Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
6 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by SuperGlide Gail LANCASTER, CALIF., JUNE 10–12—Friday night, with open head- ers and loud pipes, the 22nd annual Thunder on the Lot kicked off with a "Thunder Cruise In" parade of motor- cycles, classic cars and hot rods down Lancaster Boulevard accompanied by live music. The weekend would be blessed with temperatures in the 80s rather than the usual 100 degrees with a forgiving breeze that kept everyone cool and comfortable in Lancaster City Park, except perhaps the poor fellow stirring the kettle corn over an open fi re. With an abundance of mature trees, one could actually leave the umbrella behind while shopping over 100 vendors and visiting community booths in the shade. Founded by Antelope H-D owner Ron Emard, known for his devotion to children and the eradication of child abuse, Thunder on the Lot was created for the entire community to experience SoCal's enduring bike and car culture while enjoying live band performances, raffl e prizes, good food and a carnival. Kid's Charities, representing over 30 local charities, believes, "It should never hurt to be a kid," and have bene- fi ted from the $5 million raised so far. Walking into the park, families could visit a string of game booths manned by the various charities and continue on to the carnival rides, giant slide, and hamster bubbles in a pool. The California Highway Patrol had a table with helpful brochures and maps of CHP locations. StuntFarm's bike riders performed wheelies and nose stands accompanied by lots of noise and testing the nerve of one photog- rapher as a rider skidded within three feet of him… he didn't fl inch and he got his shot! Hundreds of cars—classic, restored and works in progress—offered distinc- tive eras of motor vehicle history and nostalgia and one crowd favorite was the Helms Bakery truck with $30,000 in metal restoration. Motorcycles were sparkling in the desert sun but for one home-grown variety with a helmet spouting, "F*** the Factories, Let's Ride Garage Built." With two stages there was never a moment without music, and it crossed all genres from country to bluegrass, rock, blues and metal. Many headliners were crowd-pleasing, fi st-pumping tribute bands: Nirvanish (Nirvana), TNT (AC/DC), Damage Inc. (Metallica), The Great Pumpkin (Smashing Pumpkins), and Close to Heart (Heart). A burnout contest had entrants braced against a k-rail and forklift leaving a choking cloud and rubber bits behind. Winners were awarded for Best Smoke, Loudest, Biggest, and Hard Luck (to the fellow who broke his drive shaft yoke). David Gilroy was proud to pronounce the '74 truck (Best Smoke) as his wife's daily driver. He builds it, she drives it, he blows it up and he starts the process all over again. Casino games were set up near the beer garden, which also had an outpost bar with an upper observation deck. What I observed was a very steep staircase going up and a long way to stumble down after a few drinks. But what a great view! On Sunday morning hundreds of riders signed up for the poker run at Antelope Valley H-D, a route that took them through Soledad and Bouquet Canyons. At the dealership was an old photo taken in Sturgis and thus began a guessing game of the picture's date, judging by the beaded windshields, king/queen seats and clothing. Late 70's? Eighties? There was a very pronounced lack of women and those visible were modestly dressed. Another display was a single star cut from a retired fl ag, given to a soldier to remind them they are not forgotten. I liked that. Back at the carnival on the Community Stage, a Hawaiian dance troupe entertained with both adult and children performers, the latter adding a touching tribute to their parents as each was given a lei from the stage in thanks for their support. Over at the Loop-O-Plane ride, Trapper was strap- ping 'em in for a three-minute ride full of screams. Car show awards were called out by decade, followed by the bike awards, each trophy presented by local city queens of Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Palmdale and others. The Best of Show bike award (trophy plus $400) went to Charles Liggins. The winning $100 Opportunity Grand Prizes tick- ets were draw n by 6-year-old Carson and included a 2016 H-D Road Glide, swimming pool, and a custom Honda. Ron and wife Yvette thanked all the participants and vendors, the 800 vol- unteers, city workers and sponsors that helped raise over $200,000 and invite all to next year's Thunder on the Lot. 4 22ND THUNDER ON THE LOT Cruisin' the Boulevard Kid's Charities benefi ts big Chuckie and his bride show off in the bike show Proud winners of the Bike Show with Charles Liggins, Best of Show winner (top row center)