virginia airs Saturday, April 9 at 9am.

X-R600
T h e S uzuki GS .
– up
SXR600 ground
asaki om the
e r o – T he Kaw is n e w fr
Vaqu
brings
Vaquero g to the
r e s s iv e stylin
a g g rket.
bike ma
touring
e
00 – Th
Ninja10 Z1000 has
ki
Kawasa d as
e n r e designe
be 0 ,
ja 100
the Nin
a lso
and is
e fi n in g
red
t a e
w h a eet Glid
“Standa
rd”
-D a v id son Str m a r ket
s h o uld – T h e Harley h in th e trike
bike lide las
StreetG a big sp
loo k li k e .
b e e n making t y e a r.
has se las
’s relea
since it
After a few very bad years in the U.S. economy, dealers all across the state are
looking forward to what promises to be a reasonably good year for motorcycle
sales. A slowly improving economy and pent-up demand for new machines are two
factors they point to, but there is a third reason. The 2011 machines that are debuting
in their showrooms are sure to stir the senses. In fact, it’s already happening.
“I’ve answered more leads and seen more interest in sport bikes,” says Brian
Thoerig, Sales Manager for Romney Cycles. Brian says prospective buyers began
sniffing around new hardware several months earlier than usual. They’ve also been
gravitating away from the Bigger is Better notion, towards the smaller displacement ion has
h a ’s S tar Divis hallenge
machines. “With the design changes that Suzuki made, I think there’s going to be a – Yama choppe
rc
lot of interest in the GSX-R600,” says Brian. “They shaved 20 pounds off of it, which is Stryker th e factory s t-sit put
a
s w e r e d k e r. A te
a n S tr y
pretty significant. From the ground up, it’s a new bike.” all new
with the onna’s face.
nD
The redesigned Suzuki GSX-R600 has a curb weight of just 412 pounds, and a list smile o
price of under $12-thousand. The four-cylinder engine is loaded with design changes
forged on the race track, that Suzuki says generate enormous power even as fuel
economy is increased by about ten percent.
“The GSX-R750 is much the same,” says Larry Presgraves, also of Romney Cycles.
“So, that middle class is just going to be dominant.”
When Honda introduced its Fury last year, the metric cruiser world was put on notice.
After several years of stagnating offerings from Honda’s cruiser division, the Fury presented
radical chopper-like styling in a factory-built package. This was a bike that needed no
aftermarket bling to make a statement. Yamaha’s Star Division has answered the bell for
2011 with its introduction of the Stryker. The 1304cc power plant is fuel injected and liquid
cooled. A belt drive delivers the V-Twin’s output to the rear wheel.
With a low seat height of just 26.4 inches, a chunky 210 rear tire, and a rider position that
Yamaha refers to as “fists in the wind”, the Stryker is an aggressive-looking cruiser right out
of the box. Add in the fact that there is a distinct lack of plastic on this bike – yes, it has steel

fenders – and it’s easy to see that the customizing crowd is going to
h
quite a splas have a field day with this machine. Look for some very cool renditions
r y h a s caused of the Stryker to make an appearance on the street this summer.
da Fu year ag
o.
he Hon
Fury – T elease about a A new entrant in the big bore touring class for 2011 is the Kawasaki
’s r
since it Vaquero. “It’s built on the same lines as the Voyager,” says Brian
Thoerig. The Vaquero is a 1700cc bagger, just like the rest of the
Voyager line, but things like the lack of a trunk give the Vaquero
more aggressive styling. “They utilize the same engine, same six-
speed transmission. The front fairing is redesigned and reshaped
a little bit nicer. There’s a very short windshield on it. It’s a nicely
designed bike. I look for some interest in it this year.”
“The hottest thing out for us right now is the Ultra Limited.”
says Jim Moore of Shenandoah Harley-Davidson in Staunton,
Virginia. “It comes the way you would want it, right from the
factory.” The Electra Glide Ultra Limited is brimming with
features like the 1690cc Twin Cam 103™ engine, heated
grips, and ABS braking. With a price tag in the $24-thousand
dollar range, the Ultra Limited offers all of Harley-Davidson’s
signature styling in a package fit for a king.
utting
e n d le ss fun p of
Harley-Davidson’s factory-built trike, the Street Glide,
ill hav e ardless is also proving to be popular. Jim Moore says they have
r o u s biker w its paces, reg
dventu é throu
gh been rolling off the floor with frequency. “It’s a little bit of
– The a r Ténér
Tenere S u p e v o lved. a different ride, but you’re still out there doing your thing.
the Yam
aha
e r e ’s a road in It’s definitely a nice alternative to not riding at all,” Moore
th
r or not
whethe points out. “Plus, now that Harley makes them, you get a
factory warranty on them. That’s huge.”
A couple of other models that defy common labeling
are going to generate some excitement this summer.
Kawasaki’s Z1000 has been redesigned and renamed as
the Ninja 1000. At first glance, this Standard-style bike
looks more like a super sport crotch rocket. Make no
mistake about it, the Ninja 1000 will have no problem
hanging with the fastest of them, but its ergonomics are
designed for longer distance riding.
Another bike that is going to be making its debut
on the showroom floor at Yamaha dealerships in
avidson a few months is the Super Ténéré. Since the bike
H arley-D
t on th e Moore won’t be available until early summer, Yamaha is
a n d comfor h o ic e , says Jim actually billing it as a 2012 model. This rally-inspired
in sty le rc
Touring a popula
Ultra – o n ti n u es to be n. bike sports a 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin
ited c avidso engine that pushes its power through a six-speed
Ultra Lim doah Harley-D
n a n transmission and shaft final drive. The Super
of She
Ténéré carries a host of high-tech features from
ABS brakes, to circuitry that controls ignition
timing and fuel injection based on wheel spin. This
“traction control” feature is designed to let riders
get on the gas with more confidence regardless
of the surface beneath their wheels. With a list
price under $14,000, this bike is clearly aimed
at taking a serious bite of the on- and off-road
market that has been dominated by European
manufacturers like KTM, BMW, and Triumph.
The 2011 lineup of new models from virtually
every motorcycle manufacturer may be the best
we’ve seen in years. Whether you’re interested
in the blazingly nimble speed of a lightweight
and inexpensive sport bike, the street-savvy
style of a cruiser, the luxurious comfort of a
big tourer, or riding wherever you want to go
regardless of whether there’s a road there
or not, this year’s crop of motorcycles offers
something new and exciting for every biker.

Donna tried the mini-apes (LEFT) and the drag bars (MIDDLE), but found the Swingbacks (RIGHT) to be the most comfortable
handlebars for her. Note the relaxed position of her upper arms, a key factor in fighting fatigue.
Getting
Fit By Gary Westphalen
Now that we’ve helped you to decide which of the new
offerings you’re going to rescue from the Shelter for Homeless
Bikes (aka the dealership showroom), the next step is making sure
you get the right fit. An ill-fitting bike is going to lead to discomfort,
fatigue, poor control, and could very well put you in danger. You
wouldn’t be the first biker to go ditch diving within your first 100 miles
on a new scoot. So, before that bike of your dreams rolls across
the dealership’s threshold, have it set up to fit you, not the stock
arrangement designed to fit the imaginary “average biker.”
“The idea is to make it fit your body type,” says Jason
Moore, Parts Manager at Charlie’s Harley-Davidson in Huntington,
West Virginia. Thunder Roads West Virginia stopped in for the
Fourth Anniversary Party at Charlie’s, where Jason was using a Fat
Boy and a collection of saddles and handlebars to demonstrate how
changing out these two pieces of equipment can dramatically alter
the ergonomics of a bike.
Being eight inches taller, and having a wingspan ten inches longer
than Donna, a one-size-fits-all seat and bars combination isn’t likely
to be ideal for either one of us. Jason started with the smaller rider.
With the stock seat and bars, she was not able to stand flat-footed
on the bike. If you don’t think that’s an issue, put a single foot down
in a greasy spot at a stop light some time. You’ll be real glad that the
other foot can make landfall, too.
The handlebars were Jason’s first step. The 12-inch mini-apes
were a reach for Donna, putting her in a riding position that would
lead to an aching back in just a few hours. Her own bike is outfitted
with drag bars, and the familiarity with their feel suited her on this The reduced-reach seat (TOP) was perfect for Donna, but
bike as well. But the ergonomics of this bike really changed for the the deep bucket (BOTTOM) gave Gary the space he needed.
better when Jason introduced a set of Swingback bars. They have
a pullback measurement of eight inches, bringing the bars much that it is also a seat that would provide many hours of comfortable
closer to the rider than the drag bars, and without the added rise in riding experience.
hand and arm positioning dictated by the mini-apes.
When I sat on the bike configured for Donna, I felt like my butt
Jason then turned his attention to the seat. By replacing the was dragging on the ground and the bars were nearly in my lap.
relatively flat stock seat with a bucket that dips deeper while moving The reduced-reach seat had to go, in favor of a deep seat bucket
the rider’s seat position forward a bit with thicker padding on the seat that moved me back a few inches, while providing gobs of lower
back, Donna was easily able to flat-foot the bike. This particular seat back support.
drops the height by about an inch, while moving the rider more than
two inches forward. The added support on the lower back means Although I really liked the styling of the Swingback bars, their
While the mini-apes (LEFT) were a familiar feel and the drag bars (MIDDLE7\) offered aggressive styling, the Beach Bars (RIGHT)
provided the comfort and control that allows for long days in the saddle.
low rise and long pull-back measurements brought the bars way too bars available. You can almost see the little front-mounted wicker
close for comfort. We have Mini-Apes on the Thunder Roads West basket and the domed bell within reach of your thumb. Ring-a-
Virginia Heritage Softail Classic, so I tried those next. Yup, this feels ding, ring-ring. However, for my size and build, these bars were a
familiar. I have always liked the look of drag bars, so I wanted to try perfect fit on this bike. So, instead of thinking of them as bicycle
those as well. But the small rise of the drag bars, coupled with the bars, I squinted a bit and imagined them to be the business ends of
deep bucket seat, meant I was reaching a bit. It wasn’t a big deal a Longhorn steer. Much better.
at the time, but the combination would lead to fatigue during a long By changing just the seat and handlebar configurations, Jason
day in the saddle. Jason Moore wasn’t finished with me. He had one Moore was able to make the same bike just as comfortable for
more trick up his sleeve. each of two riders with differing physical statures. No lowering kits,
“These are called Beach Bars,” Jason says as he brings yet forward controls, or other expensive and often permanent changes
another set of bars to the bike. “When I first looked at these things, had to be made to the bike itself. Unfortunately, many riders don’t
I hated them. I thought they were ugly.” But, when he put them on a take the time to go through a fitting process like this when they buy a
bike to try them out, his tune changed. “Now,” he says, “I think they’re new bike. “Most people get on a bike, and they end up liking it,” says
comfortable.” The Beach Bars are shaped a lot like the handlebars Jason Moore, “and they’ll ride it until they don’t like something about
on a mid-1950’s bicycle. I have to agree that there are more stylish it. Then they’ll come back.”

Helmet Repeal
Dies in Committee
“I don’t want to give up on it,” West Virginia State Senator
Jack Yost says of a bill to repeal West Virginia’s mandatory
helmet law. The proposal has been introduced by Senator
Yost, of Brooke County, for several years in a row. It has
died in the Senate Transportation Committee every time,
including this past month. The committee never put his
Senate Bill 7 on their agenda, so the repeal died without
discussion.
After repeated attempts at repealing the law in the State
Senate, Mr. Yost is thinking that it might be a better bet to
pursue the legislation through the house side of the state
legislature. He also thinks that bikers interested in repealing
the state helmet requirement need to start lobbying for next
year’s legislation long before the session begins.
“I think we need to initiate some meetings with legislators
now,” Senator Yost tells Thunder Roads West Virginia. “It
seems as though this is a very challenging bill for some
legislators.” Mr. Yost says the bill may get a better reception
on the House side. He says that success in the House may
well push the Senate to approve the repeal. “Some Senators
are cautious of taking the first step on a controversial issue
like this,” he notes.

see TRIKE pagE 16

I call it the Wheel Of Death Experience. The next time you’re
passing a tractor-trailer rig on an Interstate, glance over at the rig’s
enormous front tire spinning viciously just a couple of feet away
from you. Don’t tell me that doesn’t give you the creeps. That wheel,
along with the other seventeen, is guiding up to 80,000 pounds of
weight, on a vehicle that can be eighty feet long. It would take about
90 Honda Goldwings, or 136 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200’s, to
equal the mass of a single truck.
Ask any trucker about the stupid things bikers have done around
him or her, and get ready for a lengthy rant. There’s a reason they
refer to us on their CB radios as “Evel Knievels.” That 18-Wheeler
deserves your respect. But, all too often, the big rigs aren’t given the
deference they should have. When push comes to shove, the 40-ton
behemoth will barely shudder as it dispatches you and your scoot.
That wobble a trucker feels in the steering wheel may be his first
indication that you’re even nearby. From his perch more than six feet
off the ground, encased in the mass of the truck around him, you
are practically invisible. To prove the point, the American Trucking
Association (ATA) brought a life-sized demonstration to the West There are 4 blind spots around a truck. Some of them extend as
Virginia Gold Wing Road Riders Association Rally this past summer. far as 200 feet from the rig. It’s up to you to know where these
Jim Gallagher and Clarence Jenkins, Jr., of the ATA’s Share the blind spots are, and get through them quickly.
Road program, positioned a standard-sized rig in the parking lot
of the Summersville Convention Center. Then, they stationed six
Goldwings, three of them pulling trailers, around the truck in what
would be standard highway lane positions. Looking at the scene from
the outside, it’s easy to see the ring of bikes surrounding the truck.
“Just climb right up,” Jim Gallagher says, holding the driver’s door
to the cab open for me. “Now, you remember where everything is
around here. I’m going to close the door, and I want you to look in
the mirrors and tell me if you see any motorcycles.”
There are six motorcycles, all less than fifty feet away from me.
But as I sit in the driver’s seat of this big rig, all I can see is the very
top of the windshield and antenna of the bike in front of me. The bulk
of that bike, as well as the other five bikes and three trailers, have
vanished from my field of view. The mirrors to my left and right don’t
show so much as a hint that I’m surrounded by a dozen human lives,
and the bikes that carry them. This is not a sleight-of-hand trick, and
I’m not exaggerating. Those bikes are nowhere to be seen.
“What we’re trying to show you,” explains Jim, “is that if you’re
passing a truck, and you look up and only see this mirror, that
driver will have the same limitations that you do right now.” The
small convex mirrors on this truck have been covered up for this
demonstration, says Jim, because they aren’t required by law. A
large, flat mirror on each side is the only legal requirement. The
optional convex mirrors provide a wider field of view, but that view is
distorted. Even in this mirror, a small vehicle like a bike may not be
very visible to the driver.
There are four blind spots for that truck driver. “The largest one
is to the right,” Jim points out. “That blind spot runs more than the
length of the trailer, and can extend over three lanes to the right. The
blind spot on the driver’s side is the smallest.” The other two I-can’t-
see-you zones are in front and in back of the rig. The cone-shaped
blind spot to the rear can extend as much as 200 feet behind the
trailer. The blind spot in front of the truck will vary with the design
of the tractor, but giving a truck a healthy buffer up here may be the
most critical consideration of all.
When approaching a truck from behind, the first spot a biker needs
to consider is at the rear of the truck. “It’s not impossible to put four
or five vehicles in that blind spot back there that are not visible to the
driver,” Jim says. “The other part about tailgating a truck that’s not
good is that this vehicle has a higher clearance than most cars. So,
we straddle things that are in the road. If you’re right behind us, and
they come out from under the trailer, you have no time whatsoever From the outside, it’s easy to see the Goldwing in front of the
to react to that.” truck, as well as the five motorcycles and 3 trailers flanking the
As our bike approaches the truck, we face the decision of passing big rig on either side.
From the driver’s seat inside the cab, only the windshield and antenna of the bike out front is visible.
The bikes alongside the truck are completely invisible to the driver.
it on the right or the left. Given the huge size of the right-side blind driver may forget that you’re there. In the event that something does
spot, riding into this zone isn’t an option. Don’t do it. The left-side occur suddenly, and he has to maneuver quickly, he glances in his
pass is the only safe choice. Even though you are the one doing the mirrors, doesn’t see you, and then something bad can happen.”
passing, you still need to keep an eye on the mirrors – the truck’s Once you have gone by the truck, your passing maneuver has
mirrors. one more step to go. Remember the blind spot out in front of the
“You’ll notice that on a lot of trailers now, you’ll see that slogan, truck? Give that truck enough of a space cushion before you move
‘If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.’ That’s partially correct. back into the truck’s lane. It’s not just the blind spot that should
What you have to be able to see is his face,” says Mr. Gallagher. concern you. “If you move over quickly, and then look up and see
“When you look in his mirror, if you can see the driver, then you know that traffic is stopped,” Gallagher says, “you’ve removed our space
he can see you.” cushion. This vehicle, when it’s fully loaded, takes over a football
So you’re passing the truck on the left, and you can clearly see field and both end zones just to stop. We need all the room we can
the driver’s face in his mirror. But as you get close to the front of get, so that if anything occurs in front of us, we both have enough
the truck, just before you pull even with the cab, you’ll see his face time to stop.”
slide off the side of the mirror. You have now entered the left-side Safely passing a tractor-trailer rig on a bike isn’t difficult, as long
blind spot. as you maintain a healthy respect for the big guy by giving him all
“When you’re alongside here and you notice that, what you want the space he needs, and making sure he has the chance to see you.
to do is go on by and complete the maneuver,” Jim says. “This blind The only question left is: with all the great roads in West Virginia,
spot on the driver’s side is the smallest, but if you linger in it, the why are you on the Interstate?
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Flying Alligators
I’m only on this Interstate for If that skin spins out to the right,
about five miles, jumping from I’m in the clear. If it spins to the
one good biking road to another. left, well…
Two trucks are running side-by- This is just another example
side in front of me as one truck of why bikers need to respect
is supposedly passing the other. the enormous forces involved
From back here, it doesn’t look like in moving a tractor-trailer truck
the truck in the left lane is making down the road. We are simply
much headway. Suddenly I hear no match. The dangers are most
a loud, sharp bang. A tire on one often present on Interstates,
of the trucks has thrown its tread, however riders in West Virginia
known by road warriors the world- need to be conscious of the
over as an “alligator skin.” presence of trucks on even
Because the trucks are running some of the best biking roads.
alongside each other, the gator skin The mountains of our state are
gets caught up in the wind currents rich with resources that people
between the two trailers. As I am everywhere use in their everyday
riding along behind these trucks, I see the skin begin to spin end- lives. A truck carrying anything from logs to live poultry can be just
over-end as it rises up in the air column. By the time the skin reaches around the next curve, and wrestling 40-tons of momentum through
the back end of the trailers, it’s nearly as high in the air as their that twisty might be all it takes to peel the tread right off a tire. A gator
rooflines. can get you on any road.
So, there I am on my bike, a few seconds behind these trucks, with So, back to my Interstate alligator wrestling match. Luckily, the
a six-foot-long chunk of tire tread spinning wildly overhead as it exits beast caught a swirl of turbulence that spun the skin off to the right,
their draft. There are cars all around me, leaving little maneuvering where it landed safely in the ditch. No bikers, cagers, or even real
room. I am, frankly, at the mercy of the invisible forces of swirling air. alligators were harmed in the production of this true story.

HOME COOKED MEALS DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS
APRIL LIVE MUSIC

1ST & 2ND Spring Fling
Friday – Annie Seger & Chris Pallidino Duo
Friday & Saturday – CrossBonz
9th Private Wigglebaum
23rd Defyance
APRIL 30TH –
Warrior Brotherhood Cinco De Mayo Run
Featuring Music by Cross Bonz
SOBER
TAXI E
EVERY FRIDAY DJ SERVIC
AVAILA
BLE
May 14th – Harley-Davidson Wedding

JR Rudy and Trina Reed
JUNE 23RD, 24TH AND 25TH
WV RUMBLE IN THE VALLEY
PARTY AFTER
AT NAN & POPS PLACE
11:00PM UNTIL ?
SOBER TAXI TO AND FROM CAMPSITE AVAILABLE
MUSIC BY CROSS BONZ

Your bike has been sitting in the
garage all winter. It’s been covered and
you made sure the gas was stabilized
before you put it into hibernation. But
you never did get around to buying a
smart charger for the battery. So, when optimum condition. Connect a battery
you pull that cover off, turn the key and to the Battery Tender, and the system
push the starter button, all you hear is a goes into charging mode, delivering
faint clicking…or nothing at all. Lights? 1.25 amperes of juice at 14.4 volts as
Forget about it. Your next move is to the battery absorbs the influx of power.
jump in the cage and head off to the When the battery reaches its optimum
shop for a new battery, which can cost a charge level, the Tender switches to
hundred bucks, or more. For about half the cost of that new battery, “float mode” and drops its input to 13.2 volts. This keeps the battery
you could have purchased a Deltran Battery Tender™ that promises topped off at all times, without ramming more energy through it
to keep a motorcycle battery in peak condition for up to ten years. than is necessary. This float mode is what differentiates the Battery
Tender from other smart chargers. Many of them shut off when the
To understand how the Battery Tender can make such a seemingly
battery reaches a full charge, and then cycle on again when the
outrageous claim, we first have to delve into the arcane world of the
battery output drops to about 90 percent. This draining and charging
motorcycle battery. We’re talking math, science, and just a touch
process can lead to shortened battery life.
of hocus-pocus, so bear with me. As we go, there are two terms
related to the flow of electricity that come into play. Amperage is The bikes in the Thunder Roads West Virginia garage are plugged
the measure of how much electricity, in the form of electrons, is into our Battery Tender whenever they are home. The charging
flowing through a circuit. Voltage is the measure of how much force system comes with a short quick-connect pigtail that is screwed right
is pushing that flow. If there isn’t enough force, or voltage, pushing to the posts of the battery. When we pull back into the garage it’s a
the electrons, they don’t move and your bike doesn’t start. simple two second procedure to plug them in. Our Battery Tender
has been keeping batteries at their optimum condition since 2003,
Most modern bikes are equipped with a twelve-volt battery made
and not a single battery installed in our bikes since that time has
up of six individual cells, connected together in series. Each of those
had to be replaced. Let me repeat that. We have batteries in our
cells produces about 2.15 volts of direct current when fully charged,
motorcycles that have been running in peak condition for more than
resulting in a total battery voltage of about 12.9 volts. What we
eight years without need of replacement. Given the number of bikes
consider to be a “dead battery” – meaning one that will not power the
in our garage, times the normal life expectancy of a motorcycle
electrical systems of your motorcycle - actually still produces 11.4
battery, and we could realistically have expected to replace eight or
volts. In other words, the voltage difference between a fully charged
more batteries in that time frame.
battery and a fully discharged one is a mere volt-and-a-half. That’s
not a lot of wiggle room, and it clearly points out why it’s important to Deltran offers the Battery Tender in a variety of sizes. The Junior
take care of your battery. generates a lower amperage than the standard version, and I think it
should be bypassed. Spend a few bucks more, and get the standard
So, fine. You’re with me that battery care is a good idea. But
version of the Battery Tender. It’s MSRP of $65 is a steal compared
that no-name trickle charger at the local We-Have-Everything-Mart
to the cost of a new battery, and it will pay you back many, many
only costs ten bucks. Why should you spend five times more on
times over.
a Battery Tender? Because that trickle charger will destroy more
batteries than it will help. They can generate as much as 16 volts. If you’re like us, you have more than one battery that could use
That’s much higher than your modern sealed battery wants, and the TLC this system provides. That’s why the Battery Tender is also
the difference can lead to shortened battery life. In older lead acid offered in units that can charge anywhere from two to as many as
batteries, 16 volts is well into the range where hydrogen and oxygen ten batteries at a time. Each battery is connected to a separate
gases are given off by the battery, creating a potentially explosive charger, and those multiple chargers are banked together in a single
hazard. Because they produce a consistent flow of energy whether housing, requiring just one space in your wall outlet. In our garage, a
the battery needs it or not, trickle chargers aren’t made to stay four-bank system keeps our batteries off the maintenance schedule.
hooked up to a battery for more than one day at a time. Nobody likes being stranded by a dead battery. By simply plugging
The Battery Tender has a brain – well, electronic control circuitry, your bike into the Battery Tender whenever it’s in your garage, you
to be precise. It actually alters the flow of electricity going to the can assure yourself of years more riding without even having to think
battery, providing exactly what the battery needs to remain at about that little black box of juice nestled under your seat.

Dining
Family rience
Ex pe Mome’s
Plac
ed
n u se r v
Full me to 10pm
6am
S-M-T at 24 hrs
W-S
“Her legacy lives on”

“ G ood The end of
H om e ”
Hoult Road by the
Phillips Plant in
Cooking Fairmont, WV

The Hog Pen Goes West By Donna Jones
I didn’t realize we could leave Lewisburg, West Virginia, on a

Thumb geysers on the lake also need to be on the list. Yellowstone is
the waterfall capital of the world, and we saw several from a variety
of vantage points. For a moment, we thought we were in Hawaii.
Saturday morning and be in Yellowstone National Park by Sunday
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with its diverse hues and
evening, in time to set up camp before nightfall. We even made
incredible vastness provides the most spectacular sights of all. We
several stops for meals, gas, potty breaks and a few hours of
particularly enjoyed the views at Inspiration Point and Artist’s Point.
shuteye. Interstate 64 took us clear across the country, past Missouri
where Routes 70, 435, 29, 2, 80 and 287 took us to our ultimate All of that, and we haven’t even touched the wildlife end of things!
dream destination. There are several ways to skin this adventurous Hayden Valley is where all the critter action is. It’s no surprise when
cat, so pick the route that suits you. Since we were trailering the a herd of 300 buffalo decide to cross the road in front of you. These
bikes, we picked the fastest way out. beasts will make a Boss Hoss look like a mini-bike. We noticed big
trees missing whole sections of bark all over the park, and came
We stayed at Grant Village on Yellowstone Lake, where the
to learn that the damage comes from the bison scratching their big
biggest emphasis is on food exposure control, in order to prevent
heads. The elk are huge and faithfully grazed away as we crept
the wandering grizzlies from freeloading. This campground, with its
to within just a few yards of them to take pictures. We didn’t even
central location, is perfect for those wanting to explore Yellowstone
have to look for wild animals. We would just pull over whenever we
and Grand Teton National Parks without having to pack up camp
saw a group of people standing on the side of the road with their
and move.
cameras in hand. Animals were a sure thing. Even the grizzly bear
We set our sights on Old Faithful for our first day of sightseeing, seemed comfortable posing for pictures, until the Park Ranger fired
and it was a geological hit. Every sixty to ninety minutes, the earth four blank rounds to get him to retreat from the civilized area, back
would erupt and blast steam from this constantly boiling geyser a to his wooded habitat. We were so busy taking in all there is to see
hundred feet into the air. The magma, or molten rock, that heats the that we got caught riding back to camp after dark, and only then did
water is only three to five miles below the earth’s surface. Old Faithful we realize how many large animals are on the roads at night. Riding
isn’t the only super-heated fountain. The many boiling geysers, with through Yellowstone after dark is a bad idea!
their panorama of colors, shapes, sizes, and smells are a must-see.
The Grand Tetons are just south of Yellowstone, about a 160 mile
Mammoth Park is another natural wonder, with its colorful splendor round trip from our camp to Jackson Hole and back. The Tetons are
of sulphuric designs sculpted into the earth’s surface. The West on Jenny Lake, and make for an awe-inspiring day of riding. We took

lots of photos of our bikes with the mountains in the background. For a higher elevation experience, we made an overnight trip
We even had one photo turned into a poster, which now hangs across the Bear Tooth Highway into Red Lodge, Montana. We spent
in our Harley Den. A group photo under the antler arches around the night at the Red Lodge Inn, which is biker-friendly, cheap, and
Jackson Hole is another must-snap photo. Park admission for has jetted tubs in rooms 1, 2, and 3. There are free horse-drawn
both Yellowstone and Grand Tetons is just $25 dollars, so the cost carriage rides through town every night, as well as pig races on
is minimal. certain evenings.
Our return ride took us over
Bear Tooth Highway again.
We then rode the Chief
Joseph Scenic Highway to
Cody, Wyoming, to enjoy the
Old West atmosphere. From
Take the time to

Cody, a pass through Wapiti
took us back to Yellowstone.
Time allowed, so we also
travel while you can. took a ride down to Utah,
where we checked out Zion
There is no time like and Bryce National Parks.

In two weeks time, we were
able to take in seven National
the present. Parks by motorcycle, as well
as the round-trip drive from
West Virginia. This was an
amazing experience, full of
quality time with my husband.
But he says it wouldn’t hurt
his feelings to never see
another rock for the rest of his life (like that’s going to happen in
West Virginia).
Take the time to travel while you can. There is no time like the
present. God has created a beautiful world for our enjoyment and
pleasure.

BIK E O F T H E
M O N T H
Brendan McTighe stands behind the
bike he resurrected for his father.
Up from the Ashes

Life doesn’t always begin at the beginning. Sometimes
a man’s son has to help him get it started. That’s not to
say Pat McTighe wasn’t living during his first fifty years.
But it wasn’t until then that his life as a biker began.
He didn’t know it at the time, but his brand new 2004
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard would also
start life over again in a few years.
It wasn’t until Brendan McTighe went to work at a
Harley dealership that his father, now a retired firefighter,
took an interest in motorcycles. “He was brought up being
told motorcycles are bad,” Brendan explains. “I started
working at Harley, and I think he kind of didn’t understand
it. I grew up around muscle cars, and that stuff. Then all
his friends started getting bikes, and he finally got into it.
When he was fifty, he decided to go get his license.”
After being sanctioned by the state, Pat’s next move
was to buy the new bike. He kept the bike in stock
condition for about six months. As his friends began
customizing their bikes, he caught the bug, as well. “A
lot of chrome bolt-ons. Just easy stuff,” Brendan says
about the things he helped his dad do to the bike. “He
rode it around for a couple years like that.” But the
slippery slide into full-blown customizing had begun.
The pace of modifying the bike really picked up
one day, when Brendan came home from the Harley-
Davidson shop where he worked with a new motor.
It was a 120-cubic-inch JIMS engine, which from the
factory generates horsepower and torque ratings even
higher than its displacement figure. A Screamin’ Eagle
six-speed transmission was added to harness the
extraordinary power this mill churns out.
“This motor has got enough power that it’s just – basically - going
to twist all the spokes out of that rear wheel,” Brendan remembers
telling his dad.
“Let’s go get wheels on it,” Pat replied. The 21-inch Performance
Machine Vader front wheel they picked looks great, but the bike’s
handling suffered. Recapturing good control was achieved by
lowering the front end two-and-a-half inches. The bike was beginning
to develop character by now, and Pat was logging some serious long
distance mileage. But, just as Pat didn’t begin his life as a biker until
later in life, his FLHTI was in for a mid-life metamorphosis.
“He and his buddies rode out to Colorado,” Brendan recalls. “One
the way back he totaled the bike coming through Columbus, Ohio.
He actually got cut off on I-70, and he laid it down doing about 70
miles-per-hour.” Pat and the bike were both scraped up, but not
seriously injured. Pat healed, but his memory of what had happened
on this bike got in the way. Rather than fix the motorcycle, he bought
a different one.
“This bike sat in the corner of my garage, untouched,” Brendan
says. His dad didn’t want anything to do with it, but Brendan couldn’t
let things end this way. “I started doing a lot of work to it, like I added
the saddlebag extensions on the bottom. There was no primer or
anything on them. The bike was half-way torn apart. It was four
different colors. It sat there for about a year and a half, and I got
tired of looking at it.” Then last summer, Brendan told his dad he was
putting the bike back on the road. Thirty days later, he rode it to the
rally in Ocean City, Maryland.
Pat had retired from his 37-year career as a firefighter just a few
months earlier, and Brendan helped him dress the machine out in
tribute to that service. “He lives, breathes, and eats anything to do
with firefighters. A lot of his riding buddies are firefighters. That’s
where he got his customizing influences. Of course, I had a lot to do
with making it different than anybody else’s.”
Since the bodywork had sustained a good bit of damage in the
crash, the stock fenders were replaced by a Russ Wernimont
Designs tin upfront and a Klock Werks offering over the rear wheel.
An Adjure Maltese Cross headlight leads the way, and a Küryakyn
windshield with the firefighter motif sits atop the fairing. The cockpit
sports the crisp, clean look of Dakota Digital gauges. Steel-braided
cables, frenched-in rear lighting, and fully chromed hand controls
round out the sleek look of this powerful bike.
“He was kind of skeptical about actually getting back on it, because
he did total it,” Brendan says. But the restoration has changed his
dad’s opinion. There are rumors of an impending trip to the Florida
Keys. That interim bike Pat was riding now faces an uncertain future.
As for Brendan, he says he doesn’t get to ride very much. With the
launch of Synful Cycle, his own bike shop in Martinsburg, riding time
is scarce. “I live vicariously through him on his rides,” he jokes. “He
takes pictures, and shows them to me when he gets back.”
IF YOU MARRY A WEST VIRGINIA GIRL die? Why did you have to die?”
Three friends married women from different parts of the country. The first man approached him and said, “Sir, I don’t wish to interfere with
your private grief, but this demonstration of pain is more than I’ve ever
The first man married a woman from Wisconsin. He told her that she was
seen before. For whom do you mourn so deeply? A child? A parent?”
to do the dishes and house cleaning. It took a couple of days, but on the
third day, he came home to see a clean house and dishes washed and put The mourner took a moment to collect himself, then replied, “My wife’s
away. first husband.”
The second man married a woman from North Dakota. He gave his wife _____________________________________________
orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and cooking. The first Men Do Remember
day he didn’t see any results, but the next day he saw it was better. By the
A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband is not in bed. She
third day, he saw his house was clean, the dishes were done and there was
puts on her robe and goes downstairs to look for him. She finds him sitting at
a huge dinner on the table.
the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee in front of him. He appears to be in
The third man married a girl from West Virginia. He ordered her to keep the deep thought, just staring at the wall. She watches as he wipes a tear from his
house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and three hot eye and takes a sip of his coffee.
meals on the table every day. He said the first day he didn’t see anything.
“What’s the matter, dear?” she whispers as she steps into the room. “Why
The second day he didn’t see anything. But by the third day, some of the
are you down here at this time of night?”
swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye. His
arm was healed enough that he could fix himself a sandwich and load the The husband looks up from his coffee, “It’s the 20th Anniversary of the day we
dishwasher. The lawn hasn’t been mowed yet, and he still has some difficulty met.” She can’t believe he has remembered and starts to tear up. The husband
when he pees. continues, “Do you remember 20 years ago, when we started dating? I was 18
and you were only 16,” he says solemnly.
_____________________________________________
Once again, the wife is touched to tears thinking that her husband is so
IN VINO VERITAS caring and sensitive. “Yes, I do,” she replies.
Rachel, Clare and Samantha haven’t seen each other since high school. The husband pauses. The words were not coming easily. “Do you
They rediscover each other via a reunion website, and arrange to meet for remember when your father caught us in the back seat of my car?”
lunch in a wine bar. Rachel arrives first, wearing beige Versace. She orders
“Yes, I remember,” said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him.
a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Clare arrives shortly afterward, in gray Chanel.
After the required ritualized kisses she joins Rachel in a glass of wine. Then The husband continued. “Do you remember when he shoved the shotgun
Samantha walks in, wearing a faded old tee-shirt, blue jeans and boots. in my face and said, ‘Either you marry my daughter or I will send you to
She too shares the wine. prison for 20 years?’”
Rachel explains that after leaving high school and graduating “I remember that, too,” she replied softly.
from Princeton in Classics, she met and married Timothy, with whom she
He wiped another tear from his cheek, and said, “I would have gotten
has a beautiful daughter. Timothy is a partner in one of New York’s leading
out today.”
law firms. They live in a 4000 sq. ft. co-op on Fifth Avenue, where Susanna,
the daughter, attends drama school. They have a second home in Phoenix.
Clare relates that she graduated from Harvard Med School and became
a surgeon. Her husband, Clive, is a leading Wall Street investment banker.
They live in Southampton on Long Island, and have a second home in
Naples, Florida.
Samantha explains that she left school at 17 and ran off with her boyfriend,
Ben. They run a tropical bird park in California and grow their own
vegetables. Ben can stand five parrots, side by side, on his willy.
Halfway down the third bottle of wine and several hours later,
Rachel blurts out that her husband is a cashier at Walmart. They live in a
small apartment in Brooklyn and have a travel trailer parked at a nearby
a storage facility.
Clare, chastened and encouraged by her old friend’s honesty, explains that she
and Clive are both nurses aides in a retirement home. They live in Jersey City,
and take vacation camping trips to Alabama.
Samantha says that the fifth parrot has to stand on one leg.
_____________________________________________
A Grave Tragedy Got a Favorite Joke?
A man placed some flowers on the grave of his dearly departed mother, Thunder Roads West Virginia wants to share it! We are always
and started back toward his car, when his attention was diverted to another looking for submissions of all kinds for the magazine, and that includes
man kneeling at a grave. your jokes. We let our hair down a little bit on this page, so moderately
adult humor is welcome. However, bad language and blatantly nasty stuff
The man seemed to be praying with profound intensity and kept repeating, might get shared around the office, but isn’t going to make it into print.
“Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die? Why did you have to Send your funny business to jokerswild@thunderroadswv.com.
APRIL
UpComing Events
April 1 - 3 – Martinsburg, WV
Comfort Suites Motel. Registration 9am-12:30pm First bike out at 10:30am.
$15.00 per rider.
Nan & Pops Spring Fling JB Campbell 304-482-3300 Freddy Nicely 304-210-0266
Saturday Poker Run. Sign-up 12:00 Noon. Kick stands up at 2:00 p.m. Jim Crawford 304-488-6551
Sunday Bike Show. Registration 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Judging at 4:00 p.m. 3845
Winchester Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 304-267-2007 April 30 – Winchester, VA
BACA 100 Mile Ride Annual Fundraiser
April 2 – Martinsburg, WV Bikers Against Child Abuse - B.A.C.A. Annual Fundraiser 100 mile Ride.
Charity Bike Ride Grove’s Winchester Harley-Davidson 140 Independence Dr., Winchester.
Nan & Pops Place 2011 Charity Bike Ride to benefit Horses with Hearts $15.00 per person. Registration at 8:00 am. Kickstands up at 11:30am. For
Therapeutic Riding during their Spring Fling. Registration 11:00 Kickstands more information call Dogg 304-279-5498 or email bigboreking@yahoo.com.
up 1:00pm. $15.00 per entry, $5.00 extra rider. Music & Food to follow, Cars
and Trucks Welcome. April 30 – Martinsburg, WV
Horses with Hearts Riding Demonstrations. Call: (304) 283-8071 or email 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo Run
firstbckids@yahoo.com. Ride today so others can ride tomorrow! The Warrior Brotherhood Veterans MC event to benefit Vets and those
in need. Starting and ending at Nan & Pops 3485 Winchester Ave.,
April 9 – Lexington, KY Martinsburg. Registration at 10:00am with kickstands up at 1:00pm. $15.00
St. Jude Children’s Hospital Benefit Concert per rider/$25.00 for rider and passenger. Registration fee includes food
Presented by The Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Lexington, Ky. $15 after the run and cover charge for the evening.
per person. All funds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Link to
buy tickets or donate: http://lexscrc.com/concert/stjude.htm Tickets will be
mailed so please include address and 44 cents postage in PayPal payment
MAY
May 7 – Inwood, WV
or call (859) 333-4192. All donations are tax deductible. See you there!
Life Run 2011 & Family Festival
Facebook us: http://www.facebook.com/Lex.SCRC
The Life Riders Life Run 2011 starts at the New Life Community 4102
Tabler Station Road, Inwood, WV. Registration begins at 10:30am.
April 9 – Martinsburg, WV
Kickstands up at 12:00pm for an hour ride through scenic Back Creek
Benefit Ride for Ray Higgins
Valley. Family Festival begins at 12:30pm. Free Food, Bike Show, Live
Starting and ending at The Rock Sports Bar 2573 Williamsport Pike,
Music and Games for Kids. Guest speaker Jim “Jammer” Marcum featured
Martinsburg, WV this benefit ride is for local biker Ray Higgins to help with
in Thunder Roads West Virginia. 304-262-6522 liferiders@live.com.
medical bills resulting from a motorcycle accident. Registration starts at
11:30am Kickstands up at 1:00pm. $10.00 a bike with $5.00 per extra rider.
May 7 – Martinsburg, WV
For more information call: (304) 263-5558
Relay for Life Poker Run to Moorefield, WV
Starting at at The Rock Sports Bar located on Rt.11 North of Martinsburg
April 16 – Charleston, WV
2573 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, WV. Registration at 9:00am. Kick
WV Oral Health Bike Rally
stands up at 11:00am. $10.00 per bike and $5.00 for passenger, Cars can
Sponsored by the WV Healthy Kids and Families Coalition. Laidely Field
follow for $10.00 per car. All You Can Eat BBQ at the end for $5.00 per
Parking Lot, Piedmont Rd & Elizabeth St., Charleston, WV. Proceeds to
person. See our flyer in this issue of Thunder Roads West Virginia for stop
benefit the WV Oral Health Fund to provide dental services for those in
information. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life. Contact: Pam 304-582-
need. Contact Jeffrey Allen 304-344-3141 www.wvoralhealthrally.org
8571 or Sharon 304-676-2781
April 16 – Staunton, VA
LIST YOUR MOTORCYCLE EVENT FOR FREE
H.O.G. Chili Cook-Off & Classic Car Cruise In
Let bikers all across the state know about your motorcycle event without
The Shenandoah H.O.G. is holding a Chili Cook-off and Classic Car
spending a penny. Thunder Roads West Virginia provides this space
Cruise at Shenandoah Harley-Davidson. All the Chili and Bread You
to announce upcoming events free of charge. Events unrelated to
can eat...(while supplies last) Only $5.00 Judging from 10:00am to
motorcycles are not eligible.
11:00am. Proceeds will be used to benefit underprivileged children. www.
shenandoahhog.com or call (540) 946-9992
You may attach a flier with information to an email, and send it to events@
www.thunderroadswv.com. Information we need is: City or County where
April 23 – Romney, WV
the event is being held; Date; Name of Event; Name and address of
Romney Cycle Spring Open House
the Start/Finish location; Timing of the event (sign-up, kickstands up,
Romney Cycle Spring Open House Event 9:00am - 4:00pm at 51 Industrial
finish time, etc); A brief (2-3 sentence) description of the event and who
Park Romney, WV 25757 304-822-3933 www.romneycycles.com.
is benefiting (if applicable); also a name and phone number or email to
contact for more information.
April 29 – Mineral Wells, WV, VA
Shriners Hospital Benefit Motorcycle Poker Run For complete events listings that are updated regularly, log on to our
Sponsored by the West Virginia National Guard Association. Starts at website at www.thunderroadswv.com and click on the calendar tab.

April in West Virginia is a very
special time. It is Ramp season.
For those of you who have not
heard of them, the ramp is a wild leek.
It has a bulb that looks like a scallion with
a broad flat leaf and all parts are edible and
delicious. They have a strong onion and garlic flavor
and along with that they have a bad reputation with many
individuals. They seem to be something that you either love
or hate. In our home they are loved, and we eat them almost
every night for several weeks. I want to dedicate my first
column to the wonderful ramp. I hope you enjoy these recipes.
Ramp Meatloaf
1 ½ lbs. low fat ground beef 1 egg
½ medium onion - chopped
10 to 20 finely chopped ramps
(both bulb and leaves)
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp dried parsley
¼ c ketchup
Pickled Ramps
Ramps Jalapeno peppers
1 tsp salt 1 tbsp prepared mustard Salad oil Salt
¼ tsp pepper ½ c oatmeal Sugar Vinegar
(can use regular or quick cook) Water
Mix all ingredients together and form into a loaf shape. Place in a Cut the tops off the rams and pack the bulbs into pint jars and
pan sprayed with Pam, and spread with sauce (see below). Bake cover with boiling water. Let these stand for 5 minutes then drain
at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand for about 5 to 10 off the water. To each jar add 2 -4 chunks jalapeno pepper, ½ tsp
minutes before cutting. salt, and 1 tsp salad oil.
Bring to a boil 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar (this
Sauce amount of syrup will do about 4 pints). Fill the jars with this syrup.
¼ cup ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tbsp prepared mustard 2 tbsp brown sugar. To seal the jars, put the tops in boiling water. Place a top on each
jar, put on the ring and tighten down. Turn each jar upside down.
_____________________________________________________________ Allow the jars to sit upside down for 45 minutes and then turn them
right side up to seal.
Ramp Chili
2 pounds ground beef, 1 large onion chopped
20 to 30 ramps rough chopped 2 tsp salt
¾ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp garlic powder
3- 4 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp. cumin seeds
3 – 14.5 oz. cans Chopped ¼ to ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Tomatoes w/green chilies 3 -15 oz. cans kidney beans
We have talked about the grub portion of this column and now let’s
In a large pot mix the ground beef with the onion, salt, black get on to the pub portion. Each month we will be having a “Drink of
pepper, garlic and chili powder, and brown the meat until it is no the Month. This month’s drink is a favorite of Donna’s, and I hope
longer pink. Add the tomatoes, beans, cumin and cayenne pepper. that everyone else enjoys it also.
Bring the mixture to a boil, turn to low and allow to simmer for
about 1 ½ hours. This chili is fairly thick and if you prefer a thinner
soup you can add tomato juice.
______________________________________________________________
Pear Cosmopolitan
1 ½ shots Pear Vodka ¾ shot Triple Sec
West Virginia Ramp Soup
6 medium potatoes 1 can evaporated milk
½ shot lime juice ¾ shot pomegranate juice
(I use fat free) Fill a martini glass with ice and water, and chill for a couple
1 cup cooked ham, diced ½ cup fresh milk minutes. Fill drink shaker half full with ice, add the drink
½ tsp pepper 1 to 2 c. fresh ramps ingredients and shake well. Pour the water and ice from the glass
3 tbsp flour (tops and bottoms - chopped) and strain the Cosmopolitan into the chilled glass. Garnish with the
2 onions 3 c. water rind of a slice of lime. Salute.
2 tsp salt ______________________________________________________________
Dice the potatoes and onion, cover with the 3 cups water and add I hope that everyone has enjoyed this month’s recipes. In the
the ham, salt and pepper. Cook this mixture until the potatoes are future, I hope to have some favorite recipes from our advertisers.
done. Add the ramps to the hot base. Blend the flour with the milk I also welcome any recipes and ideas from our readers. You may
and pour into the potato ramp mixture. Cook until it just before it contact me at recipes@thunderroadswv.com. Happy eating and
boils. Serve with a pat of butter in each bowl. drinking everyone.
West Virginia
One year subscription to Thunder Roads is only $35 a year.
The nation’s largest FREE biker publication
can be delivered right to your door.
Name___________________________________
Address_________________________________
City____________________________________
State_________________ Zip_______________
Make Check payable to:

Mail check and this form to:
P.O. Box 606
Charles Town, WV 25414

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
ATTORNEYS Hide Away Tavern Poor Dave’s Restaurant and Lounge
Law Offices of Ralph C. Buss Rt. 50 Burlington, WV Rt. 55 – American Legion
Motorcycle Accident/Injury Law Near WVDOH District 5 Shed Petersburg, WV 26847
Ohio, WV, KY, PA & Indiana (304) 289-5396 (304) 257-4322
(800) 582-5577 PoorDavesRestaurantandLounge@hotmail.com
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
www.ralphbuss.com HC 84 Box 33 (Cutoff Road) Potter’s Hill Top Inn
Keyser, WV 26726 4726 US Hwy. 33 West
Charles E. Stalnaker (304) 788-7533 Camden, WV 26338
Attorney at Law (304) 269-4004
Serving all of West Virginia Just One More Coldest beer in town.
(888) 420-2752 Lounge, Casino, Restaurant, Ice Cream
www.charlesestalnaker.com Intersection 218N & Rt.7W Blacksville, WV 26521 Quaker Steak & Lube
Open Jam Night, Weekend Entertainment Bike Nite starting April 21st
BAIL BONDS Bikers Welcome - Home Cooking at (304) 879-5041 2931 Mountaineer Blvd.
Weatherholtz Bonding Charleston, WV (304) 746-9401
306 West Stephen Street Longshots Billiards www.the lube.com
Martinsburg, WV 25401 76 Wolfcraft Way
(304) 267-5888 or (304) 728-6889 Charles Town, WV 25414 Road Hogs Saloon
tweatherholtz@verizon.net (304) 724-1975 415 Clayton Street
www.longshotsbilliards.com Rivesville, WV 26588
BARS & RESTAURANTS The Rock Sports Bar
Bee Hive Tavern Lost River Brewing
463 Morgantown Avenue 155 West Main Street Located on Rt. 11 North of Martinsburg
Fairmont, WV 26554 Wardensville, WV 26851 2573 Williamsport Pike
(304) 282-8196 (304) 874-4455 www.lostriverbrewing.com Martinsburg, WV
One block from Thinkin Ink Tattoo Under New Ownership (304) 263-5558
Lost River Grill, Motel and B&B Rock Forge Inn/Haught Diggity Dogz
Chicken Lizards Serving WV’s #1 Rated Chili Dog
7306 Husky Highway 8079 SR 259 Lost River, WV
(304) 897-6482 www.lostrivergrill.com Off I-68 at Sabraton Exit #4
Mannington, WV 26582 Turn left .2 mile – Red Roof on right
(304) 986-1158 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accomodations
Biker Friendly Full Service Bar Rt. 7 East (304) 291-DOGZ (3649)
2 mi. North of Mannington on Rt. 250
Main Street Bar & Grill Royal Restaurant
Cindy’s Bar & Grill 608 N. Main Street 88 N. Main St., Keyser, WV
Route 3 (End of Speedway) Moorefield, WV 26836 Good Home Cookin’
Fairmont, WV 26554 (304) 530-5111 Check us out on Facebook
(304) 363-0058 “Behind Anthony’s Pizza” (304) 788-9825
Pool Tournaments Weekly
Santana’s Pub
The Millstone Barbeque Restaurant 2430 Smithtown Rd (Rt. 73, near Goshen Rd)
Colt’s Restaurant and Pizza Park Inc. Rt. 50 West Burlington, WV
425 S. Main St. Morgantown WV (304) 241-5762
Great Pork-Ribs-Steak & Shrimp Full Kitchen Now Open!
Moorefield, WV 26836 and Cold Beer
(304) 538-2523 Outside Facilities – Awesome Food!
(304) 289-3693
Desperado’s Bar & Grill Sissie’s Bellview Bar
35 Potomac Street Mom’s Place 1009 Pennsylvania Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554
Ridgeley, WV 26753 Full menu served 24 hours a day Tues. 8pm Pool Tournament
Food – Games – Cold Beer The end of Hoult Road by the Phillips Plant Thurs. 8pm Women’s Pool Tournament
(304) 738-0010 Fairmont, WV Cold Beer - Good Food
(304) 368-9223
Donna Jean’s Family Restaurant Star Mercantile, LLC
23480 George Washington Hwy. Mountaineer All Star Cafe 80 W. Main Street
Aurora, WV 26705 (304) 735-3260 U.S. Rt. 220 South / 2 mi. from Keyser Wardensville, WV 26851
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner A Family Restaurant with a Sports Atmosphere (304) 874-FOOD (3663)
Mon-Fri 5:30 - 7 Sat & Sun 7:00 - 7 (304) 788-6433 star.wardensville@gmail.com
Four Corners Club Nan & Pops Place Steve’s Broken Spoke Bar & Grill
72 Pedal Car Drive 3485 Winchester Avenue 14977 SR 55
Inwood, WV 25428 Martinsburg, WV 25405 Needmore, WV 26801
(304) 229-3443 (304) 267-2007 (304) 897-7706
www.the4cornersclub.com www.nanandpopsplace.com www.oldroute55.com
Harper’s Old Country Store & Petie’s Pub & Grill The Sweet Shoppe
Front Porch Restaurant 304 Morgantown Avenue 125 W. Washington-Lewisburg, WV
View Seneca Rocks from the Deck Fairmont, WV 26554 (304) 645-3214 Open Mon-Fri at 3:30pm
Casual Dining - Store built in 1902 (304) 363-0698 Open Saturday and Sunday at 5:00pm
(304) 567-2555 Bike Nite to Start April 1st. Bike Night Specials Sunday Night

Uncle Joe’s Wood Pile Smack, Jack and Wack Upholstery Ruff Road Cycle L.L.C.
Rt. 1, Box 400 Custom Motorcycle Seat Specialists Authorized Drag Specialty Dealer
Ridgeley, WV 26753 Seat Softening and Gel Pad Inserts Tires & Service – Fast Turn Around
(304) 726-8505 “Set Your Crack On Smack, Jack and Wack!” 2050 Burke Rd. Masontown, WV 26542
Morgantown, WV (304) 328-5707 (304) 980-2005
Weston Moose Lodge 1376
1376 Rider Group Toxic Paint Sal’s Garage
17 South Main Street Custom Air Brush, Fabrication, 160 Cerullo Road
Weston, WV (304) 517-1332 Design & Collision Repair Shinnston, WV 26431
Stop in for a good time anytime! Morgantown, WV 26505 - Star City Auto & Motorcycle Repair
Danny (480) 650-4743, (304) 592-3227 (304) 844-7585
Your Tavern RJ (304) 826-6688 Tod (304) 376-4333
304-329-2078 Rte. 7 Kingwood, WV Shenandoah Harley-Davidson
Office (304) 777-2134, Shop (304) 599-4195 213 Rolling Thunder Lane
Friday night Wing night
Big Screen TVs Staunton, VA 24401
Wiskybilt (540) 213-7433
Where friends meet year ‘round. It’s all about the ride. www.shenhd.com
Custom crafted parts made in WV
BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL, (304) 379-1214 Smitty’s Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha
LEATHERS & GIFTS www.wiskybilt.com Rt. 33 E. Corridor H
Cool Ridge Buckhannon, WV 26201
329 High St. Morgantown, WV 26505 DEALERS & SERVICE (304) 472-4824
(304) 296-5757 Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles www.supersmittys.com
Mon - Sat 11 to 7 / Sun 12 to 5 406 West Race Street
“Take It Easy” Synful Cycle
Martinsburg, WV 25401 Service * Repair * Customizing
(304) 260-0070 54 GM Access Road, Suite G
Hawgs-N-Dawgs www.bustedknucklescycles.com
Biker Apparel – Leather – H-D Boots Martinsburg, WV 25403
Patches & More Country Chrome (304) 262-2400 Check us out on Facebook
112 Davis Avenue - Glen Lyn, VA 24093 Cycles – Trikes – ATVs The Twisted Spoke
(540) 726-3080 Parts – Accessories – Repair Custom Builds, Motorcycle & ATV Repair
16435 Parkersburg Rd. Elizabeth, WV 26143 97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301
HIAWATHA’S (304) 273-4986 www.countrychrome.com (304) 326-HOGG (4644)
Boots – Hats – Jewelry – Gifts – Aigner Leather www.thetwistedspoke.com
Moccasins – Beaded Jackets – WV Shirts JT Cycle & Hoodlum Motorcycle Garage
Jct. Rt. 250 S. & 33 E. Elkins, WV 26241 Aftermarket & Custom Parts & Accessories FINANCIAL SERVICES
(304) 636-4836 486 Ragland Road, Beckley, WV 25801 Edward Jones
“JUST LOOK FOR THE INDIAN PRINCESS” (304) 255-2468 Yvonne Williams, Financial Advisor
www.jtcycleparts.com 210 N. Main Street
Moorefield, WV (304) 538-2811
CUSTOM APPAREL M&J Motor Company Yvonne.Williams@edwardjones.com
My Club Clothing and Accessories Lehman Trike Conversions
Embossed, Silk Screened and 1000 S. Queen Street HEALTH & BEAUTY
Embroidered Custom Logos Martinsburg, WV 25401 A Therapeutic Touch of Fairmont
Kerry Henson (301) 733-9508 (717) 448-0975 (304) 262-6200 www.mjtrikes.com 210 East Park Avenue
www.myclubclothing.com Fairmont, WV 26554
Mercer County Choppers (304) 366-8711
4156 Coal Heritage Road EVERYBODY NEEDS A MASSAGE
Bluewell, WV 24701
CUSTOM ART (304) 589-6222 Meredith Hancock
Art by Weeze www.mercercountychoppers.com Independent Beauty Consultant
Custom art on bikes, leathers, helmets, www.marykay.com/mhancock78
auto, canvas & murals Morgantown Powersports (703) 965-1848
Martinsburg, WV (304) 264-4604 526 Mileground Road GET YOUR COLOR FIX!
www.artbyweeze.com Morgantown, WV 26505
http://profile.to/weezemace/ 304-296-9055 INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
www.morgantownpowersports.com PCM Industrial Services, Inc.
CUSTOM DESIGN & FABRICATION Industrial Maintenance & Construction Specialists
Brown’s Custom Coating & R.G. Honda-Yamaha & Polaris 107 Ogden Road
Fabrication 1619 Buckhannon Pike Altavista, VA 24517
Powder Coating & Fabrication Nutter Fort, WV 26301 (434) 309-1046
Rte. 1 Box 603 Mt. Clair, WV 26408 (304) 624-5420 (800) 734-3694
(304) 669-8976 The Fun Starts Here! INSURANCE
Mathias & Associates Insurance
Cosmic Wizard L.E.D.s Romney Cycle Center Farm – Home – Auto – Life - Health
Specializing in Motorcycle L.E.D. Lighting. 51 Industrial Park Motorcycle – Boat – RV Insurance
Accent, Brake, Turn Signals, and Much More. Romney, WV 26757 and Retirement Planning
(740) 706-2288 (740) 423-2028 (866) 766-1495 (304) 822-3933 (800) 628-3064 mathiasins@hardynet.com
www.cosmicwizardleds.com www.romneycycles.com continued on next page

INSURANCE (continued) SPORTING GOODS Calvary Riders Motorcycle Ministry
Nationwide Insurance Fishers of Men of Morgan County
Doug’s Sport Shop
Cynthia A. Hinkle Agency For more information email Larry at
New and Used Guns, Sporting Apparel,
125 S. Main Street Moorefield, WV 26836 CRMMFishersofMen@live.com
Aigner Products and Reloading Supplies
(304) 530-6225 devered2@nationwide.com
220 North Main Street; 743B Hawse Plaza
Call Cindy for a quote today! CBWV – Concerned Bikers of
Moorefield, WV 26836 (304) 538-6496
West Virginia (Fairmont, WV)
Rider Insurance For more information call
Knobley Farm –
Est. 1971 Earl at (304) 366-6473 or (304) 816-2863
Intersection Rt. 50 & Rt. 220
For a hassle free ride …Ride with Rider Email: Earl@thunderroadswv.com
Best Ice Cream on the East Coast
For a quick quote call (800) 595-6393
Liberty Gas, Diner, Under Armour
www.rider.com C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV)
Sporting Goods: Bows, Boots, Ammo, etc.
(304) 788-6304 www.knobleyfarmsportshop.com a non-profit organization enlisting the help of
LODGING & CAMPING other good hearted people wanting to contribute
River Bridge Retreat
Your Personal Get-Away
TATTOO STUDIOS to the cause of helping others in need. The
Pattys Art Spot organization holds monthly meetings and several
Moorefield, WV fundraising rides every year. Donations are
Tattoo & Piercing Studio
(304) 886-5100 always appreciated. For more information visit our
3399 University Ave.
www.RiverBridgeRetreat.com website at www.cehelpinghands.com.
Star City, WV (next to Crocketts)
(304)-598-0190
MOTORCYCLE PARTS www.PattysArtSpot.com Freedom Riders Motorcycle Assn.
CycleMart - (St. Marys, WV)
Your Motorcycle Parts Store
All Makes All Models
VEHICLE SERVICES Meets last Sunday of each month – 9:30 am at
Bob’s Tire Service Inc. Ryan’s Restaurant on Rt.14 from Mineral Wells to
202 Elkins Street Parkersburg. Breakfast from 8:30 am – 9:30am
812 East Moler Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554 Freedom Riders Advisors: Hollie and Connie
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 366-8119 McCoy (304) 684-3886
(304) 267-2797
www.bobstireservice.net sassie_1@frontiernet.net
Walneck’s Motorcycle
Swap Meets & Shows GWRRA WV-A (Martinsburg, WV)
Hot Rods Roll Back and Towing
Happening in KY & OH (Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc.)
Specializing in Motorcycle Towing
7923 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL. 60517 ‘Mountaineer Wings’
274 Bedington Road
(630) 985-2097 Meets the 1st Sunday of the month - 8am at
Martinsburg, WV 25401
www.walneckswap.com Hoss’s Steak House, Martinsburg, WV
(304) 267-5586 Visa & MC Accepted
Chapter Directors: JJ & Becky Jones
PMS Patty Products Rainbow Tire JJ: (301) 667-4040 johnjonesjgj@aol.com
www.pmspattystore.com Becky: (301) 667-0121 Rpepgirl@aol.com
10422 Veterans Memorial Highway
Facebook - http://companies.to/pmspatty/
Masontown, WV 26542
Other inquiries about PMS Patty please Highways and Hedges
304-854-3999
call Art by Weeze (304) 264-4604 Motorcycle Ministry
“Come See Us For Your Vehicle
Rim And Tire Needs.” (South Charleston, WV)
PHOTOGRAPHY For more information email Jim “Jammer”
Andy Bean Photography HOME SERVICES Marcum at: harley4me2@verizon.net
Morgantown, WV
B & B Appliance Repair
(304) 216-0434 STAR Touring and Riding Assoc.
Most Brands Serviced - 25 Years Experience
andy@andybeanphotography.com Chapter 485 (Martinsburg, WV)
(443) 605-6367 – Bill / Frederick County MD
andybeanphotography.com Meets the second Saturday of the month – 8:00
(443) 605-6368 – Brian / Jefferson County WV
am at Sheila’s Restaurant, Martinsburg, WV
Vetter Photo Clubs & Organizations Chapter President: Rick Shimp (703) 969-8745
1675 Cold Spring Road American Legion Riders Post #21 grizzlybr4@yahoo.com
Moorefield, WV 26836 (Winchester, VA) www.startouring485.webs.com
(304) 530-6855 Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month at
www.vetterphoto.com 7:00pm at the American Legion 1730 Berryville Pike
in Winchester, VA.
SELF DEFENSE Harry Stine (540) 667-4388 home (540) 247-9725 cell
Dragon Cloud Dojo
Mount Mission Community Center BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse
Rte. 9 and Mission Road (Inwood, WV)
A non-profit organization that exists with the intent to
Harpers Ferry, WV (304) 261-1609 create a safer environment for abused children.
Martial arts for any age Hot Line (304) 839-7809
bacaworld.org Email: bacaofwv@yahoo.com

By Jim “Jammer” Marcum
PRIORITIES
Spring is here! It’s a time of picnics, barbecues, family reunions and of course, getting on the bike and putting
our face in the wind! However, we need harmony and balance in our lives between our personal, physical and
spiritual wants and needs.
For example, one day I was polishing my bike. It was already clean and didn’t need any additional attention,
but I enjoy tinkering with my bike and found myself devoting hours to detailing it, and adding accessories that
weren’t really necessary. I began to think about my devotion to my bike and my devotion to God and a thought
came upon me. I wondered how much closer I could be to the Lord if I spend as much time with Him as I
do with my bike. With every swipe of the cloth across the gleaming chrome I realized that I better get some
priorities straight and acquire harmony and balance in my life.
If we neglect our family, we will lose our family. If we neglect our friends, we will lose our friends. If we
neglect God, then how can we expect Him to bless us? If we devote a small amount of time to God,
then we can expect a small amount of blessings. But if we devote a large amount of time praying
and reading the Bible, then we can expect an outpouring of His blessings!
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. The more we study His Word, the
more our faith is increased. The more time we spend communicating with Him, the more
He listens to us. This is a simple message, but yet a sobering thought.
Let’s enjoy the riding season and our passion for our machines, but let’s never
forget our passion and love for God.
Jim “Jammer” Marcum resides in Charleston and has been involved in motorcycle ministry for
- Jammer nearly 15 years and serves as Clergy within Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry.


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