Thunder in the Valley
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John Rucosky
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Thunder Notebook: 'Biker Dogs' take center stage at Roxbury Park
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 officials, vendors say crowds may be largest yet
With the biker mall in her backyard and a view of train station activities from her front door, one might think Margaret Barkley would dread having Thunder in the Valley bikers surround the home she has owned since 1968.
But it’s hard to find a bigger Thunder fan than the petite Washington Street woman. -
‘We heard the thunder and followed it’
Bona and Joe Berg set out from New Stanton and headed east for a leisurely motorcycle ride, not knowing they would find tens of thousands of people of all types concentrated in downtown Johnstown for the Grand Thunder Parade.
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Children’s parade ‘a good family time’
Bryson Shaffer, 8, had a smile Saturday morning that was brighter than the polished chrome on any of the motorcycles parked near Main Street.
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Thunder vendors: ’It’s going great’
Sunshine and warm temperatures brought folks out to Thunder in the Valley on Friday, as crowds filled Johnstown’s streets by lunchtime and lingered throughout the evening.
Vendors – from those selling Thunder gear to those offering food and drinks – say 2010 has been better than 2009, so far. -
Hot rides: ‘What catches your eye is the creativity’
Tens of thousands of people who will find themselves at Johnstown’s motorcycle rally this weekend don’t know a Harley from a ham sandwich.
But not to worry. You can admire the bikes with just as much confidence as the guy who has ridden for 40 years. -
Stunt riders thrill crowd at Windber Rumbles
Reverberations from Thunder in the Valley’s success continue to roll into the surrounding hills, as illustrated in the growth of events like Windber Rumbles festivities.
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War hero honored
A Windber soldier, described as a hero for his actions during two tours in Iraq, was honored during the Ricky Lee concert late Friday afternoon at the Train Station stage at Thunder in the Valley.
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Having ‘a good time’ at Greenhouse Park
They came to Thunder in the Valley because it’s “awesome.”
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Thousands roll in as rally begins
Little by little Thursday, Thunder in the Valley came to life downtown as vendors put out their foodstuffs and wares, bands took to the stage and tens of thousands of visitors began to roll in.
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