MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT One thing you can count on is bike enthusiasts checking out each other's vehicles. Here a wheelchair-bound enthusiast shows off the three-wheeler he built for himself. MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT The front yard of the Short Branch Saloon was a parking lot for bikes when the Bordello Thunder Run arrived. Advertisement

It may not have been thunder in the normal sense of the word, but thunder it was for sure.

More than 1,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roared their way through Pahrump to their final blackjack hand destination, the Short Branch Saloon in Crystal.

The Bordello Thunder Run came to a close Feb. 24.

It began early that morning at the Las Vegas Elks Lodge at 4100 W. Charleston Blvd and ended at the saloon in Crystal after nearly a 200-mile ride through the countryside. Stops included Sheri's Ranch as well as the Chicken Ranch (surely to get their blackjack cards).

Every type of motorcycle you could imagine was represented, from sporty, speedy and functional to classic, fully dressed out with both two and three wheels.

All the riders were pleased with the weather and the ride. Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, Honda and so many more makes crowded the parking lot and lined the road.

Justin Smith, Mike Macosko and Steve Valderrame, all of Las Vegas, who have been riding from one to five years, loved the experience. "It was a wonderful ride," Smith said. "Thoroughly enjoyable."

Macosko backed him up: "I agree, it was a lot of fun and the weather couldn't have been better."

Only two of the many riders approached for comment, Jackie Whiteman, said he "thought it was a little cool -- my hands were freezing ... I participate in all runs sponsored by the Short Branch. It's been a pleasant event."

Monica Wilson added, "Yes, I agree it was a little cool, but overall a nice ride."

John Raymond and Peter Gazina, both retirees, were very pleased with the event, with Raymond stating, "This is one of the best rides of the year. The food is excellent as well." One rider, who is wheelchair bound, didn't let that stop him. He had one of the most beautiful three-wheelers.

The food consisted of thick juicy steaks and barbecued chicken with the usual trimmings. The beer and drinks flowed freely with all participants looking after each other. One rider, who wished to remain nameless, said, "It's bad enough other people kill us, without killing ourselves."

Live entertainment was also provided to the group. The band Blue Sky, with Kelly Dorn, lead guitar and singer, Andy Mattucci, bass, Rick Stevens, rhythm guitar, Mark Chiangi, drums, and Lesil Smith, lead vocalist, played a mix of hard rock and heavy metal music. The band is from Las Vegas and has only been together six months -- it showed.

Riders came from as far away as Panama, Canada, Oklahoma, Ohio and other states. You wouldn't think a small bar in the middle of nowhere could put together such an extremely successful event, but Cathy Blagg really outdid herself on this one.

In addition to Blagg, Julie of the Last Chance Saloon, Patty from Just Country, Melissa from Johnson Brothers, and Ol' Pat of Mountain Springs helped serve drinks and beer the entire day.

"I couldn't have done it without them. I thank them for all their help," said Blagg. "They were wonderful."

The event made approximately $22,000, with about $2,200 donated by S&L Productions Inc., to Adaptive Action Sports, an organization that helps children with their sports endeavors.

If you missed this event, Blagg is planning a 'horse' poker run in March. Call Blagg at 775-372-1717 for information.