For those that would to take advantage of this resource, but have no prior riding experience (or, maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve been in the saddle), courses through Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) could be the first step in igniting this passion. These courses are designed to train riders in the safe operation of motorcycles using both classroom and hands-on riding sessions.

First off, the courses offered through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program are free to Pennsylvania residents with a valid PA driver’s license or motorcycle permit. For those taking the Basic Rider Course (a beginner course that teaches all riding fundamentals as well as PA-specific motorcycle laws) it gets even better—motorcycles are provided free of charge for use during the riding courses. This means the only thing really separating you from becoming licensed to operate a motorcycle is a desire to learn and the cost of a permit.

In addition to the Basic Rider Course, the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program offers an Experienced Rider Course, which is aimed at honing motorcycle operation skills in individuals that fall under the intermediate/advanced level of riding skills.

With both courses, the opportunity is the same—you learn valuable skills and have fun while doing it. PAMSP Rider Coaches are highly-skilled instructors, delivering a proven, state-sanctioned curriculum. Courses are well-structured, safe and enjoyable.

Here are a couple of tips for those interested in these classes:

• Classes fill up very quickly (particularly the Basic Rider Course). Plan ahead to determine which course date and location works best for you and then register online as soon as registration opens.
• Do not arrive late. Late arrivals are not allowed to participate in class, a rule that is strictly enforced.
• Bring a beverage and/or light snack for riding days. There are ample breaks for course changes, etc. that provide an opportunity to refresh yourself.
• When using your own motorcycle (Experienced Rider Course only) purchase some pipe insulation (available at any hardware store) and duct tape to wrap your engine guards, just in case you experience a slow-speed lay down.

The two course locations most convenient to residents of the Johnstown area are:

• Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center (click here for a map)
• Portage High School (click here for a map)

To learn more about these courses, including course dates, registration details and course requirements, visit www.pamsp.com.

“We hope it stays as successful as previous years,” says Barry Jerley, event organizer. “We had a lot of support from businesses, organizations and individuals to make sure the run didn’t go away. Without the charitable donations of the community this event would not have happened this year.”

The ride occurring Saturday, September 12th, 2009 draws thousands of riders to the Johnstown, PA area, beginning days in advance. To accommodate, organizers provide camping at Windber Recreation Park (click here for a map), the location of the run’s after party. Each site includes access public restrooms with shower facilities through Saturday morning. Pricing for campsites is:

• $10 for tents
• $25 for Campers
• $30 for RVs/Motorhomes

The fun covers the entire weekend, beginning Friday night with pre-registration in downtown Windber, PA. Riders can register at the Windber Community Building (click here for a map) and enjoy live music entertainment by Ole 97 Cash, a Johnny Cash Tribute band.

Registration is $20 per person and includes participation in the run and admission to the after party.

Registration continues Saturday morning until the ride kicks off at 1:00PM with a parade of bikes through the Windber community. Riders then set off on a journey through some of the most attractive motorcycling terrain anyone could ask for, with three organized stops along the route, and ending at Windber Recreation Park for an all-night after party. The party is open to non-riders as well and everyone must be over 21. Admission is $20 per person and includes all you can eat food and drink provisions, plus a full night of live entertainment, including performances by:

• The Characters
• Split Image
• Paint Creek Pickers,
• Southern Steel
• Better Days
• Night Train

Windber Rumbles is fun for riders and a great cause. “It pumps a lot of good will into our community,” says Mr. Jerley. “We hope it lasts another 20 years.”

We at Do Johnstown! tip our hat (er… helmets) to the original six Dog Run riders-Mike Hunter, Joseph Pallo, Jeffery Gentile, Joseph King, David King and James Sullivan-for creating one of the best events the Johnstown area has to offer.

A collection of photographs from previous years’ runs are available at the Do Johnstown! Flickr photostream.

More information about Windber Rumbles is available at www.windberrumbles.com.

While Johnstown’s downtown is the heart of Thunder in the Valley activities, the event has grown to include communities throughout the region. This year there are activities scheduled in Ebensburg, Nanty Glo, Richland, Windber and Somerset.

Each year Thunder in the Valley provides a host of entertainment options for motorcycle enthusiasts, including organized rides, live performances, product vendors, demo rides, the Budweiser Clydesdales and so much more. Rally planners, the Greater Johnstown Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, do a great job making sure that the event is well-organized and fun for riders of all types. For complete rally details, including event schedules and maps, visit the CVB’s Thunder in the Valley section of their Web site.

Update

We’ve uploaded a handful of photos from this and previous years’ rallies, which you can view by visiting the “Thunder in the Valley” photo set on the Do Johnstown! Flickr photostream.