Dragon Tales coming from foreign sources.
Corporations asking for financial
It has been a long time coming but the roads finally cleared, the
weather got warmer and a large number of us hit the roads. Thank
goodness, I was beginning to think we would never get out in the
wind! Gary and I took a ride to Wardensville to meet up with one of
our reps, Moe Vetter, and had the opportunity to welcome yet another
TRWV biker friendly establishment into the fold. We are growing
leaps and bounds and loving every minute of it. Never before has
West Virginia’s motorcycle community had its own magazine. We
hear from people everywhere how much they enjoy reading about
what is happening in their own state. Many are tired of reading about
builders in California or events in Florida but are excited to know that
they don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy events closer to home.
We have been hearing from various industries that the recognition of
regional magazines like Thunder Roads West Virginia are on the rise
as more and more Americans can not afford to take trips across the
country and are keeping local. Let’s face it, even on a bike you have
to pay to go anywhere. But knowing where you can go and still be
within a days ride of home is priceless. That is where we come in.
This country was founded on the belief that hard work and solid
ethics would make us strong and self sufficient. And now where are
we headed? Jobs being out sourced. A large majority of our food
2 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
assistance so they can pay bonuses to those that at least have a job.
What does that do for any of us? How does that strengthen this
country?
The small businesses that created the economy of this country will
once again bring it back. There are more and more individuals
taking the chance to make it on their own and open businesses even
now in a shaky economy. Why? Because they too believe that they
can make a difference. Thunder Roads West Virginia is a catalyst
for any business, large and small, to make direct contact with the
biking community. Bikers are people too. We live in houses, we
shop at stores and we spend what little we have to support our local
economy. How else is West Virginia going to get help if not from
its own citizens? Like I said, that’s where we come into the picture.
Take a look through the magazine, read the great articles and stories
within these pages and be sure to look at all the biker friendly
establishments that believe in Thunder Roads West Virginia and the
biking community. Spend some time checking out those places and
remember that when you are looking for your current copy of the
magazine, you can find it at one of our advertisers.
Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Donna
 Thunder Roads West Virginia From The Editor…............……………..…...4
P.O. Box 606 / Charles Town, WV 25414
www.thunderroadswv.com Letters...…………….............…………….….6
Owner / Editors
Gary Westphalen, Editor-in-Chief
Ice Riders Revisited………...........…….......6
gary@thunderroadswv.com / 304-616-0102
Donna K. Westphalen, CFO Keep Your Lid On........................................8
donna@thunderroadswv.com / 304-261-1609
Birth of a Legend.......................................10
Layout & Design
Barbara Laszewski Garner / Thunder Publishing Bike of the Month…..........……….............13
Ad Layout
Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics
Hidden Highway - State Route 34........….14

Contributors First Ride of Spring…………..........……..15

Jasen Hancock, Jim “Jammer” Marcum, Tom Metheny, Jay Murphy
Skin Art…………….............…………….…16
Advertising Sales / Distribution
National Accounts Center Calendar.…..............………………18
Donna K. Westphalen - 304-261-1609 / donna@thunderroadswv.com
Harrison, Marion, Taylor
Spring Tune-Up…................………………20
Earl Nuzum – 304-816-2863 / earl@thunderroadswv.com
K.I.S.S……..............….…………………….22
Northwest WV
Greg Vernon 304-616-0249 / greg@thunderroadswv.com
The $1,000 Fill-Up……...............………...24
Hardy, Grant, Mineral, Hampshire, Pendleton
Moe Vetter - 304-668-9563 / moe@thunderroadswv.com
TNT…..……..............……………………….26
Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson
Dave Luksa - 304-268-1315 / dave.luksa@thunderroadswv.com The Jokers Wild.…...........………………..28
Mercer, Monroe, Summer, McDowell
Curtis Humphreys - 276-620-8965 / curtis@thunderroadswv.com Seats & Saddles……...........………………29
Summers, Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Greenbrier
Jeff Davis – 304-673-7321 / jeff@thunderroadswv.com Meet the Crew...........................................32
Jefferson
Howard “Pops” Evans - 540-327-6588 / popsthunderroadswv@yahoo.com The High Road…..............…….………….33
Dave Michel - 703-517-2890 / dave.michel@thunderroadswv.com
Biker Friendly Directory…..........……..…34
National Founders
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon Upcoming Events……...........……….……36
PO Box 174 / Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580
email: thunderroads@charter.net ON THE COVER
Copyright 2010. 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 You don’t have to go to a museum to see a meticulously restored Harley-
the written permission of the Publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility and is not Davidson from more than 8 decades ago. You just have to keep an eye
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 out for Jay and Jackie Murphy as they tool around West Virginia on this
control, any and all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use classic motorcycle that has been in Jay’s family since it was bought in
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 West Virginia, 1928. And what’s their greatest adventure on this old bike? They rode to
Thunder Roads Magazine, or Thunder Publishing. The Publisher does not promote the abuse a museum full of old bikes. The irony unfolds on page 10.
of alcohol or other drugs.

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 3

 Are we having fun yet?
Running a magazine like Thunder Roads West Virginia is quite
a challenge. Our crew is literally at it day and night, seven days
a week, to bring this magazine to you each month. Our staff
of sales reps fan out across the state every day, collaborating
with biker friendly establishments to help them get the word
out and to distribute the magazines each month. Our design
and layout artists regularly burn the midnight oil to bring you
the most creative ads for those businesses and to present the
entire magazine in an eye-pleasing and engaging fashion. I’m
very proud of the roll all of these brothers and sisters play, and
this magazine – YOUR magazine – can sit proudly alongside
any other mag, anywhere.
Riding herd over all of the business side of this endeavor is
Donna, my wife, co-owner, and the Chief Financial Officer
for Thunder Roads West Virginia. You want to talk about never-ending. And even before I think I’m done with one issue,
paperwork? Just looking at her desk scares me to no end. And the next one is already staring me in the face.
the phone? She’s got that earpiece in from the crack of dawn Building this magazine from nothing is a Herculean task. But
until well past sunset every day. New e-mails pop up on her none of us are complaining. We understand that the vision
computer every minute. She is a whirlwind of activity and does of uniting the motorcycle community in our state is worth the
the tasks of half a dozen mere mortals. effort. We’re the foot soldiers for your magazine. The more you
And then there’s me. The stories, pictures, overall content and read, the more you contribute stories and pictures, the more
look of Thunder Roads West Virginia are splattered all over you support the businesses that support us, the stronger the
my desk, shelves and adjoining floor. Thousands of decisions family of bikers gets. That’s our goal. And every time one of
go into each month’s edition. Every single word and image on you calls or writes to say you like what we’re doing, we couldn’t
these pages passes through my computer. Every call, every be happier…or more humbled.
e-mail, every article contribution from you gets my attention You’ll notice that nowhere in this column have I used the words
and I respond to each one of them. And to capture those “work” or “job”. When we started this magazine eight issues
stories and pictures I ride (okay, drive when winter dictates) ago, we stopped “working”, but we’ve never been busier than
all over this state, as much as humanly possible. Rain, heat, we are now. So, back to that question that started this column:
cold, night, distances – doesn’t matter. It is a seven day a week Are we having fun yet?
effort. The deadlines come around every month like clockwork
HELL, YES!
and I have to meet them without excuse. My to-do list is truly
Gary

4 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010

 SHENANDOAH S
SHENANDOAH
HARLEY-DAVIDSON S
H
HARLEY-DAVIDSON H
SHENANDOAH S
West Virginia HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Shenandoah
Harley-Davidson
H
One year subscription to Thunder Roads is only $35 a year. Select a Dealer Logo Shenandoah
213 Rolling Thunder Lane •
The nation’s largest FREE biker publication Select a Dealer Logo
Harley-Davidson
Staunton, VA 24401 •
213 Rolling Thunder Lane •
can be delivered right to your door.
540-213-7433
Staunton, VA 24401 •
Name___________________________________ Shenandoah
540-213-7433

Harley-Davidson
Address_________________________________ Select a Dealer Logo
213 Rolling Thunder Lane •
Staunton, VA 24401 •
City____________________________________ 540-213-7433

State_________________ Zip_______________

Make Check payable to:

Thunder Roads West Virginia

Mail check and this form to:

Thunder Roads West Virginia
P.O. Box 606
Charles Town, WV 25414

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 5


Letters To
The Editor
Helmet Law Repeal Effort
So, you want to ride West Virginia without a helmet? Join the club. I’ve been in
pursuit of this dream for 18 years. Although we have come much closer in the
past than we did this year, the game, and the players are basically the same. The
Confederation of Clubs, and until this year ABATE of West Virginia have been
instrumental in getting the bills submitted, moved threw committees, and to the
floor when possible. Basically the same legislators are sitting in the same seats
playing the same old game. The bright side to this equation is the third leg. The
Governor. The first year he was in office he asked us to stand down, and let him
handle it. We did, and he didn’t.
Lesson Learned. Now there is no doubt in my mind that Uncle Joe will sign the bill
if passed. But he don’t want it badly enough to invest an any political capitol in it
Unfortunately, West Virginia Senate Bill 192 that would have
repealed much of the helmet law was not taken seriously by the
Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. See our story
in this month’s magazine for details. The bill was not perfect, but in
our opinion deserved to be debated by the full legislature and should
have been passed. The “public safety” arguments put forth by those
opposed to this bill are laughable and only serve to illustrate that
these decisions are being made by people who know nothing about
motorcycling. Every biker in the state needs to contact his/her state
legislators to be heard on this issue. They are in Charleston to
represent us, and if they won’t listen to us they aren’t living up to that
commitment. This is our government to control, not the other way
around. Get involved!
Gary

Ice Riders
other than signing.
So, what’s a Biker to do? Personally I took a step back, and listened to my Brothers
across the country who have been successful in changing the law so they can Ride
Free, and decided a different path was in order. After all, those that keep doing the
same old thing over and over again expecting different results are IDIOTS! Present Revisited
company included.
It’s been proven in state after state that there is only one sure way to beat this
game. Get involved in the campaigns DUH!. That’s how Texas, Arkansas, and
Kentucky, managed it. All of them loosely based on the efforts of my Bro. Sputnik
down in Texas. If you want to know how it’s done, take look at his Five Steps to
Freedom at
www.tmra2.org/5steps.shtml and see for yourself. Some of what he says doesn’t
pertain to West Virginia, but you can get a revised version written for West Virginia
at www.angelfire.com/wv2/bulliten/fivesteps.html.
In last month’s issue of Thunder Roads West Virginia
Question is, just how bad do you want it? Could you pound a few election posters in
we ran this circa 1930 picture of three brave bikers
the ground? How about stuffing envelopes? Or if you like talking on the phone you
could help man the phone banks of your chosen legislator. on the iced-over Monongahela River in Fairmont,
in an attempt to see if you could help us learn any
Elections cost MONEY! Anytime a candidate can get something done for free they
can spend that money someplace else. Politicians that forget those that help them
details about it. To date, no one has been able to
forget at their own peril. They tend to listen to constituents that helped them get offer anything about these brave brothers. But with
elected. the help of 20’s era Harley-Davidson aficionado Jay
So, what are you ready to do to regain a freedom lost in 1971? You ready to Murphy, we do have a little better lock on the bikes.
DANCE? Can you hear the music? Contact the DUCK at glduck@msn.com. We Jay agrees with our assessment that the shape of the
do have a plan.
tank on the bike in the middle means it is a pre-1925
Don “DUCK” Smith
“J” model, produced from 1921-24. The tank was
Biker Republic WV made larger and rounded off beginning with the
1925 models. That’s our first indication that the bikes
Duck, on either end of the picture are a few years newer
Well said, Brother. Getting the biker community involved is exactly than the center bike. They are also “J” series Harleys,
what’s needed and is why I committed four pages of the magazine to probably built between ‘25 and ’27. Harley added a
this issue in March and a few more this month. Although I personally front brake as standard equipment in 1928, and these
advocate the use of a good helmet, I absolutely insist that the
bikes are not sporting that equipment.
individual rider has the right to make that choice. The Constitution
of the United States and the Bill of Rights are the ultimate laws of For more about the “J” bikes, see the feature on Jay
this land, and in my reading of these documents I don’t see a single Murphy’s very own beautifully restored example on
word that suggests the government has the right to regulate our lives
page 10.
down to the choice of headgear we wear when we ride a motorcycle.

6 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010

www.thunderroadswv.com
Thunder Roads West Virginia has so much going on all over the internet that it takes two screens to see it all. The thousand of readers who visit our website every
week are treated to updates and stories you just won’t see anywhere else. The Events Calendar is updated constantly, so you can plan your entire summer’s worth
of riding in one sitting. Links to all of the Biker Friendly advertisers who support your FREE copy of this magazine are there as well. Back issues of the magazine and
other goodies can be had through the “Gear Bag” on our website. Stories and features are always changing, so check back often at www.thunderroadswv.com.
You’ll need that second screen
for our Facebook page. Now
you can follow the daily trials
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Ride with us as we travel all
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Become a fan of Thunder Roads
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direct link on our Home Page at
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www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 7

 Keep Your Lid On
State Senator Jack Yost
(District 1 - Brooke)
It never had a chance. For the second year in a row, a bill to rescind much of West
Virginia’s helmet law has died in a State Senate committee without ever being
given the chance to be discussed, much less voted on, by the full legislature.
No action was taken on Senate Bill 192 by the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee before the deadline for new legislation. The decision to take no action
on the proposal was made by State Senator John Unger II, who represents
Berkeley County, and is Chairman of the committee.
Senate Bill 192 would have eliminated mandatory helmet use for riders over 21
who have a motorcycle endorsement on their license for at least two years, and
carry $10,000 or more in medical insurance for motorcycle-related injuries.
“We’ve got the same committee members as last year and the fate of it would
probably be the same as it was last year. It would have been voted down,” says
Senator Unger about his decision to keep the bill off the Transportation Committee
agenda. “We had other issues we had to discuss this year, particularly funding for
the roads.”
The decision to keep the proposal from even being debated is an affront to
Senator Jack Yost of Brooke County who introduced the bill both times. “I heard
comments the other day from one of the Senators that he just opposes the bill and
he works hard to even keep that bill from coming up for discussion,” says Senator
Yost.
“This issue has been around for a long time in the legislature…It’s been
there longer than I have,” says Senator Unger of the proposed helmet law
changes. “There doesn’t seem to be the political support for it.” As Chair of the
Transportation Committee, Unger did not cast a vote on the bill last year and
says he still isn’t sure how he would vote on a proposal to ease helmet usage. “I
support the freedom aspect. As long as you’re not harming anyone else or taking
anybody else’s rights away, kind of the Libertarian approach, then you ought to be
able to do what you feel is proper and appropriate for yourself.”
But Unger says he’s not sure that is sufficient reason in the case of helmets,
because he fears that a helmet free biker poses a danger to others on the road.
8 Thunder Roads West Virginia
State Senator John Unger II
(District 16 - Berkeley)
“When you’re riding down the road and you don’t have proper protection, and if
a rock or whatever jumps up…if I’m driving behind a biker and they get hit in the
head with a stone or something, and they’re not wearing protective gear, and it
knocks them off and I end up hitting them that’s not a good thing either. When
you’re on public roads, in order to be able to function in society, you have to
have the safety precautions in order to make sure that it doesn’t impact another
motorist.”
“Maybe down the road there’s a chance that leadership of the committees will
change and we can get this to the floor,” says Senator Yost. The Senator says he’s
willing to keep up the fight. “If the folks want, I’ll work with them. I still support the
bill and I think there are a lot of people that do. But there are some here [in the
State Legislature] who just make it known that they don’t want this.”
“It’s normal our reps, if that’s what you want to call them, have their own little
personal agendas,” says ABATE of West Virginia’s State President Harry Metheny.
The biker’s rights group has been trying to gain passage of the helmet repeal
for years. “The only way that we will see any thing in our favor is for the riders
of WV to start voting them out of office, to let them know we do have a voice.”
Metheny lives around Weirton in the northern panhandle, and says he has gotten
significant help from the Delegates and Senators from Brooke and Hancock
counties. Senator Yost, who introduced the bill, represents the three counties in
the panhandle.
The membership of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
consists of 9 Senators and is Chaired by John Unger, II. The other Senators
on the Committee are: Vice-Chair Evan Jenkins (Cabell); Douglas Facemire
(Braxton); John Pat Fanning (McDowell); Robert Plymale (Wayne); Ron Stollings
(Boone); Randy White (Webster); Clark Barnes (Randolph); and Karen Facemyer
(Jackson).
“Just remember the next election,” says Harry Metheny of ABATE. “Check to see
how your reps voted on the helmet bill or who tied it up in committee, then vote
accordingly. It’s time to let these people know they work for us.”
www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 9
 has compression rings.” This allows a certain amount
of exhaust gases to blow by the pistons and into the
crankcase, and then back up again for the exhaust
stroke. “This one has two compression rings, and it
actually burns it right out through the cylinders like
a two-stroke. That’s why everybody says, ‘Oh, Man.
Your bike’s smoking!’ I say, ‘Yeah. Let me know when
it’s not. Then I got trouble!’” That gallon of oil will run
between four and five-hundred miles between fills. “If
you’re going on a long trip you’ve got to throw some
in the sidecar.”
Speaking of long trips and sidecars, how about Fair-
mont to Maggie Valley, North Carolina on the Blue
Ridge Parkway, in a sidecar? Jay’s wife Jackie liked
the idea, so off they went. It was quite an adventure
that even included a less-than-fun flat tire episode.
But such is life on the road. Their destination was
the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. This

Birth of
place is one of a very few reasons to ever ride outside
of West Virginia.
This wasn’t the first time Jay had tire troubles. “Yeah,

a Legend
that crash. I burnt my leg in three places back in
2002. Had the rear tire blow out on me. Put me in the
guardrails. It didn’t really do much damage to the bike.
Didn’t help me out much, though.”
One thing that does help Jay is the internet. Find-
ing parts to keep an 82-year-old motorcycle in fine
By Gary Westphalen roadworthy condition is a lot easier than it was in the
late 70’s when he began the restoration work. “You
Most of the industrialized world was in a recession as the 1920’s fell to the front page of the calendar. Ford had couldn’t hardly find anything for it…with the internet
slashed the price of the Model T to 395 bucks. Harley-Davidson’s big twins cost about the same. Now to you you can buy a lot of aftermarket parts for these. It’s
and me, the choice is a no-brainer. But the populous of the day felt the stodgy practicality of Henry’s horseless amazing how much you can buy for them now. There’s
carriage was the way to go. Motorcycle sales fell by nearly two-thirds. a company in Texas that builds a lot of engine parts…
over in Europe you can buy tanks. They’ll make you
On the surface that sounds like a gloomy picture, and it was. But the silver lining is that this scenario helped
a new set of tanks. You can buy new fenders, stuff
make Harley-Davidson what it is today. The bright spot for Milwaukee was the introduction of HD’s “Superpow-
like that.”
ered Twins”. Big 74 inch V-Twins that churned out an overwhelming 18 horsepower. The “J” Series bikes were
Milwaukee’s answer to Indian’s V-Twins and to Henderson’s four cylinder monsters. The J’s sported an F-Head After burning more than a few hours of Jay’s time look-
engine whose design for the big twin would endure for years. ing at and jawing about this superb “JD” that has been
handed down through the family, there is really only
Sales were disappointing through the 20’s, but the “74” was refined in both form and function a little at a time.
one question left.
Thanks to things like its racy top-end of around 75 mph, the machine became the stuff of motorcycle legend.
Yes, THE legend. “Top speed? I’ve had it about 70, 72. Right in there.
But that’s a little faster than you want to go on it,” Jays
The J bikes were sold until 1929, but let’s stop that tumbling calendar one year earlier so we can get a close
says with an educated laugh. “Things are rattling at
look at a really great example of a restored ‘28 “JD”. The restoration of this bike was done by Jay Murphy, whose
that point.”
great uncle bought the bike new from a Harley-Davidson dealer in Grafton, WV. The Great Depression claimed
that dealer, and motorcycling got into the blood of Jay’s great uncle. You may not see Jay getting pulled over for speeding
on this 1928 Harley-Davidson JD, but you certainly will
“He rode it many, many miles here in West Virginia. It was their main transportation. That, and the sidecar,” says
see him out on the highways of West Virginia through-
Jay. Oh, yes, there’s a sidecar. More about that, later. The great uncle’s son inherited the bike and, in 1977, gave
out the summer. This bike is one legend that really
the poorly preserved machine to Jay. He messed around with it, got it running, and just played with it for a while.
does roll on.
Then Jay got serious about bringing this bike back to showroom glory. “A total restora-
tion. Every bolt, nut, wire. Everything on it was totally restored. It, and the sidecar.” Jay
says even the paint is as close to accurate as modern technology can provide. “We
even used an optical scanner and scanned some original paint that I found on one of
the backsides of the tanks.”
This bike carries the “D” in its name, which means it is the electrically equipped ver-
sion. It has a six-volt generator, battery, coil, and electric lights instead of a magneto
and acetylene torches. Electric start? Uh, no. But the ’28 did see the introduction of a
front drum brake as standard equipment.
“That’s still a ‘Total Loss’ oil system on that bike. It’s a four stroke, naturally, but it
doesn’t circulate its oil. You actually have a one gallon oil tank up there with the
gasoline,” Jay explains. An “automatic” pump feeds a regulated amount of oil from
that reservoir over the collections of bearings inside the crankcase. “It actually keeps
about four ounces of oil in the crankcase, and then it doesn’t have oil rings. It just

10 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010

 THE TRIP

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 11

12 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
 Tom’s One Owner BIKE
MON OF T
HE
TH
It was 1991 when Tom Metheny walked into the
showroom of the Suzuki shop and said, “I’ll
take it.” What he got was a brand new Intruder
1400. Built on an assembly line, just like all
the other Intruders she was sitting amongst.
Interchangeable parts. But this one was different.
“I don’t like having stuff like everybody else. I
like to be different,” explains Tom as he thinks
back on the day he spotted this bike. “I’m a little
different than most people. I try to be different
intentionally.”
“Different” is what Tom saw in this bike. For one
thing, she was dressed in a two-tone blue paint
job unlike any of the others. It’s even possible that
this paint job was supposed to be destined for a
market in some other country. But here she was.
And Tom knew different when he saw it. $5,800
later, Tom and the bike rode away.
So he took this bike home, and began making it his
own. He bought some pieces from places like J.C.
Whitney. Then he saw an Intruder that the owner of
Seeger Cycles in Ohio had put together and Tom
began to pattern his bike after that, tapping them
for major sections like the not-so-subtle front end.
The straight drag pipes came from Germany. The
seat is aftermarket. The headlight is built for a
different bike. He’s building new handlebars for
it right now. A cover for the triple tree is on the
drawing boards. 19 years after he bought it, the
bike is still a work in progress. And he has done all
of this for under Ten Grand, including the $5,800
original purchase price.
Part of the reason this bike has been under
continuous modification is because of the way
Tom has funded the project. One tax return check
at a time. “Each year I would get some stuff
because that was the only time I had enough cash
to do something with. So I’d go to the local bike
shop or whatever and order a few things and put
them on. Then next year, I’d do some more.”
“Everything that’s ever been done to that bike,
I did it myself. It’s never been in the shop since
the day I bought it,” says Tom. That might not
surprise you, especially when you find out that the
only thing besides tires and oil that’s ever been
replaced on this bike is the spark plugs. And it’s
only on its fourth set of those.
The surprise comes when a glance at the odometer
shows 110-thousand miles! Close inspection One more thing about those 110 ticks. Every last
shows the tiny dings and road rash here and there one of them has been inside the State of West
– the little badges of honor worn proudly by true Virginia. “That bike’s never been out of state,”
warriors of the road. But this bike has clearly been Tom is proud to say. “The wife and I do a lot of little
well tended. “Basically just keeping it in out of the routes every night. That’s just how we unwind. We
weather, just keeping it washed all the time,” Tom just take little routes of two, three hours. Stop for
explains. ice cream or a burger while we’re out. Just short,
Most bikers would be thinking about a new ride little rides and we do tons of them.”
after 19 years and 110-thousand. Not Tom. “Why They almost always ride alone because, as Tom
would I want to retire it? It’s just getting broke in. explains, “We never know where we’re going when
Naw, I spent a lot of time getting it the way it is now we leave the house. We just take off in a direction,
to where that’s what I always wanted…As long as I and then, let’s go this way.” He always manages to
can throw my leg over it, it will keep going.” find his way back home. At least, so far.

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 13

 Hidden Highways
State Route 34

The little blue breaks visible between layers of clouds are shrinking as the juicy cold
front roars across Kentucky and Ohio. It’s shoving those clouds together, forming
a dark, steel-gray sky that’s going let loose on me at any minute. But there’s this
squiggly line on my map that calls out to be explored. I must go.
At the southern end of Kenna in Jackson County, State Route 34 takes a hard
right. As I make the turn I encounter a road sign that confirms what my map has
suggested. The “Winding Road” sign is meant to be a cautionary warning to those
who take this obscure ribbon of highway. But to a biker, it reads more like an
invitation. Never mind the impending downpour, the sign makes me smile. This is
going to be good.
Riding 34 feels a lot like being on a roller coaster. It goes up, down, around and
around. Many of the curves are crest riding, wide-open sweepers while others are
tight blind curves. There are times when you’ll tap into
your transmission’s high gears, but you’ll spend most of
the ride snapping between second and third. You’ll be
busy.
There is a steady stream of homes and small farms that first of many raindrops. I am barely able to get my rain gear
drift through your peripheral vision as you stay focused on on before the trickle of rain turns into a deluge.
that next curve ahead. But there are also plenty of spots
where the road rises to the crest of the next ridge and the It’s a shame that I didn’t get to make the return trip on dry
view of the surrounding hills competes for your attention. road. There were a lot of pictures I didn’t get a chance to
The west-central part of West Virginia, like most all of take. There were a lot of challenging curves that I had to
the state, is beautiful country. There’s no reason to stop tip-toe my way through. That’s not to say the road wasn’t
anywhere along this stretch of Route 34. It’s rural from fun in the pouring rain. It was. But it was that perverse
end to end. But if you want to spend half an hour laughing kind of fun that comes from knowing that you are doing
uncontrollably as you climb up and down the gearbox, this something most people would consider crazy. Since my
road fills the bill. tires were nearing the end of their useful life, they didn’t
inspire a lot of confidence, either.
I have encountered very little traffic on my 20 mile trek
from Kenna, just off I-77 down to the southwest end of The bottom line is that State Route 34 from the Kanawha
the ride where Route 34 bumps into the Kanawha River in River to the junction with I-77 is a terrific little road. It will
Putnam County. The highway number lives on past this point, but for a biker, the challenge a rider to develop a mastery of the gearbox as well as teach a little about
fun is over. This is the end of the Hidden Highway. For me, it has come just in time looking all the way through the corners. It offers some wide-open vistas and some
to be able to say I rode the entire length on dry tarmac. As I stop to take one quick spots where the surrounding forest closes in around the road. It is also a nifty little
look at the river and turn my bike around, that ever-darkening sky lets loose with the shortcut if you’re traveling from, say, Hurricane to Ripley. Forget the Interstates –
do it on two lanes.

14 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010

Now that was a tough winter. The basic measurement of snowfall in much of West
Virginia this year was in feet of accumulation. Inches were barely noticed. The
snow clouds rolled in sometime around last November and didn’t leave until right
around the end of February.
And then the first weekend in March happened. The sun came out. The
snow banks receded from the edges of the road. The pavement was dry. The
temperature climbed all to way to the little 50’s. Good enough.
Caution rules the day as we begin rolling out of the driveway and down our one
It’s working. Being out on the bike is already doing its magic. We’re feeling better.
The wind is in our face. The THUNDER surges from our bikes as the ROADS roll
under our wheels. This is what it is all about.
We’re not alone! Enjoying that first deep lean through a tight curve we are
compelled to reach a hand out and wave to that biker who is applying his skills to
making that curve in the opposite direction. The wave is returned. The family is
together again. On the road.
Spring is finally here.

First
lane road. The damage to the blacktop left behind by its battle with the forces
of winter is striking. We aren’t very high on the road maintenance list so we
begin memorizing our new dance as we pick the smoothest route through
the potholes and pulverized stretches of broken pavement. But we’re
rolling!

Ride
It’s still chilly, so the ride will only be about 120 miles around with a stop
to visit with some fellow riders. We’re barely a few miles from the start
when we realize that those agonizing months of winter have already
melted away from the front of our
thoughts just like those shrunken
snow banks in the ditch.

of
Spring

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 15

S
K
I
N
A
R
T
16 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 17
Spring Tune-Up
The winter of our discontent is finally over. It’s time to stop daydreaming about riding and hit the bricks.
Although many riders have already been out on the roads, most are just now thinking about going out to the
garage and clearing away the winter month’s worth of clutter that has been piling up around the bike. When
you pull that tarp off, what are you going to see? A rusty, dead hulk of a machine that’s going to take hours to
just get running, or a well-preserved, lively road warrior that’s just a few minutes away from putting your face in
the wind?

Thunder Roads West Virginia is eager to meet up with you out on the byways of this great state, so we’re
here to help you with a spring checklist of things you need to pay attention to before you turn the key. They’re
not all about the mechanics of your bike, either. Is your inspection current? Is your insurance coverage what
it should be? Take care of these things now, and you’ll be able to ride the roads with a carefree attitude all
summer long. Let’s look at these important issues one at a time.

The Motorcycle
For help with what you need to do to make your machine road ready, we turned to Jasen Hancock, a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic. Here’s his checklist of
10 items that any rider should be able to do to take care of his/her scoot before rolling out of the driveway on that first run. This is just a basic check list. If you find
something beyond your ability or understanding take it to a professional. Jasen’s list starts from the ground up.

1. Check your tire pressure - Most bikes are 32 psi 3. Check your shocks front and rear, unless you have 5. Carbureted or fuel injected, you still have an air
for the front and 36 psi for the rear, depending on a rigid, look for excessive seepage and check for cleaner. See if it’s dirty or if any creatures have made
the tire size and model. Check your owner’s manual loose bolts on the rear. a home over the winter.
for the correct pressure and it will also give you a
checklist for pre-riding. After your tires are inflated
properly check them for tread depth wear and dry
rot. Look for foreign objects that may have punctured
your tire. If so replacement is recommended.

6. Battery - unless you had a battery charger on all

winter, take your battery somewhere to be tested to
make sure it’s fully charged.

2. Check your rims - Jack your bike up off the ground if

you can, if not roll your tire in increments to check your
spokes with a spoke wrench for any loose spokes. 4. Check belts and chains for looseness and debris.

20 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010


7. Make sure your all of your lights are working
properly, as well as your horn.
8. Tighten nuts and bolts - If you notice any loose bolts
or nuts, tighten them (to proper specs if you can).
9. Check your fluid levels before starting the bike. If
they seem low do not add any at that time. The fluids
might have drained into the engine case. Start your
bike first and let it run for at least 10 minutes or until
the engine is at a normal operating temperature. Then
check the fluids again. Now is the time to change the
fluids if you didn’t get to it before winter storage.
10. Fuel can go bad, check by the smell. If the level is
low add fresh gas. It will help dilute any old gas unless
of course you have a full tank. If it smells bad, siphon
the majority of it out and replace with fresh gas.
www.thunderroadswv.com
Inspection
Although West Virginia motorcycle inspections can expire during any month of the year, taking care of this
annual ritual at the start of the season gets it out of the way. Not all motorcycle repair shops are inspection
stations. In fact, many smaller shops avoid inspection service because of the paperwork and licensing required
by the state. However, most shops that do automotive inspections are also licensed to inspect motorcycles.
You need to have three things along when taking your bike in for inspection. You need a current registration,
a current certificate of insurance, and a few bucks. State law allows inspection stations to charge up to $12,
plus 66 cents tax. Forget any one of these three items and you’ll be making a second trip to the shop for the
inspection.
West Virginia state code requires a 12 step inspection procedure. The inspector, who is trained and licensed
by the WV State Police, must first verify your registration and insurance by inspecting the certificates and
logging the appropriate information on a state form. Removal of the old inspection sticker is the next order of
business. At this point the inspector will take a look at the general condition of the bike, making sure the frame
and sheet metal parts appear to be in roadworthy condition. The horn, high and low beam headlights, driving
lights, running lights, brake lights and turn signals will all be tested. A visual inspection will be made of brake
pads and hoses, front end steering components, exhaust system, wheels and tires. When the inspector is
satisfied that these systems are in good repair, a new sticker is affixed.
What happens if the bike fails the inspection? You walk home. Okay, not really. But you are not allowed to just
go merrily on your way, either. When a rejection sticker is placed on your bike, you are allowed only to ride it
home or to a repair shop. You have five days from the date of rejection to make the appropriate fixes and take
it back to the same inspection shop for approval. And, yes, you may be charged for a second inspection. The
regulations also make it very clear that the repairs do not have to be made by the same establishment that
rejected the inspection. You can take the bike to your favorite shop, as long as the repairs are made within that
five day time frame.
Insurance
Motorcycle insurance is something every biker is required to have, but hopes is never needed. The moment
when you do have to call on your insurance for help is the wrong time to find out that you don’t have the
proper coverage. Pull your policy out of that dusty file cabinet and look it over before the riding season hits full
stride, and it’s another thing you won’t have to worry about as you rumble on down the byways. If you don’t
understand the details, or think you may want to make some changes, contact your agent right away.
“The state requirements are not very high,” according to Tom Mathias of Mathias Insurance in Moorefield.
Tom says motorcycle insurance must carry dollar values of at least “20-thousand bodily injury per person,
40-thousand per accident, and 10-thousand property damage. So those are pretty low state limits. And you’re
required to carry at least the same limits on un- and under-insured motorist.” Mathias says a better coverage
level is 250-thousand bodily injury, 500-thousand per accident, and 100-thousand property damage.
There is one other optional coverage available for motorcyclists that Tom Mathias says needs to be taken
seriously. It’s called Med Pay, and is available for both rider and passenger. “Medical Payments are to pay your
medical bills if you get involved in an accident,” says Tom. “Let’s say it’s a single motorcycle accident, no one
else involved but you yourself. That’s the only coverage you have under your policy that’s going to reimburse
you for your medical bills. Hopefully a person also has health insurance, and if they do, the med pay on your
motorcycle policy is primary because there’s no deductible. It’s going to pay first, and then that will apply
towards your deductible on your health policy.” Med pay coverage on most motorcycle policies is written for
between one and five-thousand dollars worth of coverage.
If you have loaded your bike with gobs of aftermarket bling, this also needs to be considered when insuring
your bike. Each insurance company handles this differently, so check with your agent about the coverage your
policy provides. Tom says if your bike has more aftermarket goodies than your standard policy will cover, an
endorsement for extra coverage can be added. Pictures of the bike and receipts for aftermarket add-ons can
ease the way if you ever need to file a claim.
There are also a number of things you can do to help hold down the cost of those premiums. Join a recognized
motorcycle club like HOG, AMA, GWRRA and others. “You get huge discounts on your motorcycle policies,”
by being a club member according to Mathias. “And then if you have your home, your autos, and life insurance
and motorcycles all tied together you get another really nice discount.” You can also get around a $50 per year
discount by regularly taking a rider safety course.
Checklist Complete
That’s about it. In just a couple of hours time, you have managed to get your routine paperwork squared away
and the bike ready to roll. There’s only one thing left to do. Gear up and go make some THUNDER on the
ROADS of WEST VIRGINIA. See you out there!
APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 21
 TWO-CHEESES, HAM, BANANA &
POTATO CHIPS CASSEROLE
1 Pkg. Softened Cream Cheese
12 Slices of White Bread w/ Crusts Cut-Off
1 Pound of Deli Ham; Sliced Razor Thin
4 Bananas, Sliced in 1/2 inch Discs
1/2 Bag (2 Cups) Crushed Regular Potato Chips
6 Slices of Bacon; Cooked Crisp
4 Eggs
1 Cup of Whole Milk
1 Cup of Heavy Cream
1/2 tsp. of Nutmeg
Salt & Cracked Pepper to Taste
I know it sounds whacked, but my Mom used to make this cause it was
cheap to fix and went a long way for a family of seven! Try it.....it will
become one of your faves too......especially for Pot-Luck Socials.
Butter spray a 9x13 glass baking dish. Spread Cream Cheese liberally
over (6) pieces of your white bread squares (minus crusts), lay them down
flat in baking dish. Take your razor-thin deli ham and just make an even
layer of it all over bread slices and pat down. Sprinkle your cheese all
over top evenly. Then, cut your bananas all over the top of your ham, then
the remainder (6) pieces of de-crusted white bread, spread w/ the cream
cheese, lay that down on top of bananas, press down again. Next, in a
separate bowl, mix up your whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt & pepper
to taste & nutmeg. Pour this down all over and around sides of casserole.
Now, put your potato chips in a large plastic bag and leave open just a
bit at top for air and just smoosh them up in bag and then spread evenly
all over top, and then crumble up bacon and distribute evenly all over
top of chips. Bake in a 350 pre-heated oven for 45 minutes. Let cool and
then cut & serve in squares. This will become one of your “go-to” comfort
dishes that you’ll pass down thru time.
SUPER E-Z, BLUE CHEEZY HOME DRESSING
1 (8 oz.) Tub Sour Cream
1 Cup (4 oz.) Crumbled Blue Cheese
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home.
22 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
1 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
Salt & Cracked Pepper to taste
Combine all together in a small bowl, cover & refrigerate for at least 1
hour. The best!
HURTS SO GOOD.......
CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING
1 Loaf of crusty French or Italian Bread
* Cut into medium-sized cubes
3 Cups of Whole Milk
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
1 Cup Granulated Sugar or *Splenda for Baking
1 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Real Cocoa Powder
1-1/2 Tbls. Quality Vanilla Extract
2 tsps. Pure Almond Extract
1-1/2 tsps. Ground Cinnamon
6 Eggs; lightly beaten
8 Ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Lightly butter spray a 9x13 glass baking dish and add the bread cubes.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream & Bailey’s. In separate bowl,
combine the granulated sugar (or Splenda) and brown sugar with the
cocoa powder and mix well. Add dry mix to the milk mixture and whisk
together well to blend. Add the vanilla & almond extracts to beaten eggs.
Now, combine egg mixture with milk mixture and mix them up good. Stir
in the chocolate chips and pour the entire mixture evenly all over the
bread cubes. You’ll need to let stand for about 20 minutes to let bread
cubes absorb & soak up, stirring occasionally. Bake the pudding for 1
hour in 325 pre-heated oven. Now.....real quick, cause’ it only takes a
minute, mix up one box of Jell-O brand plain Vanilla pudding or French
Vanilla Pudding (your call) and pour it all down and over your Chocolate
Bread Pudding. Let the pudding set-up just a bit but be sure and serve
warm & yummy. You could also drizzle Caramel ice-cream topping over it
if you don’t like the pudding idea. Or come up with a topping of our own.
However you serve it, it will rock the house, baby!
www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 23
 The $1,000 Fill-Up
The blending of up to 10% ethanol with gasoline in the nation’s fuel supply contin- “When I took it for a little spin up the road I noticed I felt something smacking my
ues to damage more and more motorcycle engines. In a two-part series of stories pant leg,” says Dwain of that test ride on this bike, which is powered by an S&S
last fall (see “Passing Gas” in the Sep. & Oct. ’09 issues) Thunder Roads West 113 inch mill. “When the bike warmed up it would blow compression out the side
Virginia reported on the damaging effects of running ethanol blended fuel through of the cylinder in between the head and the jug. So I looked and it had two blown
our bikes. To briefly recap, in addition to being a fuel generated from corn, ethanol head gaskets.”
is also a solvent. It is capable of dissolving rubber, plastic and even soft metals such
Myers immediately reduced his list of possible causes to a short list. It could have
as brass and aluminum. It also combines with water more readily than it does with
been a timing issue, although that didn’t appear to be the cause. There could have
gasoline. So when water molecules enter your fuel tank the ethanol molecules will
been an intake leak, meaning extra air was finding its way through a bad seal be-
separate from the gasoline, attach to the water, and this new mixture sinks to the
tween the carb and the engine, but he was able to rule that out as well. That left a
bottom of your tank with the gasoline floating on top. Hard starting, rough running,
lean air-fuel mixture as the only remaining cause, and Dwain says the bike runs fine
reduced power, lower gas mileage and all sorts of destructive things can happen
now without changing the jetting. That means there was only one remaining reason
to your power plant.
the bike was running so lean.
Ethanol has one other characteristic that Dwain Myers, owner of Evel Speed
“Cheap grade gas,” says Dwain. “I think they ran probably 87 octane gas in it. It
Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop, believes resulted in this custom-built bike
was spark knocking, starting to detonate. The engine temperature got up because
needing major engine work. It has lower energy content as well as a lower flash
of the cheap gas, and instead of detonating the piston it physically burned the head
point than gasoline, meaning that an ethanol based fuel makes an engine run lean
gaskets out. It didn’t squeeze them out, it started to burn the head gasket because
because ethanol burns faster. Even though this condition generates a higher tem-
of the compression ratio the motor’s got. It got the top end of the engine hot and
perature in the combustion chamber, it releases less energy at the appropriate time
burned the gaskets out.”
for the engine to deliver maximum power. The higher heat and early detonation
(commonly referred to as knocking or pinging) of the air-fuel mixture means the When he pulled the motor apart, the burned gaskets were apparent. “It’s a wonder
motor will basically run too hot and burn itself up. it didn’t melt a piston,” says Dwain when talking about how close this came to
destroying the engine. “It could have melted a piston and then gotten down to the
That was the problem that Dwain discovered when the bike came into his shop for
bottom end of the motor and tearing the crank, flywheel, block, getting into the
an unrelated transmission leak. He fixed the tranny issue and took the bike for a
whole engine.”
test run. That’s when he discovered a major fuel-related problem that the owner
wasn’t even aware of.

24 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010

 Fortunately, that didn’t happen because the problem was caught in time. But the burnt gas-
kets meant that the escaping gasses did eat away at the precisely milled heads. “He was
losing probably 15, maybe 20, pounds of compression right out the side of the motor instead
of out the exhaust,” is Dwain’s assessment of the result. He checked the bore of the cylinders
to make sure they hadn’t become egg-shaped because of the high heat. He checked the
pistons for damage as well. The only harm to hard parts was to the heads and the jugs, dam-
age requiring them to be shaved down .007 inch. Although blown head gaskets aren’t the
preferred reasoning to improve an engine’s performance, the shaved heads have resulted in
a higher compression ratio than the stock motor.
Myers says the only solution to avoiding problems like this is to run the highest octane gas
you can get. “I have 94 in it now. I mean, you can adjust the timing around for some of that
stuff, but if you’re trying to make power you can’t take timing out of something over putting
good gas in it. It runs good now.”
Dwain agrees that ethanol-blended fuel is probably the culprit, and says that using the high-
est octane gas available is the best defense. “People think that, oh wow, gas is cheaper.
They’re putting this ethanol in to make the gas cheaper,” he says, “It’s definitely harder on
the engines. But if they had put 93 or 94 octane in the motor, I think it would have been safe.”
Myers also recommends the use
of a fuel additive designed to off-
set the hazards of alcohol-mixed
gasolines.
Every bike mechanic Thunder
Roads West Virginia has talked
to about this issue agrees that
ethanol-blended gasoline is
simply bad news for motorcycle
engines. But it is a federal man-
date not likely to change anytime
soon. The best we as bikers can
do is be aware of the issue and
run the highest grade of gas pos-
sible to lessen the damaging ef-
fects on our scoot’s engines.

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 25

TNT
 April 3rd - Center Alley
April 10th - Bar None
April 17th - Giants of Tiny Town
April 24th - Dissent from Within
Home Cooked Meals - Daily Lunch Specials
Friday Night Karaoke

MOTORCYCLE PERSONAL AUTO

ACCIDENTS INJURY ACCIDENTS

292-LAWYER CALL NOW FOR

(304.292.4381) FREE INITIAL
CONSULTATION
AT OUR OFFICE
...OR WE’LL
COME TO YOU.

S. J. Angotti (1924-1987) • David J. Straface • John R. Angotti

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 27
A father walks into a restaurant with his young son…..
He gives the young boy 3 nickels to play with to keep him occupied.
Suddenly, the boy starts choking, going blue in the face... The father realizes
the boy has swallowed the nickels and starts slapping him on the back.
The boy coughs up 2 of the nickels, but keeps choking.
Looking at his son, the father is panicking, shouting for help.
A well dressed, attractive, and serious looking woman, in a blue business
suit is sitting at a coffee bar reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of
coffee. At the sound of the commotion, she looks up, puts her coffee cup
down, neatly folds the newspaper and places it on the counter, gets up from
her seat and makes her way, unhurried, across the restaurant.
Reaching the boy, the woman carefully drops his pants; takes hold of the
boy’s testicles and starts to squeeze and twist, gently at first and then ever
so firmly.. After a few seconds the boy convulses violently and coughs up
the last nickel, which the woman deftly catches in her free hand. Releasing
the boy’s testicles, the woman hands the nickel to the father and walks back
to her seat at the coffee bar without saying a word.
As soon as he is sure that his son has suffered no ill effects, the father
rushes over to the woman and starts thanking her saying, “I’ve never seen
28 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
anybody do anything like that before, it was fantastic. Are you a doctor? “
‘No,’ the woman replied. I’m with the I.R.S.
The IRS decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to the IRS office.
The IRS auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his
attorney.
The auditor said, ‘Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time
employment, Which you explain by saying that you win money gambling..
I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.’
I’m a great gambler, and I can prove it,’ says Grandpa. ‘How about a
demonstration?’ The auditor thinks for a moment and said, ‘Okay. Go
ahead.’ Grandpa says, ‘I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my
own eye.’
The auditor thinks a moment and says, ‘It’s a bet.’
Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it. The auditor’s jaw drops.
Grandpa says, ‘Now, I’ll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my
other eye.’
Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn’t blind, so he takes the bet.
Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye. The stunned auditor
now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa’s attorney
as a witness. He starts to get nervous.
‘Want to go double or nothing?’ Grandpa asks ‘I’ll bet you six thousand
dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, and pee into that
wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.’
The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and
decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so
he agrees again.
Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he
strains mightily, he can’t make the stream reach the wastebasket on the
other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor’s desk.
The auditor leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into
a huge win.
But Grandpa’s own attorney moans and puts his head in his hands.
‘Are you okay?’ the auditor asks.
‘Not really,’ says the attorney. ‘This morning, when Grandpa told me he’d
been summoned for an audit, he bet me twenty-five thousand dollars that
he could come in here and piss all over your desk and that you’d literally
be happy about it!’
Two young businessmen in California were sitting down for a break in
their soon-to-be new store in the shopping mall. As yet, the store wasn’t
ready, with only a few shelves and display racks set up. One said to the
other, “I’ll bet that any minute now some lame-as senior is going to walk
by, put his face to the window, and ask what we’re selling.” Sure enough,
just a moment later, a curious senior gentleman walked up to the window,
looked around intensely and rapped on the glass, then in a loud voice
asked, “What are you sellin’ here?” One of the guys replied sarcastically,
“We’re selling ass-holes.”
Without missing a single beat, the old timer said, “Sales are good. Only
two left.”
 Seats & SADDLES

www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 29

Wisconsin
Editor’s Note: Many of our readers have who are lost and those who have spiritual
commented that they would like to know more needs.”
about the crew that puts this magazine together We don’t have some big master plan or specific
each month. We thought that sounded like a good strategy in reaching the biker community. We simply
idea. So from time to time, and as space permits, spread the Word of Jesus Christ with a non-judgmental
we’ll be highlighting one member of our crew with a brief attitude and love them just as Jesus loves them. Sometimes all
autobiography. a person needs is to be the recipient of a warm, friendly smile and a smile
We’re quite a collection of characters here at Thunder Roads West Virginia can speak a thousand words! We’re not out to change the world and realistically
and our background stories are as varied as they are interesting. But we have speaking, there are those who will never step foot in a church and that’s why we
two things in common. First, we’re all bikers. Collectively we have hundreds must take the church to them. We may be the only Bible someone may ever read
of years of experience on bikes of all kinds and sizes. Secondly, we share a and that’s why it’s important for us to make ourselves available, willing, ready and
passionate commitment to making this magazine the best resource and most able to be there for them. Most everyone is at least somewhat familiar with John
entertaining biked rag you’ll ever pick up. 3:16 which begins with, “For God so loved the World,” but there are many who are
unfamiliar with the verse that immediately follows in verse 17, “For Jesus did not
We couldn’t think of a better way to introduce this feature than to start with
come to condemn the world, but to Save the world through Him.”
our crew brother who rides with a mission from God.
Highways and Hedges Ministry is a “neutral” ministry and are not a support club
Jim “Jammer” Marcum or affiliate of any one particular club or ministry. We support and respect all clubs,
riding groups and ministries. You may see us participating in many runs and
I’m a Christian…I’m a biker and yes, you can be both! I’m one of many who serve
motorcycle related events throughout the riding season and you may see our bikes
in motorcycle ministry, particularly with Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry
parked outside of clubhouses as we drop by to visit our friends at various motorcycle
based in Charleston WV. We’re a small group here in Charleston and have others
clubs in and around the Kanawha Valley. There are many motorcycle ministries in
throughout the state, but we have well over 500 members across the nation and
this area and we are very versatile in our individual calling. We do lots of home and
abroad who are doing what God has commanded us to do as stated in Luke 14:23.
hospital visitations for bikers and their families, perform bike blessings, minister at
“And the Master said unto the servant; go ye into the highways and hedges and
jails and prisons, give spiritual advice and lead groups in prayer before departing for
compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Although our Christian back
a run, just to name a few. For those of us in motorcycle ministry who are ordained
patches are highly visible when we’re rolling down the highway a large portion of
ministers, we perform the rites of marriage at biker weddings and conduct funeral
the general public are unfamiliar with the specifics of our ministry because we are
services when called upon to do so. Motorcycle ministry isn’t a noun, but a verb.
a “behind the scenes” type of evangelistic ministry.
It’s not a person, place or thing. It’s a ministry of action and existence!
We, as members of Highways and Hedges, don’t put ourselves up on a pedestal
In my fifteen years of serving in motorcycle ministry I’ve found it to be the most
just because we’re Christians, nor do we separate ourselves from places that other
demanding, but yet most rewarding ministry I’ve ever been involved in. The rewards
Christians may deem as “inappropriate.” After all, when Jesus walked this earth
come when I see bikers Saved, delivered and set free! Sometimes my phone rings
He didn’t confine himself to fancy synagogues or temples, although He could have.
late at night from someone who just needs to talk. There’s other times that I’ve
Even though He was the Son of man He didn’t limit himself to associate only with
been called out in the wee hours of the morning to go to a person who is in need
the rich and powerful Pharisees, although He could have. Instead, He went to
or is in the middle of a crisis. Some will apologize afterwards thinking they have
where the people were who needed Him the most, sometimes against all odds and
disturbed or burdened me, but I always let them know that I don’t come out for them
against the advice of others who tried to persuade Him otherwise. He was inspired
because I feel like I have to, but because I want to! I
by God and went where God led Him. He ventured into
don’t view my role in motorcycle ministry as a job. I view
areas and territories where others either feared to go or
it as a blessing and I’m humbled that God has chosen
had no desire to go. Just as Jesus did, we go where
me to serve Him in this area of ministry even though I
God leads us. Our founder, Jerry “Punkin” Melton, says
feel there are many other ministers out there who are
it best when asked if we have rules and regulations as it
more qualified to fulfill this position. However, God
pertains to how we operate as a ministry and where we
doesn’t call the one who’s qualified, He qualifies the one
go as ministers of the Word. He says, “The Holy Bible
who’s called! Ministry doesn’t come without sacrifice
is our bylaws and as far as where our members go to
and we often spend many hours and sometimes several
minister…Who am I to get in the way of God telling our
days away from our families, but thank God I have a wife
members where or where not to go in reaching those
32 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
 By Jim “Jammer” Marcum
A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, “Lord, I would like to know what Heaven
and Hell are like.“ The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man
looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table and in the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which
smelled delicious and made the holy man’s mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and
sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their
arms and each found it possible to reach
into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms they could not get
the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord
said, “You have seen Hell.”
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large
round table with the large pot of stew. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here
the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, “I don’t understand.” “It
is simple,” said the Lord. “It requires but one skill.” “You see they have learned to feed each other, while the
greedy think only of themselves.”
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you and not himself!
Remember, He will always share His spoon with you! Be Blessed!
Jim “Jammer” Marcum resides in Charleston and has been involved in motorcycle ministry for
nearly 15 years and serves as Clergy within Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry.

who understands and supports me in every aspect of this to them. I wish I was able to share all the wonderful
ministry. Even though she’s not physically out there with stories and great ministry opportunities God has blessed
me on the front lines of ministry, I still consider her just as me with over the years of being in motorcycle ministry
much a part of this ministry as I am. I call her my “prayer and of how God has moved and continues to move in a
warrior” behind the lines because she’s always back home great and mighty way in the motorcycle community, but
praying for me while I’m out in the highways and hedges. space is understandably limited so I must bring this article
to a close. Hopefully, I’ll have the pleasure of meeting
There are many motorcycle ministries in WV and there’s a
you somewhere along the way during this riding season.
good chance that you have one or more of these ministries
in your local area. I encourage you to contact them and Ride to Live, Live for God!
invite them to your runs and events. I’m sure you’ll be Jammer
blessed by their presence and that you’ll also be a blessing
www.thunderroadswv.com APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 33
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
ATTORNEYS
Angotti & Straface, L.C.
274 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 292-4381
www.angottistrafacelaw.com
Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson
Attorneys at Law
84 Aikens Center
Martinsburg, WV 25402
(304) 263-0900
www.burkeandschultz.com
Colombo & Stuhr, Attorneys at Law
1054 Maple Drive
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 599-4229
www.colombostuhr.com
BAIL BONDS
Weatherholtz Bonding
306 West Stephen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5888 or (304) 728-6889
tweatherholtz@verizon.net
BARS & RESTAURANTS
3rd Base Sports Bar & Grille
22 Virginia Avenue; US Rt. 220
Petersburg, WV 26847 Up from the stop light
(304) 257-2273 Email:
3rdbasesportsbarandgrille@gmail.com
Bee Hive Tavern
463 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 282-8196
One block from Thinkin Ink Tattoo
The Brickhouse Bar & Grill
214 Mid Atlantic Parkway
Martinsburg, WV 25404
(304) 264-2304
www.thebrickhousesportsbar.com
Byrd’s Tavern
7699 Hedgesville Rd.
Hedgesville, WV 25427
(304) 754-6980
www.byrdstavernllc.webs.com
Cindy’s Bar & Grill
Route 3 (End of Speedway)
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-0058
Across from K&T TruckStop
Colt’s Restaurant and Pizza Park Inc.
425 S. Main St.
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 538-2523
Dakota Tavern
Route 19 North of Fairmont
(304) 288-4893
Friendly Atmosphere and Good Food
Est. 1964
34 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
The Dawg House Bar & Grill
Pool, Darts & Music Entertainment
1387 Fairmont Road
Morgantown, WV 26501
1 mile past Morgantown Mall on 19 South
Desperado’s Bar & Grill
35 Potomac Street
Ridgeley, WV 26753
Food – Games – Cold Beer
(304) 738-0010
Dirty Dawg Saloon
1017 S. Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 596-6200
www.dirtydawgwv.com
Doodles Place
Rt. 50 Augusta, WV
(304) 496-9481
Flys Bar and Grill
4067 Freedom Hwy.
Corner of Rt. 19 & 218
Worthington, WV 26591
(304) 287-2116
Four Corners Club
72 Pedal Car Drive
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-3443
www.the4cornersclub.com
Fox’s Pizza Den
646 North Main Street
Franklin, WV 26807
(304) 358-2118
Pizza – Salads – Subs – Chicken
Hide Away Tavern
Rt. 50 Burlington, WV
Near WVDOH District 5 Shed
(304) 289-5396
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
HC 84 Box 33 (Cutoff Road)
Keyser, WV 26726
(304) 788-7533
K&T Diner
Rte. 73 N Meadowdale Road
Fairmont, WV 26554, I79 Exit 139
24 Hr Takeout Service (304) 363-7113
Attn. Truckers: Certified Cat Scales On-Site
Longshots Billiards
76 Wolfcraft Way
Charles Town, WV 25414
(304) 724-1975
www.longshotsbilliards.com
Lost River Brewing
155 West Main Street
Wardensville, WV 26851
(304) 874-3448
www.lostriverbrewing.com
The Millstone Barbeque Restaurant
Rt. 50 West Burlington, WV
Great Pork-Ribs-Steak & Shrimp and Cold Beer
(304) 289-3693
Mom’s Place
Full menu served 24 hours a day
The end of Hoult Road by the Phillips Plant
Fairmont, WV
(304) 368-9223
Mountaineer All Star Cafe
U.S. Rt. 220 South / 2 mi. from Keyser
A Family Restaurant with a Sports Atmosphere
(304) 788-6433
Nan & Pops Place
3485 Winchester Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 267-2007
www.nanandpopsplace.com
Petie’s Pub & Grill
304 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-0698
Owner – Beverly Opas
Quaker Steak & Lube
Thursday Bike Night starting April 29th
2931 Mountaineer Blvd.
Charleston, WV (304) 267-2007
www.quakersteak.com
Road Hogs Saloon
415 Clayton Street
Rivesville, WV 26588
Rock Forge Inn/Haught Diggity Dogz
Serving WV’s #1 Rated Chili Dog
Off I-68 at Sabraton Exit #4
Turn left .2 mile – Red Roof on right
Rt. 7 East (304) 291-DOGZ (3649)
Star Mercantile, LLC
80 W. Main Street
Wardensville, WV 26851
(304) 874-FOOD (3663)
star.wardensville@gmail.com
Steve’s Broken Spoke Bar & Grill
14977 SR 55
Needmore, WV 26801
(304) 897-7706
www.oldroute55.com
Uncle Joe’s Wood Pile
Rt. 1, Box 400
Ridgeley, WV 26753
(304) 726-8505
White Front Tavern
Pool & Darts
Happy Hour Monday & Tuesday
(304) 265-2280
Rt. 50 West of Grafton, WV
Winston’s Bar & Grill
2201 Pleasant Valley Road
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 844-6872
www.winstonsbarandgrill.com
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL,
LEATHERS & GIFTS
Anthony’s Specialty
Biker Apparel – Leather – H-D Boots & More
112 Davis Avenue
Glen Lyn, VA 24093
(540) 726-3080
DFM Special Tee House “The Biker Shack”
Helmets – Shirts – Chaps - Jewelry
162 Nancy Jack Road
Gerrardstown, WV 25420
(304) 229-7609 dfmthebikershack@aol.com
East View Variety Shop
We have everything from A – Z, Old and New
715 Philippi Pike- East View Community
Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 622-6710
Evel Speed
Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester Avenue
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987 www.evelspeed.net
Hawkins Leather
The Largest Leather Dealer in the Tri-State Area
800 Foxcroft Ave. - Martinsburg Mall
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-4193
CUSTOM ART
Art by Weeze
Custom art on bikes, leathers, helmets,
auto, canvas & murals
Martinsburg, WV (304) 264-4604
www.artbyweeze.com
CUSTOM DESIGN & FABRICATION
Service & Accessories – HD Certified Mechanic
Atomic Iron
Rt. 1, Box 1
New Milton, WV 26411
(304) 745-3062
Wiskybilt
It’s all about the ride.
Custom crafted parts made in WV
(304) 329-1214
www.wiskybilt.com
DEALERS & SERVICE
Amsoil Store
Wholesale and Retail
Mount Clair, WV
(304) 745-5522 or Cell (304) 709-1038
“Best Prices in Town”
Bombshell Cycles
French Creek, WV
(304) 300-5133
www.bombshellcycleswv.com
Servicing Street Bikes and ATV’s
Evel Speed
Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester Avenue
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987 www.evelspeed.net
www.thunderroadswv.com
JT Cycle & Hoodlum Motorcycle Garage
Aftermarket & Custom Parts & Accessories
486 Ragland Road, Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-2468
www.jtcycleparts.com
M&J Motor Company
Lehman Trike Conversions
1000 S. Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-6200 www.mjtrikes.com
O.B.’s Motorsports
1019 7th Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 420-0910 www.obsmotorsports.com
Motorcycles Shipped FREE
Ruff Road Cycle L.L.C.
Authorized Drag Specialty Dealer
Tires & Service – Fast Turn Around
2050 Burke Rd. Masontown, WV 26542
(304) 980-2005
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson
213 Rolling Thunder Lane
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 213-7433
www.shenhd.com
Skip’s Honda
580 South Mineral Street
Keyser, WV 26726
(304) 788-1615
Smitty’s Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha
Rt. 33 E. Corridor H
Buckhannon, WV 26201
(304) 472-4824
www.supersmittys.com
The Little Shop of Harleys
44 Bay Berry Lane
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(304) 258-3909
The Twisted Spoke
Custom Builds, Motorcycle & ATV Repair
97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 326-HOGG (4644)
www.thetwistedspoke.com
INSURANCE
Mathias & Associates Insurance
Farm – Home – Auto – Life - Health
Motorcycle – Boat – RV Insurance
and Retirement Planning
(800) 628-3064 mathiasins@hardynet.com
LODGING
Smoke Hole Resort
Open All Year Round
HC 59, Box 39
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
(800) 828-8478 www.smokehole.com
APRIL 2010 Thunder Roads West Virginia 35
MOTORCYCLE PARTS
CycleMart - Your Motorcycle Parts Store
All Makes All Models
202 Elkins Street
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 366-8119 www.cyclemart.net
PHOTOGRAPHY
Vetter Photo
1675 Cold Spring Road
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 530-6855 www.vetterphoto.com
SPORTING GOODS
Doug’s Sport Shop
New and Used Guns, Sporting Apparel,
Aigner Products and Reloading Supplies
220 North Main Street; 743B Hawse Plaza
Moorefield, WV 26836 (304) 538-6496
TATTOO STUDIOS
Modernday Primative Tattoos and Body Piercings
1320 1/2 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV
(304) 333-INKD (4653)
www.moderndayprimative.com
myspace.com/moderndayprimative
VEHICLE SERVICES
Bob’s Tire Service Inc.
812 East Moler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-2797
www.bobstireservice.net
Hot Rods Roll Back and Towing
Specializing in Motorcycle Towing
274 Bedington Road
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5586 Visa & MC Accepted
WEB DESIGN
Meridian Websites
55 Meridian Parkway, Suite 101
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-1000
www.meridianwebsites.com
Clubs & Organizations
BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse (Inwood, WV)
Hot Line (304) 839-7809
bacaworld.org
Email: bacaofwv@yahoo.com
C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV)
a non-profit organization enlisting the help of
other good hearted people wanting to contribute
to the cause of helping others in need. The
organization holds monthly meetings and several
fundraising rides every year. Donations are
always appreciated. For more information visit
our website at www.cehelpinghands.com.
continued on next page
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
GWRRA WV-A (Martinsburg, WV)
(Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc.)
‘Mountaineer Wings’
Meets the 1st Sunday of the month - 8am at
Ryan’s Restaurant, Martinsburg, WV
Chapter Directors: JJ & Becky Jones
JJ: (301) 667-4040 johnjonesjgj@aol.com (443) 605-6368 – Brian / Jefferson County WV
Becky: (301) 667-0121 Rpepgirl@aol.com
Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry
(South Charleston, WV)
For more information email Jim “Jammer”
Marcum at: harley4me2@verizon.net
april
UpComing Events
April 3 – Charles Town, WV
1st Annual Mountain Thunder
9:00-11:00am Poker Run kick off from Full
House Cycles in Winchester! This will be a great
run through scenic WV, VA and MD ending at
Longshots Billiards just in time to join the fun and
get in on the raffle. Bike Show, Vendors, Wing
Eating Contest and more.
For more information check out www.
westvirginiabikers.com.
April 10 – Shepherdstown, WV
Blessing of the Bikes
106 S. Duke St Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Registration for ride 9:00 - 10:00. Blessing
begins at 10:00 followed by Two Rivers ride 50
mile (1 1/2 hour) $15 per rider $5 for 2nd rider.
Cook out after ride included.
For more information Email bikes@lrwbf.com.
April 24 – Martinsburg, WV
BACA 100 Mile Ride
This annual fundraiser starts and ends at
Martinsburg Motorsports. Rain or Shine - $10
per person. Registration from 9:30 am to 11:30
36 Thunder Roads West Virginia APRIL 2010
HOME SERVICES
B & B Appliance Repair
Most Brands Serviced - 25 Years Experience
(443) 605-6367 – Bill / Frederick County MD
B.L Builders
All types of Home Improvement
Specializing in water problems
Rt 3 Box 8, Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 685-2511
am with kickstands up at Noon sharp. For more
information call 304-262-3500 or email taterbrat46@
yahoo.com.
April 24 – Moorefield, WV
Annual Spring Poker Run
C.E.’s Helping Hands is having their annual Spring
Poker Run on April 24th. Registration starts at 10:00
am at the Shop & Save parking lot in Moorefield,
WV with kickstands up at 11:00 am. The ride ends
at the Stray Cat Cafe in Moorefield at 3:00 pm.
Cost is $10.00 per hand. Come on out for a good
time and fellowship all for a good cause. Email our
group for more information and/or directions: email@
cehelpinghands.com.
MAY
May 2 – Huntington, WV
10th Annual Big Ed’s Burrito Ride
This annual ride begins and ends at Charlie’s H-D.
Registration begins at 11:30 am, Ride leaves at 1:00
pm.$25 Fee with all proceeds benefiting the MDA.
Free t-shirt and Mexican buffet. For more information
contact 304-523-1340 or www.charlieshd.com.
JD’s Painting
Interior and Exterior Residential Painting
10+ Years servicing Marion, Mon & Harrison Co’s
Contact: Jeff Davis
(304) 657-0087 davisjep@aol.com
May 15 – Elkins, WV
Ride for the Troops
The first annual “RIDE FOR THE TROOPS” will
be held at the Armory in Elkins, WV, with a rain
date of May 22, 2010. First bike out at 10:00 am.
The ride benefits the Family Readiness Group.
The proceeds will be used for deployed military
personnel should a family crisis occur while out of
the country.
For more information call Becky Ball 304-269-
5180
May 15 – Martinsburg, WV
Tri-State Fast Trackers Poker Run
Leaving the new Hideaway Club in Martinsburg,
WV at noon to support Tri-State Fast Trackers
Relay for Life team, poker run with food at the last
stop along with 2 bands and lots of door prizes
cost is $25 per couple and $15 single.
May 23 – Parkersburg, WV
2nd Annual Poker Run for Toys for Tots
$10 per person, registration starts at 10:30am
First bike out at 11am last out at 1pm Last
bike in 4:00 pm At the Sixpence 1956 7th St.
Parkersburg, WV