Thunder Notebook: 'Biker Dogs' take center stage at Roxbury Park

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John Rucosky

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June 29, 2008

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Sun Jun 29, 2008, 12:07 AM EDT

Who says Thunder in the Valley needs to be all about the motorcycles?

The second annual Barking in the Valley – Dogs on Hogs was held Saturday at Roxbury Park and offered everyone a barking good time.

Dogs decked out in their best biker gear and their owners strutted their stuff across the Bandshell stage all in an attempt to win the title of best dressed “Biker Dog.”

“Not everyone is into motorcycles, and it’s not easy to walk through town with a dog, so we offer this as an alternative,”

said event Chairwoman

Debbi McCaffrey.

The doggie fashion show wasn’t the only attraction.

Vendors, food, clowns and prize raffles all added to the day.

All proceeds benefit the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance.

“Last year we raised about $760 with this event, so we are hoping to be able to keep this going in conjunction with Thunder,” McCaffrey said.

HOG trough

As of 5 p.m. Saturday,

135 people had stopped into the Greater Johnstown Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau on Main Street to ask anything and everything about Thunder in the Valley.

People were looking for event programs, times for events and where to get the best and tastiest food. Volunteers even were answering questions on things to do and see in the area that didn’t even relate to Thunder.

Doos and tattoos

For Cindy Burns of Arizona, participating in Thunder in the Valley is a bit like coming home.

Burns, who has been a vendor at Johnstown’s motorcycle event for several years, is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did her student teaching in Johnstown.

“I’ve been very impressed with Johnstown,” she said.

Hot rides

Motorcycle vendors offering free demo rides at Festival Park include Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Can-Am, Kymko and Victory.

These are not joyrides around the parking lot for those who have never been on a bike.

After registering and picking out a bike, riders go on a

20-mile trip down Haws Pike to Seward and back up Cramer Pike to Johnstown.

A group of 10 riders includes a lead and trail rider from the manufacturer, and riders must have a valid motorcycle license.

“The rides last about

50 minutes,” said Chuck Cherry, a Harley-Davidson representative who travels to all the major motorcycle rallies.

“We’ve been going full all day.”

Riders must have a Department of Transportation approved helmet and eye protection and wear close-toed shoes with a heel strap.

Both drivers and riders must be 18 years of age.

Rides will be offered from

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and were offered from 9 a.m. to

5 p.m. the other days of Thunder.

Cherry said he has 13 bikes available for testing.

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Thunder Notebook: 'Biker Dogs' take center stage at Roxbury Park

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