Thunder in the Valley is celebrating its tenth annual rally with an expected attendance of 200,000 visitors to its event that will run from Thursday through Sunday in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Promising live music, food, an official bike parade and a range of motorcycle related events that includes a "biker baby" contest for proud biker parents.

In just ten short years, Thunder in the Valley has grown to host over 125 vendors and 200,000+ bikers. New featured entertainment, events and venues allowed Thunder 2007 to be the most successful it has ever been. And much of the rally's success can be attributed to the manner in which Johnstown has embraced the rally.

Residents young and old mix and mingle with visiting bikers while businesses place "welcome bikers" signs at their entrances. Organizers of the event consider the amount of support from local officials as 'tremendous', from city officials, to area police departments, government representatives and area businesses, nearly everyone is firmly behind the rally.

"Bikers are known to spend more money than the average leisure traveler," Lisa Rager, executive director of the Johnstown Convention and Visitors Bureau told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The state police have coordinated with the local Johnstown police and feel confident about about the event.

"This is the 11th year for it, so we're ready," said Johnstown Police Chief Craig Foust was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "It's a noisy event, it's a crowded event, there's a lot of beer consumed, but it's pretty much under control."

Maps of scenic rides, the official program book, visitors guides and attraction brochures are available the welcome tent which is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. Many motorcycle manufacturers will be offering Demo Rides of their latest models.