Thunder in the Valley 2012 Featured Entertaiment

The World Burnout Tour featuring Nick Lee

Nick participated in the World’s Largest Motorcycle Burnout, an extraordinary event led by master bike builder Kendall Johnson at the Full Throttle Saloon. It was an unprecedented assemblage of chrome and rubber as nearly seventy bikers converged to set a new world record. Nick Lee was the last man standing and was ultimately titled, ”Best of Show: The World Record Burnout Holder“. Now, one of its star performers and greatest burnout showman, Nick Lee blazes up the venues of America’s Heartland on his own. Raising money for charitable causes and continuing the old burnout tradition, he takes his show on the road in his highly acclaimed World Burnout Tour. Nick was a great entertainer and a perfect gentleman. We hope to see him again in 2012! http://www.worldburnouttour.com/

 

ABATE Thunderbash 2011! Official Thunder Welcome Party

Thursday, June 23; Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 at Greenhouse Park off Route 403. Best adult party in town! Featuring tattoo artists, beer tent, food and merchandise vendors, biker games and live entertainment. Free admission and motorcycle parking. Motorcycle tent camping only

 

7th Annual 'Wheels & Wings'

Thurs., June 23: Vehicle registration begins 4:30 PM. Car, Truck and Bike Show begins at 6 PM. Awards 8:30 PM. Live music by Totem from 6-9:30 PM. Children’s Activities from 5 PM-10 PM. Additional food will also be available. For info. call (814) 472-8780. Sponsored by State Farm Insurance—Kim Springer, Agent.     

 

The Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show

The Rat's Hole Custom Bike Shows, Inc. became a 30-plus-year tradition which was founded by Karl Smith, Sr. A.K.A Big Daddy Rat in Daytona Beach, Florida during the annual Run to the Sun bike week festivities. The world-famous Rat's Hole Custom Bike Shows expanded from the original in Daytona Beach to South Dakota, Leesburg, FL, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, Colorado, South Carolina and Italy and now Johnstown. The Rat's Hole Custom Show has become the largest custom bike show in the world. Anybody that wanted to get exposure or any underdog who wanted to get exposed, came to The Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show to compete with some of the top bike builders in the world. If you think you've got what it takes, we hope to see you! Check back to register for 2012!

Windber Rumbles with Thunder in the Valley
Sponsored by Windber Fire

Friday, June 24, vendors open at 5 PM. Live music  by Octane from 9 PM-12 AM. StarBoyz performing between 6 PM and 11 PM. Saturday, June 25, vendors open at 12 PM. DJ Hammer from 1 PM-5 PM, Better Days from 5 PM-8 PM, Spare Parts from 9 PM- 12AM. StarBoyz performing between 12 PM and 10 PM. Sponsored by Windber Hotel and Windber Borough. Camping is available at Windber Stadium. Come back on Sept. 10, 2011 for the Dog Gone Run!

 

Derek Swamp Band

Derek and his band of bayou boys are ready to rip out some wild zydeco!  Just try to sit still while these guys are playing.  Complete with fiddles and washboards, this band has been Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras house band for years.  They have entertained countless corporate clients.  These seasoned performers know how to get a party going and your guests will love them! www.bookitentertainment.com

Richland Fire Department

Wednesday, June 22, Open from 6 PM-12 AM. Full Kilt from 7 PM-8 PM. Michael O'Brian Band from 8 PM-11 PM. Full Kilt from 10 PM-11 PM. Thursday, June 23, Open from 6 PM-12 AM. Shades of June from 8 PM-12 AM. Friday, June 24, Open from 11 AM-2 AM. Justin Hale from 5 PM-8 PM and Pound from 9 PM- 12 AM. Saturday, June 25, Open from 11 AM-2 AM. Whiskey River Panhandlers from 1 PM-4 PM, Fuse from 5 PM-8 PM, Giants of Science from 9 PM-12:30 AM. Food and apparel vendor each day.

 

Biker Billy

He’s back! Last time he was in town he drew crowds of plenty and now he’s back at Thunder in the Valley® for another set of “flaming” fun shows. To fans of his books and his syndicated public access TV show, he's simply Biker Billy... a man who cooks with fire. Biker Billy's fans include people who love Harleys and the open road and who share his outlook on life, leather and spicy foods. He shares a "food moment." Biker Billy has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live! With Regis and Kelly, and at countless bike rallies across the nation. Recently, he has performed at Sturgis and for Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary. His ultra-eccentric love for food draws crowds to not only see what he cooks, but how he cooks. The flare of comedy, which enhances his cooking show, and hot foods keeps people coming back for more. Recently,  he has launched Podcasts on his website for fans to see what he has been doing at various shows. In 2005, he published the best selling book “Biker Billy Cooks with Fire”, and is set to release “Biker Billy’s Hog Wild on a Harley Cookbook”. He also features a custom Harley-Davidson that is dedicated to the “flaming” hot foods that he cooks up for rally-goers. http://www.bikerbilly.com/

http://www.alliedmilkproducers.com/

 

US Air Force Chopper

Visitors can get up close and check out the customized bike. When the engine revs up on this bike, it’s sure to draw a crowd! Visitors are able to request unique content in the form of wallpapers, videos and ringtones be instantaneously sent to their cell phones or email. Interactive touch screen kiosks with iPhone-like functionality are also onsite which allow visitors to check out a breadth of Air Force opportunities.

 

Jake and Elwood Blues Revue

The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue is officially sanctioned by the Belushi estate. These amazing impersonators have been performing for more than 10 years across the globe for over 1000 corporate functions. Based in Orlando, Florida, this incredible duo is a mainstay at Universal Studios and House of Blues. Add a high-energy dance band, and you have one of the most powerful corporate acts in the country. http://www.bookitentertainment.com/

 

Eric Tessmer Band

Beloved by audiences throughout the world, the Eric Tessmer Band has captured the attention of fans from all ages as a result of their uncompromising musicianship and unbridled aggression.  Their music is organic and natural—they’re real and every note you hear leaps from the speakers and is completely unfettered by superfluous studio trickery. With each performance, The Eric Tessmer Band’s collaborative vibe continues to evolve, built on a career and catalog of material that inspires and fuels the evolution of rock/blues. http://www.erictessmerband.com/

 

The Stickers

The Stickers from Pennsylvania are three brothers and their childhood friend. This unique combination has helped them to create a tight dynamic sound. Known for their high energy stage shows and fun down-to-earth personalities, The Stickers captivate crowds of all ages. The band members are accomplished musicians and song writers who are on their way to leaving a lasting impression in Country Music. Performing Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 PM

http://www.thestickers.com/

 

The Dueling Pianos

The Dueling Pianos are two guys, two keyboards and too much!  These guys will sing your favorite songs, take your requests, and may be convinced to serenade one of your friends.  No one is safe from these guys! The Dueling Pianos are the combined musical efforts of Orlando's premier piano entertainers. Our dueling pianists have performed over two thousand all-request shows at Orlando's "Largest Theme Park", as well as hundreds of private performances. The Dueling Pianos of Orlando client list includes some of the world's top corporations, conventions, and private parties. Our dueling piano performers are the most talented and experienced, and are available worldwide. 

Hawg Wild Vintage Motorcycle Display

A 40+ year collection of antique and unusual motorcycles valued over $300,000. Collection includes a monowheel—one of only ten in the world, 1949 Harley-Davidson, 1924 Indian Scout, 1945 Flathead Bobber and a 3-wheel Good Humor Ice Cream trike. Several more rare vintage motorcycles will be on display as well. 

Thunder in the Valley - 2011

June 21-24, 2012
http://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley/

Partying at Greenhouse Park - ADULTS ONLY 21+

Richland Fire Hall

Train Station Biker Games

Rats Hole

One of the top finishes in Rats Hole bobber category

Hope to see you there!

Tunder in the Valley 2011 - Johnstown, PA

 Every year a few of us make the 230 mile trip from Columbus, OH to Johnstown, PA on the 4th weekend in June. I am origionally from Jonstown and my family is still in the area. So needless to say, I get up going to Johnstown's Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally every year since it started. It is emerging into one of th biggest motorcycle rallys in the US. Its been listed on several sights as one of the "best rallies to attend."

Johnstown's annual Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally is held the fourth weekend in June. While the City of Johnstown serves as the hub of the rally, related events take place throughout the entire Johnstown Region. According to the Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), rally planners make every effort to provide a wide variety of events and activities so that Thunder is enjoyed by everyone, including area residents who help to roll out the welcome mat for visiting bikers.

"The strong appeal of Thunder," CVB Director Lisa Rager says, "is that everyone here goes out of their way to make the bikers feel welcome; the residents have a ball and it's a very relaxed but festive atmosphere." Rager points out that many of the main streets in the downtown are designated for motorcycle parking only.

Maps of scenic rides, the official program book, visitors guides and attraction brochures are available at the welcome tent which is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guest book and place a stick a pin in the large U.S. map indicating their town of origin.

Vendors offering a variety of leather products, cleaning products, helmets, stickers, accessories, jewelry and other goods will be located in four downtown areas, including Central Park, lower Main Street,  Thunder 9MegaMall and parking lots adjacent to the train station. Central Park and the Train Station will also have live musical entertainment with bands playing rock, oldies, blues, country and jazz.

The rally also attracts the participation of many motorcycle manufacturers including Yamaha, Can-Am  and Kymco. Many will also host their own events at their dealerships.

As Thunder in the Valley® grows, so does its popularity. The rally is taking the east coast "by storm." A Rider magazine writer recently said, "This rally has spirit...they make you feel welcome in every way!"

The Johnstown Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages bikers to come to Johnstown earlier in the week because there are many tourist attractions worth visiting and numerous scenic roads to ride. Regional motorcycle touring guides are available for download at The Alleghenies website and feature several great tours of the region.

"We have so much to offer that you can't possibly do everything just in the four days of Thunder," Rager says. "Johnstown and Thunder together add up to a great vacation opportunity, so we hope our biker friends will come and hang out with us a bit longer and explore our wonderful region."

Attractions in downtown Johnstown include the Johnstown Flood Museum, which tells the shocking story of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, in which 2,209 people were killed when a 40-foot high wall of water and debris traveled 14 miles through the valley into Johnstown, sweeping away everything in its path. The Academy Award winning documentary "The Johnstown Flood" is shown hourly.

The Johnstown Inclined Plane features cable-pulled cars that transport visitors along a track up the steep mountainside for a sweeping view of the city and valley below. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this engineering marvel is the World's Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane, which means that it can transport cars and motorcycles as well as people. At the top of the Inclined Plane, visitors will find a gift shop and visitor center with exhibits that provide a panoramic view of the city.

Just west of downtown Johnstown is the Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown's newest museum. The Discovery Center tells the story of the immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and settled in Johnstown, where they labored in the mills and mines, built their nationality churches and a new life for themselves and their families.

The natural beauty of the Johnstown region is an attraction in and of itself, where its winding back roads lure bikers seeking great rides from spring through autumn or until the snow falls.

Johnstown is located about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh and is accessible from state routes 219, 56, 403, 22, and 271.

For a free Johnstown visitors guide, directions and information on lodging, camping, events, or vending, visit www.visitjohnstownpa.com or contact the Greater Johnstown Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-800-237-8590.

For more information on Thunder in the Valley® call the CVB at 1-800-237-8590 or contact us.

A few of us at Richland Fire Hall having a blast as always. Good music, good beer, & good friends

Greenhouse Park is where its at. Adults only (21 and up).

Another shot at Greenhouse. By the looks of it, this is probably toward the end of the night!!

Train station biker challenges. This is always a lot of fun and great friendly competition!

Thunder 2011 was the first year that the Rats Hole made an appearance. They had a great turnout for customized biker contest. The 1987 Honda XL600R bobber got 3rd place in the custom rat rod category. Great showing and a lot of really nice bikes. There was some stiff competition.

Finished Product

Here she is. What a beauty!  Turned out better then I have ever imagined.  She has won several rat rod contests already. Runs and rides great!  She is quick off the gun. She runs as good as she looks. Let me know what you think!!  Click here for parts list!

Pictures of the 1987 Honda XL600R Bobber

Click here for parts

Got an ammo can from the local army surplus store. Also grab extra large bullets to use a foot pegs!  Really pulls the project together! The ammo can didn't end up on the side of the bike, like it is in this picture. We end up tucking it underneath the oil tank/ batter box between the bottom cross bars behind the motor.

The original piece is the neck and forks. This picture shows the welds and gussets we made out of sheet metal. Turned out pretty cool. a little different.

This is a good picture of the bike jacked up shortly before paint.We did have a difficult time, due to the vibrations of the bike, keep nuts and bolts in place and keeping a rear tail light. We had to pad the rear tail light so that the vibrations wouldn't break the bulb and we had to get lock nuts for a few parts on the bike.