Maico Shark
03-19-2006, 04:56 PM
Chrome At The Dome (2nd WEEKEND IN JUNE)
There is a saturation point that can put limits on what people can reasonably do and still be relaxing and enjoying themselves. The Chrome At The Dome gathering was just right. It was fitting that it was held at the Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Fairgrounds because it had the flavor of a county fair for motorcycles. Everything was relaxed, the grandstand was kept open so bikers could come and go as they pleased, picnic tables beneath shade trees gave plenty of opportunity to stop and rest or chat with fellow bikers. The expo buildings were large and air conditioned so that neither heat nor rain, both of which we had, could put a damper on the fun. There were plenty of comfort facilities, lots of activities, and rows upon rows of food stands, vendors, organizations, and out of this world beautiful motorcycles.
Our magazine had a booth where we passed out free copies of our current issue and gave away chances on a mini-chopper. It was a replica of the “Black Widow” that appeared on TV and the young people were captivated, even some old time bikers filled out chances.
The number of different motorcycle clubs that had booths was amazing. I spoke with a representative of the American Legion Riders club. I’ve been a member of the American Legion for many years and had never heard of the group. They seem to be a good, worthwhile organization but what is interesting is how many other special interest groups were there. Other veteran groups such as the Viet Nam Vets were looking to sign up new members and get the word out about week-end parties or special events. A group called The Law Dogs were there. Their members are all cops, prison guards, firemen, or EMT’s and they’re recruiting. Clubs for specific motorcycles such as Big Twins had booths and there were Christian clubs with their agendas.
If I were an active biker I wouldn’t know who to ride with… I used to be a fireman but if I ran into a burning building these days I’d be the one needing to be carried out. My bike of choice is a 650cc and wonder if that’s big enough for the Big Twins. There’s various degrees of Christian as well and doubt I could measure up to much scrutiny in that area. Though I served in the Navy during the Viet Nam war, and am technically a veteran, I worked the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the Mid-Atlantic. The only action I saw was in the bars near the docks in Boston. I feel inferior around real combat veterans. Today’s motorcyclists have such a wide variety of clubs, groups, and organizations that it’s hard to decide which ones to support. Except of course for A.B.A.T.E.
The initials stand for an Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education. For years this group has battled for the rights of motorcycle riders. They took on Pennsylvania’s helmet law and after many years of organizing, lobbying, and political activism, they accomplished what many thought impossible… they won. It was never about the helmet, they say, but was about the choice. Less well known are the many other battles they waged and still are waging to improve the sport of motorcycle riding for everyone, and to make it safer. Recently, for example, they got PennDOT to put a card in with vehicle registrations that gives tips on how to look out for motorcycles on the highway. Religion, the size of your motor, what you do for a living, or what you did during the war doesn‘t matter. Everyone who rides should be a member. Although membership is six thousand statewide, there’s been a decline in recent years, and that’s a shame.
All of the bikes on display, except for Evel Knievel’s collection of stunt bikes, were of the chopper variety, and they were fantastic. Fine examples came from all over the country. Bob Star Customs from Nashville, Tennessee had some great bikes, especially their Tennessee Titan. Jax Cycles from Altoona featured a sharp ’42 Flathead. Cutting Edge Customs out of Baltimore, Maryland was there. TNT Cycles displayed an awesome bike with a 2500cc engine. Creative Cycles from Wall, New Jersey had a row of glistening creations. Extreme Custom Cycles from State College, Pa had a whole collection of show winners there, especially a windswept jewel I named “Spirit of America”. Gilby’s Street Dept. from River Falls Wisconsin featured a pale green ’98 Dynawide Glide. Sinister Customs out of Dauphin, Pa had a unique design called “Stingray”. Kendall Johnson from North Carolina was showing some great machines. Joe and Dana Galiardo from Homosassa, Florida had a beautiful 1947 Knucklehead called “She-Devil” on display. Hoffman’s Sport & Turf out of St. Marys, Pa. Had a collection of three wheelers while Country Auto from right here in Clearfield, Pa. Was showing a whole line-up of sleek mini-choppers.
The Tombstone Hearse Company from Alum Bank, Pa. had one of their custom motorcycle hearses on display. Their services are available through your local funeral director. The shinning black and glass hearse is pulled by a matching black three wheeler and they promise to show up dressed in a white tuxedo shirt, black pants, and shined boots with a single silver spur.
The variety of food available was interesting. Everything from Chinese chicken fried rice to roast pig with a bewildering array of steak… Quaker Steak & Lube, steak on a stick, and steak subs everywhere. I’m on a diet and all these things were forbidden to me which reminds me of the New Jersey Bikini Team. These girls were stunningly beautiful and scantily clad. Teasing and friendly they were delightful to be around. Though they were selling calendars and some other things, they never pushed their products and were quick to pose or chat with the crowd. I saw a woman taking a photo of her old man posing with these babes and I offered to hold the camera if she wanted to get into the picture. “No thanks”, she said, “I couldn’t handle the intimidation”. Walking away, I sadly replied, “Neither can I”.
Every couple hours there was some sort of show being put on. ABATE had a motorcycle rodeo. I watched the tractor pull event and was entertained but wished I could have watched the whole show. The crowd was really into it with lots of cheering and applause. There was a stunt competition with Evel Knievel himself judging the event and stunt shows featuring massive burn-outs, wheelies, and crashes were put on regularly both days. “Ed 1000” and “John Legion” from Bucks County, Pa. were sitting on handlebars doing front wheel wheelies and amazing the crowd with their antics. Evel Knievel himself appeared before the crowd and gave a short talk then signed autographs. There was mechanical bull riding and a beer tent, tattoo artists and custom tee shirts. C. Jay Lewis of Muddy Run Raceway was there raising money for the Miracle Mile Network. There was plenty to see, lot’s to do, and a host of good people to talk with.
Event organizers announced that Chrome At The Dome would be back in 2006 to Clearfield on the second week-end in June as Saturday’s turn-out exceeded sixty thousand people. I’ve never seen more motorcycles parked in one place before and there can be no question that this event was a great success. At ten bucks a head, with that being good for both days and all activities it was the bargain of the summer. We’re already looking forward to next year.
95
96
97
More photos @ CHROME DOME 2 thread
There is a saturation point that can put limits on what people can reasonably do and still be relaxing and enjoying themselves. The Chrome At The Dome gathering was just right. It was fitting that it was held at the Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Fairgrounds because it had the flavor of a county fair for motorcycles. Everything was relaxed, the grandstand was kept open so bikers could come and go as they pleased, picnic tables beneath shade trees gave plenty of opportunity to stop and rest or chat with fellow bikers. The expo buildings were large and air conditioned so that neither heat nor rain, both of which we had, could put a damper on the fun. There were plenty of comfort facilities, lots of activities, and rows upon rows of food stands, vendors, organizations, and out of this world beautiful motorcycles.
Our magazine had a booth where we passed out free copies of our current issue and gave away chances on a mini-chopper. It was a replica of the “Black Widow” that appeared on TV and the young people were captivated, even some old time bikers filled out chances.
The number of different motorcycle clubs that had booths was amazing. I spoke with a representative of the American Legion Riders club. I’ve been a member of the American Legion for many years and had never heard of the group. They seem to be a good, worthwhile organization but what is interesting is how many other special interest groups were there. Other veteran groups such as the Viet Nam Vets were looking to sign up new members and get the word out about week-end parties or special events. A group called The Law Dogs were there. Their members are all cops, prison guards, firemen, or EMT’s and they’re recruiting. Clubs for specific motorcycles such as Big Twins had booths and there were Christian clubs with their agendas.
If I were an active biker I wouldn’t know who to ride with… I used to be a fireman but if I ran into a burning building these days I’d be the one needing to be carried out. My bike of choice is a 650cc and wonder if that’s big enough for the Big Twins. There’s various degrees of Christian as well and doubt I could measure up to much scrutiny in that area. Though I served in the Navy during the Viet Nam war, and am technically a veteran, I worked the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the Mid-Atlantic. The only action I saw was in the bars near the docks in Boston. I feel inferior around real combat veterans. Today’s motorcyclists have such a wide variety of clubs, groups, and organizations that it’s hard to decide which ones to support. Except of course for A.B.A.T.E.
The initials stand for an Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education. For years this group has battled for the rights of motorcycle riders. They took on Pennsylvania’s helmet law and after many years of organizing, lobbying, and political activism, they accomplished what many thought impossible… they won. It was never about the helmet, they say, but was about the choice. Less well known are the many other battles they waged and still are waging to improve the sport of motorcycle riding for everyone, and to make it safer. Recently, for example, they got PennDOT to put a card in with vehicle registrations that gives tips on how to look out for motorcycles on the highway. Religion, the size of your motor, what you do for a living, or what you did during the war doesn‘t matter. Everyone who rides should be a member. Although membership is six thousand statewide, there’s been a decline in recent years, and that’s a shame.
All of the bikes on display, except for Evel Knievel’s collection of stunt bikes, were of the chopper variety, and they were fantastic. Fine examples came from all over the country. Bob Star Customs from Nashville, Tennessee had some great bikes, especially their Tennessee Titan. Jax Cycles from Altoona featured a sharp ’42 Flathead. Cutting Edge Customs out of Baltimore, Maryland was there. TNT Cycles displayed an awesome bike with a 2500cc engine. Creative Cycles from Wall, New Jersey had a row of glistening creations. Extreme Custom Cycles from State College, Pa had a whole collection of show winners there, especially a windswept jewel I named “Spirit of America”. Gilby’s Street Dept. from River Falls Wisconsin featured a pale green ’98 Dynawide Glide. Sinister Customs out of Dauphin, Pa had a unique design called “Stingray”. Kendall Johnson from North Carolina was showing some great machines. Joe and Dana Galiardo from Homosassa, Florida had a beautiful 1947 Knucklehead called “She-Devil” on display. Hoffman’s Sport & Turf out of St. Marys, Pa. Had a collection of three wheelers while Country Auto from right here in Clearfield, Pa. Was showing a whole line-up of sleek mini-choppers.
The Tombstone Hearse Company from Alum Bank, Pa. had one of their custom motorcycle hearses on display. Their services are available through your local funeral director. The shinning black and glass hearse is pulled by a matching black three wheeler and they promise to show up dressed in a white tuxedo shirt, black pants, and shined boots with a single silver spur.
The variety of food available was interesting. Everything from Chinese chicken fried rice to roast pig with a bewildering array of steak… Quaker Steak & Lube, steak on a stick, and steak subs everywhere. I’m on a diet and all these things were forbidden to me which reminds me of the New Jersey Bikini Team. These girls were stunningly beautiful and scantily clad. Teasing and friendly they were delightful to be around. Though they were selling calendars and some other things, they never pushed their products and were quick to pose or chat with the crowd. I saw a woman taking a photo of her old man posing with these babes and I offered to hold the camera if she wanted to get into the picture. “No thanks”, she said, “I couldn’t handle the intimidation”. Walking away, I sadly replied, “Neither can I”.
Every couple hours there was some sort of show being put on. ABATE had a motorcycle rodeo. I watched the tractor pull event and was entertained but wished I could have watched the whole show. The crowd was really into it with lots of cheering and applause. There was a stunt competition with Evel Knievel himself judging the event and stunt shows featuring massive burn-outs, wheelies, and crashes were put on regularly both days. “Ed 1000” and “John Legion” from Bucks County, Pa. were sitting on handlebars doing front wheel wheelies and amazing the crowd with their antics. Evel Knievel himself appeared before the crowd and gave a short talk then signed autographs. There was mechanical bull riding and a beer tent, tattoo artists and custom tee shirts. C. Jay Lewis of Muddy Run Raceway was there raising money for the Miracle Mile Network. There was plenty to see, lot’s to do, and a host of good people to talk with.
Event organizers announced that Chrome At The Dome would be back in 2006 to Clearfield on the second week-end in June as Saturday’s turn-out exceeded sixty thousand people. I’ve never seen more motorcycles parked in one place before and there can be no question that this event was a great success. At ten bucks a head, with that being good for both days and all activities it was the bargain of the summer. We’re already looking forward to next year.
95
96
97
More photos @ CHROME DOME 2 thread