Motorcycles Welcomed This Weekend in Johnstown

When the thunder rolls into Johnstown, it won’t be because of the weather. Instead, the storm will be thousands of bikers rolling into town in their chrome- and leather-clad glory, Thursday through Sunday. One of the fastest growing biker rallies in the Northeast, Thunder in the Valley will feature a bike parade, motorcycle displays and demonstrations of biker skills.

“Over the four days, we are predicting 225,000 bikers,” said Olivia Bragdon, Communications Coordinator for the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Everyone who comes here from out of town feels welcome and everyone is happy to have the bikers come to town.”

In 1998 this rally attracted only 5,000 bikers, but since then it has grown exponentially in what it has to offer, as well as in terms of the number of bikers in attendance. Now in its second decade, Thunder in the Valley has been adopted by many local residents as their own, and signs with messages such as “Welcome Bikers” are not uncommon in this corner of Pennsylvania Amish country.

“Area residents have really embraced the event,” said Jayne Korenoski, director of advertising for the Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Burea. “Local residents know that bikers are great people, and they see the value in the event--in selling our area and diminishing any negative perceptions about bikers. Johnstown is a beautiful, thriving area that bikers love and will visit again and again.”

“I think that rally attendees are pleasantly surprised whenever they see the area’s natural beauty and take part in the great variety of events the rally offers,” she added.

One of the highlights of the festival is the fact that it attracts bikers from all over the country, who converge on Johnstown to swap stories, admire each other’s rides, and trade secrets on motorcycle maintenance, great runs and riding skills.

Another highlight of the festival are its organized group “rides and runs.” On Friday, many bikers will participate in the Thunder Ride, with food and drinks at 4:30pm and a departure time of 6pm. The Flight 93 and Quecreek Mine Ride will start at 1pm on both Friday and Saturday. Then there is the Ice Cream Run on Friday at 6pm. Yes, bikers love ice cream, too, and some even like sprinkles. You got a problem with that?

While some rides are just to take in scenery, other runs are benefit or memorial rides. The Charity Bike Run benefiting the Mystic Riders Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association is one of those, with a suggested donation of $10 per rider and $5 per passenger. On the 5th Annual Gob Run Saturday, bikers will ride in memory of the Richland Fire Department’s fallen firefighters.

Besides the great biking and camaraderie on two wheels, this festival features some really exciting special events. On Friday and Saturday, Biker Billy, who has appeared on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Live! With Regis and Kelly," will be cooking with fire at the Thunder Mega Mall. Badass Biker Billy is reputed to be the hottest cook on a Harley, and his demo will be worth attending just to see the baby glazed carrots and peach fire freezer he'll be whipping up. 

Another popular thing to do at Thunder in the Valley is visiting the discount tattoo outlet at Central Park, which will be offering a pink airbrush ribbon tattoo or a Thunder tattoo, the proceeds of which benefit breast cancer awareness. 

New to the festival this year is the World Burnout Tour featuring Nick Lee, the current world record burnout holder. This loud, action-packed event harkens back to the old school traditions of freedom and the open highway. Lee will be burning rubber and displaying several of his custom bikes all weekend long.  Like many of the other events at Thunder in the Valley, proceeds from the World Burnout Tour will benefit a number of charitable causes.

Musical venues will be located throughout town, at the Biker Mall, Central Park Gazebo and Train Station, with rocking and rolling scheduled from 11:30am to midnight Thursday through Saturday, and from 11:30am to 5pm Sunday. Bands at each of the stages will change about every two hours. Featured headliners will include Smokin’ Gunzz, Whisky River Panhandlers, Moscow Mule andBuddy Dee & the Hitmen.

All throughout the festival, vendors will be on hand offering a variety of leather products, cleaning products, helmets, stickers, accessories, jewelry and other biker necessities. In addition to the vendors, a number motorcycle manufacturers--including Yamaha, Can-Am and Kymco--will be displaying the latest bikes.

Visitors to the area can get guides, directions and information from the Greater Johnstown Convention and Visitors Bureau.

If you are looking for a great bed and breakfast to rest your helmet and a place to park your ride within a stone’s throw of the festival, I would recommend staying at the Schantz Haus, the former homestead of the founder of the city of Johnstown, Amish immigrant Joseph Schantz.

Located at 687 E. Campus Avenue in Davidsville, this Amish homestead is currently a dairy farm owned and operated by Bill and Jeanette Hunsberger, who purchased it and 120 acres of farmland from the sixth generation of Schantzes in 1983.

The Hunsbergers farm the land with their two sons, Reuben and Nicholas, and will welcome you at their B&B. Although it used to be an Amish farm, Schantz Haus is up to date on its amenities, offering TVs, DVD players, wireless Internet access, games, books and puzzles for guests to enjoy during their stay.

The Miller Room offers a queen bed and private bath for $80 per night. Four guests can be accommodated in the Border Room for $65 per night. With both a queen bed and full-size bed, you’ll have the use of a private bathroom in the hall. John’s Room offers a full-size bed and private bath for $70 per night. Breakfast is included and cots are available for additional occupants. A fee of $8 per adult per night or $5 per child per night is added to the cost of rooms that exceed double occupancy. Children under 3 are free.

While staying at the Schantz Haus, you can help feed the cows, bottle-feed the calves or, if the time is right, watch one being born. The grounds are extensive and offer a relaxing setting for meandering walks or watching the cows graze--as well as a stark contrast to the excitement and action of the Thunder in the Valley Biker Festival.

This weekend, head out on the highway and find some adventure in Johnstown--or whatever comes your way--at the coolest Biker Festival on the East Coast, and maybe the planet.