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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.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Barkley said Sunday, watching bikers pass from her front door.
“These people have been really nice. Every year they get nicer.”
Barkley admits her friends can’t believe she puts up with the “racket” at night, but she says it doesn’t bother her.
“I close the doors and go to bed,” Barkley said. “They are waiting patiently for me to complain, but I won’t do it.”
Bikers are nice here because Johnstown is a welcoming community, vendor Alexis Eisele of Ventura, Calif., said while packing away leather goods and clothing at her biker mall shop.
“The city that puts it on is very helpful,” Eisele said.
“What I really like here is law enforcement. They didn’t hassle the bikers here. We see that in other places.”
Although no official crowd estimates have been made available, Andrew Brogden said it seemed like the largest yet. The owner of Brogie’s Bikewear in Dale said the downtown crowds were surprising since the rally has expanded to include events in Ebensburg, Windber and Richland.
“Before, when everything was downtown, this was the place to be,” Brogden said. “Just wonder where the heck everybody sleeps.”
He heard some out-of-town bikers were taking rooms in Greensburg and State College because local hotels were booked.
And visitors were in a buying mood, he added.
“With the scare in the economy, things were not as good last year,” Brogden said. “Things are loosening up this year.”
Brogden was not the only one with positive reports, said Lisa Rager, executive director of Thunder-organizer Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Visitors and Convention Bureau.
“I am hearing lots of really good things from our vendors,” Rager said. “I hear attendance is really good at Richland and Windber. There certainly have been great crowds downtown.”
Sunday’s crowds are traditionally smaller as activities wind down and bikers start making their way home. A full slate of musical acts on the biker mall, train station and Central Park Gazebo stages kept the visitors entertained and serenaded vendors as they closed down booths. Others made the trip to Adams Township for the Beaverdale Hillclimb.
While music and other features are important, Thunder is about the camaraderie of sharing time with others, bikers interviewed said.
“I had a great time,” Jaime Grandl-Hess of Monkton, Md., said. “I met some people at Greenhouse Park. I’m seeing a lot of people I have not seen in a while.”
The former Johnstown resident comes back to Thunder in the Valley on her Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster.
“It is all about the crowds,” Jim Dunmyer of Somerset said. “And it’s getting a better crowd.”
“Bikers are a good group of people,” Mike Domineck of Solomon Run Road said. “Biker events are nice to go to.”
Thunder in the Valley
Related Photos
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Thunder in the Valley concluded Sunday with music from Randy Hunter and the Ole 97 Johnny Cash Revue. John Rucosky
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At the Beaverdale Hillclimbs an unidentified rider gets to the top with help from volunteers. John Rucosky
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Jordan Miller of Stoystown flips his ATV at the Beaverdale Hillclimbs. John Rucosky jordan_miller
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Larry Foor Jr. flips his bike at 103 feet up the hill. John Rucosky
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Mike and Gina Muha of Central City ride their motorcycle on Main Street in downtown Johnstown on Friday. Dave Lloyd
Discussion
Thunder officials, vendors say crowds may be largest yet
- Thunder in the Valley
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Thunder in the Valley Map
Click here to view what is happening during Thunder in the Valley.
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‘Signs, signs, everywhere a sign’ | Johnstown upholstery shop owner designs, makes banners for events
The colorful signs and banners seen at PolkaFest, Thunder in the Valley and Johnstown Music Fest are designed and made by one man. Bob Shaw, who owns an upholstery shop along Frankstown Road in Johnstown, studied pageantry – defined as a colorful, showy display – in art school and has been creating signage for the three events since their inceptions.
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Atmosphere, crowds, friendliness keep vendors coming back
Whether you’re looking for the latest biker apparel or a way to trick out your motorcycle, you’re sure to find a vendor at Thunder in the Valley to meet your needs. More than 100 registered vendors will line the streets and designated areas in downtown Johnstown selling their goods to thousands of visitors expected to attend the bike rally.
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Rally offers everything from A to Z
After 13 years of continuous growth, Thunder in the Valley provides entertainment that runs the gamut from a church strawberry festival to the Hellriders Wall of Death.
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Thunder crowds will be entertained in Richland Township
Thunder in the Valley may have started as a Johnstown event, but in its 14th year has expanded beyond the city limits.
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Greenhouse Park ready for three-day Thunderbash
It’s called Thunderbash and it’s billed as the “best adult party in town!” When motorcycle riders rumble into the region for Thunder in the Valley, thousands are expected to set up camp at Greenhouse Park.
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Wheels & Wings | 'Fun-filled event draws lots of folks, motorcycles and classic cars'
Thousands of motorcyclists, classic car enthusiasts and visitors are expected to be in Ebensburg today for the seventh annual Wheels & Wings, a popular event kicking off the Thunder in the Valley rally in Johnstown and nearby communities.
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Back to basics | Entertainment lineup will feature burnouts, custom bike shows, new musical acts
Johnstown’s bike rally is going back to basics. Some changes have been made to the entertainment for Thunder in the Valley, but everyone will still have a good time, said Jayne Korenoski, director of advertising and sales for Greater Johns-town/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Fourth Bike Fest to be held at Cambria County Fairgrounds
The fourth annual Bike Fest will be held in conjunction with Thunder in the Valley at the Cambria County Fairgrounds in Ebensburg.
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Motorcyclists revving up for Hot Nights – Cool Lights | Saturday’s parade keeps getting bigger each year, too
Motorcyclists will flood Johnstown with sounds and lights today as a procession rumbles from Richland Township to downtown Johnstown for Thunder in the Valley’s annual Hot Nights – Cool Lights Parade.
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