Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/727617
53 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nOctober 2016n by Hammy MORGANTOWN, W.VA., JULY 27–31—Some call me green, others call me names, but I call myself a late bloomer. When I say late bloomer, I'm talking about the motorbike game. It was only fi ve years ago that I hopped on my fi rst Harley and that's when it got in the blood… and this year, I attended my fi rst West Virginia MountainFest Motorcycle Rally! Situated along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown has been home of MountainFest for the past decade or so. This yearly non-profi t event in Mylan Park is action packed from the jump. Although Mother Nature was very uncoopera- tive on Saturday that didn't slow the show one bit. Actually I think the rain washed more patrons in as the fl ow of bikes continued to pack the parking lot. As we pulled in a very dear friend, David Wasserman, rolled up on his pristine period-correct '65 Panhead. Hugs were exchanged as we caught up on the events that had taken place since our last encounter. We took in the sea of V-twin power as people approached us asking Dave about his bike, a common occurrence anywhere he goes. After entertaining our small crowd, we strolled through the gates and got acquainted with the unoffi - cial MountainFest mascot, Nikki the bulldog. This is one tough pup with plenty of road miles under her belt… uh… pelt. Her owner pointed to the Goldwing she rides shotgun on along with her leather riding jacket and hel- met. Too cool! The MountainFest promoters have their poop in a group with this event. As we walked vendor row towards the back of the event I took note of the Ives Brothers' Wall of Death. I had never been inside the wall so what better time than now to make that hap- pen? Sneaking up to the door leading into the wall I was met by one of the brothers, Kyle Ives, a truly humble young cat that immediately invited me in. He told me how this Wall of Death came to be as I listened intently. After story time came show time and these boys rocked the place, illustrating why the MoCo has offi cially become their sponsor. I even had the privilege of teaching the next generation, a cool 5-year-old with a mohawk, the art of holding a dollar over the safety wire so Kyle could snatch it from his unsus- pecting hand. The smiles on the faces of him and his parents were priceless. Once the show was over I thanked Kyle and Cody for their hospitality and we made our way to the food truck to grab some grub. Along the way, someone brushed past me in a hurry but as I looked over no one was there. Looking ahead I noticed four little people, or was I seeing things with road-weary eyes? It was the cast of the Micro Wrestling Federation and they looked all busi- ness. I introduced myself and asked when the next match was. In true tough- guy fashion, a wrestler told me but not without pictures fi rst. I think the tough-guy talk was all an act because these guys ended up shooting the shit for a few minutes before heading back to get ready for the next show. Rain became our friend again so all in attendance embraced it until the sun became victorious in its day-long battle with the clouds, just in time for Cycle Source magazine's bike show. The turnout for the show, considering God's bike wash, was incredible with almost 100 bikes. There were 56 tro- phies in 20 classes and the infamous Jack Schit was on hand to announce the winners with categories ranging from Best Chopper to Best Extreme Custom. All awards were handed out, and as if on cue, the sky continued the trend of the day and began to weep. The ol' lady and I decided to check out the indoor complex where the tiniest of wrestling rings was erected and towards the rear of the building was the main stage. With a lineup of world-class acts like Buckcherry, Aaron Lewis, and Montgomery Gentry to tingle the audi- t ory senses the stage lay waiting for the headline act later in the evening. MountainFest was our fi rst stop on a nine-day motorcycle journey and although we were inclined to stay for headliner Montgomery Gentry, the sky was giving us a brief reprieve. After running into the event promoters for a brief conversation and thanking them for a kickass event, even with soggy socks, we were back in the saddle and heading south. One thing I don't subscribe to in life is the saying "raining on my parade." I've been through the self-in- fl icted gauntlet and every day is a good day, rain or shine. Although it was a wet one this year, MountainFest has found a place on my travel cal- endar from now on. Only a stone's throw from my town in Virginia and home to friends both new and old, this event is happening! Get your asses to Morgantown next year and look for the fool running around with a shit-eating grin. 4 MOUNTAINFEST MOTORCYCLE RALLY A winning formula Wild and wonderful despite wet weather Scot Santore's breathtaking '52 Panhead that stole the show The Ives Brothers taking the Wall Of Death to a new level Storms are looming but the crowd keeps growin'