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Thunder in the Valley®

Jun 23rd, 2011 through Jun 26th, 2011

Held the fourth weekend each June, Thunder in the Valley® is one of the largest motorcycle rallies on the east coast, and certainly one of the fastest growing. When local motorcycle dealers approached the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) with the idea of a motorcycle rally in the area, back in 1998, CVB jumped on the idea. The knew that the greater Johnstown area had a lot to offer the biker, and that all those motorcycles had a lot to offer Johnstown back. The first year of the Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally attracted about 5,000 bikers, a huge success for the amount of promotion done. The second year saw the rally double in size, and now Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally attracts an estimated 170,000 bikers.

The entire community of Johnstown seems to stand behind the Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally. Many of the streets in Johnstown are designated motorcycle only parking during the event. The people appear to realize the econimic boost a successful motorcycle rally can bring, so the residents mingle with the bikers, place 'Welcome Bikers' signs in the windows, and anything else they can do to make the bikers stay an enjoyable one. Top all this off with some of the best riding in the north-east, and you can see why Thunder in the Valley® has grown as successfully as it has!

Although Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally officially starts on a Thursday, CVB and the residents of Johnstown invite all bikers to show up earlier in the week. There is so much to do that four days just may not be enough time. Perhaps this means that Thunder in the Valley® will one day officially be extended to a full week long rally. Let us hope so. For now, be sure to check out what Thunder in the Valley® has to offer, and remember to book reservations early! As I was researching this motorcycle rally in early February, I noticed that all motels in Johnstown are already booked full. But there is still available lodging within 30 miles, so don't give up.

Motels and Camping Near Thunder in the Valley®

Typical Events at the Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally

A partial list of events is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.

  • Wheels & Wings- "Wing Off", Car & Bike Show
  • Grand Thunder Motorcycle Parade
  • Burn Out Pits
  • Biker Build Off
  • Guided motorcycle tours
  • Live music - Train Station and Central Park venues as well as at several local businesses
  • Vendors - for about anything a biker would want

Official Website (for further information)

Motorcycle related laws to know while attending Thunder in the Valley®

One of the common complaints when returning from a major motorcycle rally is about the law being rampant, and giving tickets out for every minor infraction. While we cannot stop all tickets from being given, some of those tickets are due to you, the attendee, not being aware of some of the standard laws in the state. Below are some of the most common laws for Pennsylvania. Be aware, though, that many rally locations have recently passed local ordinances that may be more strict than the state law. For example, a new noise ordinance was passed in Myrtle Beach just in time for the 2005 Fall Rally. I make every effort to keep this information up to date, but you may want to research them more just prior to going to an event, just in case they have changed.

Helmet Usage Required by law under age 21
Eye Protection Required by law
Daylight headlights All motorcycles built after 1973 must have their headlights on during the day & night
Passenger Seat Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger footrests Required if carrying a passenger
Mirrors Required by law for vehicles manufactured after 4/1/77
Turn Signals Not Required
Mufflers Muffler required
Max Noise Level Yes
Handlebar Height No Restrictions
Riding two abreast Yes