Thunder in the Valley Indeed

Well, the local newspaper photographer just came round and shot a photo of Ding working on a front tire. I will get tomorrow's paper and keep y'all posted. Yesterday's business was slow (normal for Day 1 at these things). It was wildly hot and humid but rain didn't show, which is good. I bbq-ed chickie legs and corn and we supped late before walking around and checking out the rally. Unlike Laconia, Thunder in the Valley is very concentrated - a few square blocks of old downtown. The streets in all directions are lined with thousands of riders. We are in the Thunder Service Plaza, very near the death wheel (those crazy dudes who basically ride a motorcycle inside a large soup can) and the burnout pit (for the unknowing, it's a giant rev and squeal and turn event that creates a lot of smoke.) Our neighbors include the dyno guys from Laconia, as well as an oil dealer who was also in New Hampshire. The fad these days seems to be LED lights - picture a Harley with blinking neon Christmas lights in the middle. Not my bag (let's keep it simple and old school) but pulsing neon purple, pink, green and blue light up the night as the riders streak by. Sailor from Laconia and also the OFOPOS gathering came down today to have us put on a front tire. This makes three events he's been with us. Really nice guy. No sign of Dennie but I'm guessing maybe tonight or tomorrow she will land. Not as much grass here for dogs to play on so their little paw pads are getting worked hard on asphalt. When the rally isn't here, you see and hear that Johnstown is still working to crawl out from a depressed state following a flood many years ago. That said, it's quaint with a variety of shops and what's called the world's longest car lift that ferries people and autos straight up a mountain. Gotta go post fliers and probably get Ding another cheesesteak sandwich - inhales them.