Thunder in the Valley, Philadelphia

Thunder in the Valley 2011 at the end of June will have your motors running. The annual celebration of motorcycling and the thrill of the open road unfolds all around Johnstown. The annual celebration has a long list of fun to offer, including concerts, great shopping, and plenty of chances to hit the open road and ride.

Thunder in the Valley History and Facts

Since 1998, bikers have been flocking to the Conemaugh Valley. In the years since, the event has grown into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Eastern US, packed with fun things to do. It all started when the area's motorcycle dealers worked with the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau, who both realized that motorcyclists were important visitors.

Nearly 5,000 bikers for showed up for the first year, and the number doubled in size by the second year. In the time since, the festival has added more events and more fun as it draws more and more attendees.

Tickets to Thunder in the Valley

With so many events happening throughout Johnstown, there isn't one centralized ticket required to experience Thunder in the Valley. Some of the concerts require tickets, but many of the events are open to everyone for free. All you have to do is show up to have fun for the Thunder in the Valley 2011.

Directions to Thunder in the Valley

Johnstown is located about an hour to the east of Pittsburgh and just over 250 miles west of Philadelphia. From Pittsburgh, it's best to take Route 22 east, until you reach Route 403 South. From the exit, it's about eight miles until you reach Johnstown.

Events take place around Johnstown, so once there, you'll have to get more detailed directions when you've decided what you want to experience at this Johnstown Pennsylvania festival.

From other points east, you could follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike until you reach exit 11, the Bedford exit. Now, you'll follow Route 220, Interstate 99 north until the exit at Route 56 West. It's another 30 miles until Route 219 North. Then take the Route 56 West exit, the Johnstown Expressway, and follow it until you reach town.

If you're coming from the east, and places like Washington, D.C., you can follow I-70 until Breezewood, Pennsylvania. There, catch the turnpike and follow the same route once you exit at Route 220.

Lodging near Thunder in the Valley

Many Pennsylvania hotels are found in and around Johnstown, so you'll have a lot of choices of where to stay during Thunder in the Valley 2011.

Offering 70 guestrooms and complimentary breakfast, the Hampton Inn is nestled at 129 Commerce Court in Johnstown. Just five miles from the city center, the inn is designed for your comfort with cozy linens, mini fridges in each room, and access to complimentary beverages throughout the day. Guests also are welcome to use an outdoor pool and request free passes to a nearby fitness center.

The Super 8, at 627 Solomon Run Road, has 65 guestrooms, including five whirlpool suites with kitchenettes. With varying sizes, rooms either have two queen-size beds or a king bed. All of the rates, for rooms of all sizes, include a continental breakfast and access to the motel's amenities, a business center and free wireless Internet among them.