Catskill Mountain Thunder is an annual motorcycle festival held every September at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, New York. Blackthorne is an old-fashioned, quaint, and very unusual mixture of individual buildings nestled in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. If you can remember the resort featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing,” you will have a pretty good idea about Blackthorne. However, in mid-September, for one weekend, Blackthorne belongs to the bikers, and what an absolutely perfect venue for bikers (and others) traveling from near and far to enjoy the festival.
This 12th anniversary of Catskill Mountain Thunder, September 16-19, featured a huge vendor expo, bike games, the “Wall of Death,” featuring the Urias brothers, a biker build-off, some great food, and excellent entertainment. The Handel Family, owners of the Blackthorne Resort, are well-known for their gracious hospitality and wonderful treatment of their vendors. Vendors were invited to a pre-festival party and BBQ on Thursday night, which was very much appreciated by all. Friday morning the Handel brothers led a ride through the Catskills, followed by a wonderful breakfast in the main dining room. The festival was attended all weekend by many (bikers and non-bikers), strolling by the vendors and their campsites, and perhaps pausing to watch the motorcycle freestyle stunt shows held throughout the day.
Unfortunately, on Saturday, which is always the busiest day of the festival, a major fire broke out in the kitchen of the main building, spreading wildly and destroying the main office, motel and dining room within minutes. This tragic loss cannot be expressed in words, as it is not only a monumental loss of material possessions but the loss of a rich, historical landmark, attached to many, many memories over the years, since the 60’s when the resort was in its heyday. However, it is with a profound and deep sense of pride that I am able to report that in addition to the firefighters and emergency personnel, the bikers immediately launched into action, pulling together to make sure everyone closeby and all the motorcycles were moved out of proximity of the fire, avoiding even more potential disaster. This was done quickly and with no hesitation. Vendors took it upon themselves to take a collection and donate clothes and necessities to the Romanian student employees whose temporary home was now a skeleton of what it was, and who lost everything they owned and were left with only the clothes on their back (indeed, “it takes a biker”). ALL who helped with this tragedy are to be commended for their bravery and compassion. Bravo! Because of the quick response of all involved, NO ONE was hurt in this tragedy and the festival was able to continue despite the damage. The band played on, and all was well.
The Handel family promises that Blackthorne will be back next year “bigger and better.” That statement will come to fruition with the support of many who have spent time at the Blackthorne over the years and of course the dedication of this wonderful family who have now endured a devastating defeat and survived with pride and dignity.
Ride Safe ~
Comments
The Handels are loved and respected by many. Lisa your story gave a glimpse into this story that all the other articles I have missed. Thank you. One question, would you know how many of the Romanian
staff, what sizes, male / female? Here in Queens we have a bunch of teens willing to raid their closets.
How wonderful of those teens in Queens!
There were 6 romanian students. 2 boys and 4 girls, but I don't know other details.
Regin - thank you for your comments!
I saw just a few of the student staff, two girls and a guy - I will try to find out more and let you know...thanks again - and I'm just so glad no lives were lost!
This was such a tragic loss. As you said they will bounce back. I have known the Handles for over 20 years. I have a house directly behind the resort. I even created their new Catskill Mountain Thunder website for them. I was in tears when I saw what happened. Those tears turned to an amazing pride when as you said, said; "The Bikers jumped into action" It was because of them, the vendors, staff, neighbors and all who helped that not one person was badly hurt. That is incredible when you consider the amount of people there. The volunteer firefighters from across the county did an incredible job the minute they got there. I know the Handels will build something even more incredible.
I was in Rhinebeck when this happened and as soon as I heard the news, my heart sank. I first heard of an explosion and feared that people were trapped inside and couldn't get out. Later that night, I started seeing news feeds that said no one was injured. That blew my mind that with that many people there, everyone was OK.
I am very sorry for the loss of the building and the hard times it will cause the Handel family and the students that were staying there. I can only hope that they can quickly recover from this loss. You can say what you want about bikers, but this just goes to show how great they really are. Bravo to them and the firefighters for their quick action.
As a member of this years staff, once again, I just needed to say, it was controlled chaos.... Everyone fell into place as if we had been trained for something like this; which most of us were not, which once again proves what a great group of people they get on staff each year. As a Biker I must say as Lisa Did " IT Takes A Biker" I have never known a more dedicated, caring group of people untill I became a Biker.... And Thank you for your tireless hours of work Firemen, Policemen, Troopers, Medics, through all the chaos you were the Pros Thank you. Here's to Next Year!!!
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