OUR TOURING MAGAZINE May 2023

©2023 Copyright 2022 all rights reserved. May 2023

Images and Content belong to CMTA & Rumble Alberta. Published by ZX Media Corporation.

Renee Charbonneau Krista Malden Sheila Willis Suzie Healey

Pet Supply, Athabasca Noel Linsey Angie Perry

The Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association has been in operation since 2010. For the first number of years we were fairly inactive and supported the motorcycle community with events and did the whole social group thing. In 2017 that all changed. I had ridden across Canada in 2015 in support of our military. I spoke to other civilians about the New Veterans Charter and how it was demoralizing our serving soldiers, veterans and RCMP.

I rode 42,000 Kilometers, visited 89 communities, spoke to thousands of riders and raised over $7K for three military based charities by selling 'I hugged Belt Drive Betty's Beaver' stickers for $2 a piece. My mascot 'Road Trip Rita' was quite the hit and the perfect way to break a somber mood up.

During that trip I visited every military memorial/monument I could.

It was while riding my motorcycle home to Grande Prairie that I decided I would ask the executive at the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans In Canada Unit 389 if we could build an Afghanistan Memorial.

After looking for land all over the city and hitting brick wall after brick wall, I went to our executive and they agreed that the finger of land to the east of their building would be a perfect place to build a Memorial and Garden.

We applied for a Veterans Affairs grant, won it and started to work on building the memorial.

The day that we were to break ground, things happened that would change the trajectory of our association forever. We were asked to take the project over in its entirety.

As project lead, I was the person dealing with Veterans Affairs and doing all of the site management and paperwork.

The day our association was asked to take over the project from ANAVETS and Veterans Affairs said yes to the CMTA taking over, was the beginning of a journey I had not seen coming.

The journey to becoming a recognized museum. This is a daunting task but one I am proud to say is beginning to pay off dividends.

In late 2022 I submitted our application to the Alberta Museums Association.

Almost 200 pages of evidence of our commitment to being a museum holding high standards in the process of being a professionally run museum were submitted.

Our business plan, our safety plan, pest control, accessioning and deaccessioning paperwork.

In April 2023 we got word that we are a conditionally approved museum. I had two deficiencies that needed to be addressed in the application. Those have been addressed and we are now awaiting the decision of the AMA - will we be a recognized museum OR a candidate in the Recognized Museums program?

Stay tuned - we will share the news as soon as we get it which should be sometime thins month!

CMTA Goes Live (At the Great Outdoors Expo)

- Noel Linsey

Clothes, check. Tent, mattress, sleeping bag, and camp chair, check, check, check aaannnddd check. Banners, business cards, cameras, more checks. After spending hours trying to recall how to pack everything needed to run a tradeshow booth and bumbling around my office trying to remember where I had put everything needed for my trip to the first tradeshow of the season, I managed to get my bike loaded up. I was ready to rock.

The Epic Rides/CMTA booth looking sharp

After a beautiful ride East from Winnipeg, with a detour thrown in so I could have some fun riding the 307, a provincial road that runs through North Whiteshell provincial park I arrived at my cabin at the gorgeous Barrier Bay Resort – my home for the next 4 days and jumping off point to ensure I got a spectacular ride every day. DJ and Erica Seales, the owners of Barrier Bay resort are amazing people, and my cabin was downright luxurious. Usually when I do tours I moto camp. I love moto camping, and I love taking clients moto camping, but I have to say every now and then it’s nice to feel pampered! Sidebar, yes this is definitely a plug for Barrier Bay. It’s a great place to stay, to use as a jumping off point to moto adventures in Eastern Manitoba and it’s definitely motorcycle friendly…. If only there were some sort of motorcycle friendly designation…. Hmmmm….

Setting up the Epic Rides Moto Tours booth, preparing my presentations for the weekend and ensuring CMTA was well represented took a lot of work but I knew it was going to be well worth it. Day 1 of the show started strong, and I had multiple opportunities to spread the gospel according to CMTA – promoting Canada as a Tourism Destination for Motorcyclists. In my case, I’m not only passionate about riding but I have a passion for my province of Manitoba, and I want to share her hidden gems with the rest of Canada and the world.

After a successful first day where I was able to speak with many local businesses about CMTA, handing out business cards and spreading the good word about the Association it was time to head back down the 307 to Barrier Bay for a good night sleep before round 2.

Sunday, started off slowly (as these types of events often do… at least here in Manitoba), but traffic picked up, and I had a few riders stop by the booth for a visit, who had ridden up from Winnipeg to meet the idiot with the YouTube channel (Moi) that liked to rant and rave about Manitoba’s highways department while sharing routes throughout the province. They were excited about CMTA, and from the people and businesses I spoke to throughout the weekend you can see the need for an association like ours.

There’s a real opportunity here for us. As riders, tour operators and small businesses I think we often look South or

over into Europe and see how popular motorcycle tourism is and it doesn’t see possible to build that buzz here in Canada. I can tell you that there is a hunger and willingness by other businesses to see motorcycle tourism flourish here, and as CMTA grows and builds lasting partnerships we are going to see a shift. I believe that sooner rather than later Canada will be seen as a true destination hot spot for motorcycle tourism, but we need your help. If you’re not a member, join us. If you own a business, join us. We motorcyclists are as fiercely loyal as we are adventurous and if you open your doors to us, we’ll be back time and time again to support you.

Hideaway Adventure Grounds: Rumble Stop at Kikino Metis Settlement

When “Papa John” Ritchie moved back home to the Kikino Metis Settlement in the early 2000’s he had a dream to open a basic campground as a retirement project. He wanted to incorporate his love of camping and the outdoors with the added benefit of remaining independent.

Little did he know that his plan for retirement would fast track into becoming one of the leading experiences for Indigenous Tourism Alberta, of which John is a founding board member.

Sheila Willis

Shortly after opening Hideaway Adventure Grounds for basic camping in 2018 John was introduced to Indigenous tourism, the sharing of cultures and the opportunities it presented in expanding his business through his work at the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre. Later they would become his partners in offering programming in the Indigenous ways of knowing at Hideaway.

With 160 acres of aspen forest available with maintained, natural trails throughout, John went to work. Now at Hideaway Adventure Grounds you can comfort camp in one of 4 private canvas wall tents. Each has 2 beds and firewood is provided. Guests supply their own bedding and other personal items. When Phase 2 is completed, overnight guests will be able to choose between the wall tents or tipi sites.

Having experienced an overnight stay at Hideaway Adventure Grounds, the privacy given by the well established buffer zone was a plus. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to see the northern lights unhampered by the artificial light created by towns and cities, however the night sounds of the forest were soothing. I identified the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves, owls hooting and the distant howl of coyotes. Other wildlife you might hear or see while at Hideaway Adventure Grounds are rabbits, deer, a wide variety of birds, the occasional moose or wolf.

Hideaway Adventure Grounds has an onsite group cooking area that includes a propane grill. Future development plans include showers and indoor kitchen facilities. It is an excellent place for small family reunions, private weddings, and other small group gatherings where nature and comfort are combined.

For individuals, daytime experiences can include learning basic land survival skills such as fire making, shelter building, and cooking on an open fire. Traditional craft making and Indigenous cultural workshops are also available.

For groups, cultural jigging, fiddle playing, a Jingle Dress dancer for a Powwow demonstration and other Indigenous activities are available by special request.

Hideaway Trading Post is on site. The shop supports the work of local Indigenous artists. When you purchase something to remember your trip by, you are helping to offset the costs of youth programming to the local community offered by Hideaway.

If you are a bird watcher, Lac La Biche is a short half hour drive away and is a staging and nesting area for shorebirds and waterfowl that include geese, swans, pelicans, and numerous varieties of ducks, many of them seen in flight at Hideaway adventure grounds.

Hideaway is about 2 hours NE of Edmonton; 45 minutes from Smoky Lake; 30 minutes from Lac La Biche and 25 minutes from the Iron Horse Trail. This central location allows you to stay at Hideaway Adventure Grounds, experience all the programming offered, and make it your home base while exploring other nearby communities, their attractions or participating in their events.

For out-of-province guests, Hideaway Adventure Grounds is about halfway between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, both with International airports. Lac La Biche has a small airport for private airplanes.

To learn more about Hideaway Adventure Grounds and connect with “Papa John” at 780-623-8885 or follow Hideaway Adventure Grounds on Facebook, Instagram or TikTock. You can also check out his website at https://hideawayadventuregrounds.ca/

HISTORY TAKES FLIGHT!

OPEN 7 days a week 9am – 9pm

Appointment required

Located at Gibbons, Sturgeon County

Angie 780-690-7587

website: ivangies.com

Instagram; @ivangies.photostudio

Ivangie’s Outdoor Photo Studio specializes in motorcycle/classic car photography, couples’ photography, antique portraits and large group photo sessions.

This amazing studio is right off of highway 28a and has 2 large 1-acre studios built with sets replicating historic scenes from all famous eras of our past. Studio 1 takes you to the 1800s in the old west with a saloon, jail, sheriff shack, trappers’ cabin etc.

The popular studio 2 boasts the old garage with gas pumps, the old Harley shop, mercantile, bank, firehouse etc.. for the most epic pin ups, 1920s themed portraits and romantic couple photos. Few surprises to add.

.The studio sits high on a hill with a canyon view, an antique car graveyard on property and gardens with an arch that all extends to provide a plethora of photo background choices. All clothing and props available for theme portraits! Numerous antique cars and trucks for rent on property to add to your session!

Book with Angie for your very affordable photography packages for any choice of sessions offered or rent the studio with your own photographer. website: ivangies.com

Article by Angie Perry

CMTA Summer Special!!!

Mini Bike Photo session with up to two bikes and 2 people, only

$100!! Includes 2 edited digital/printable images you choose from delivered on line gallery OR 1-hour long photo session with 6 edited digital/printable images

$174.95 plus tax.

For bookings contact Angie 780-690-7587 Appt. required.

EARPEACE Partners with NEXX Helmets

on Co-Branded Hearing Protection Line for Motorcycle Riders Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

For more information on the EARPEACE, please visit: https://www.earpeace.com.

On May 1 2023 EARPEACE announced that they have partnered with NEXX Helmets and launched a co-branded hearing protection line for motorcycle riders, coinciding with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, to further expand the EARPEACE mission of enhancing the experiences people value most by reducing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

“We are delighted to be collaborating with NEXX Helmets,” said Jay Clark, CEO and Founder of EARPEACE. “We share in their vision of applying cutting edge technology and highquality components to ensure motorcyclist’s safety.”

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends hearing protection as part of the necessary personal protection gear for motorcyclists. With motorcyclists at risk of permanently damaging their hearing after just 15 minutes of riding at 62mph, earplugs in combination with a full-face helmet are the easiest ways for riders to protect their hearing and prevent NIHL. The NEXX x EARPEACE collaboration features EARPEACE’s Patented Contour Earplugs™ in NEXX’s signature “Cherry” color that conforms to the natural shape of one’s ear canal providing a complete seal. Small, standard and large sizes are included to ensure a perfect fit. The Ultra Max PRO 27dB filter set provides ultimate protection against hearing loss, wind noise, and fatigue while the tuned acoustic technology keeps comms crystal clear. Also includes a dual chamber custom branded NEXX carrying case that clips to keys (or a bag) for easy carrying.

NEXX Helmets is one of the last standing European manufacturers that specializes in the design, development, and production of high-quality motorcycle helmets. The company was founded in 2001 and has since become known for its innovative designs, use of advanced materials, and commitment to safety. The different helmet ranges are the combination of hard work, dedication, and passion with state-of-the-art and high-tech components that guarantee uncompromised safety and quality. NEXX –in over 60 nations throughout the world –embraces the dreams of different styles of Motorcyclists, with class-leading motorcycle helmets.

“The collaboration between NEXX and EARPEACE is a testament to OUR shared commitment to safety and innovation,” said André Varandas, Marketing Manager at NEXX Helmets. “The importance of audio and hearing protection safety cannot be overstated when it comes to motorcycle riding. By working together, we hope to increase awareness around the importance of hearing protection and safety in motorcycle riding.”

On a mission to enhance the experiences people value most, EARPEACE is the original high-fidelity earplug. EARPEACE is trusted by The House Institute (the leading institute on hearing health research) in addition to NPR Music, Red Bull, and more.

About EARPEACE

EARPEACE revolutionized hearing protection in 2008 with a discreet, comfortable, highfidelity earplug built not only for musicians, but for all the fans at the event. This same technology was customized for motorsports, and everyone that needs a good night’s sleep. The innovation by EARPEACE continues today with new patents, products, technologies, and accessories designed to enhance your experience. Festivals, motorcycle rallies, and events all over the world depend on EARPEACE to keep their stars and fans safe, comfortable, and ready for the next event. The EARPEACE promise is simple – you will hear and feel better when you wear EARPEACE. For more information, visit: https://www.earpeace.com

Delighted with EARPEACE-MOTO

Avoiding sensory overload is compulsory for me. 5 summers ago, a tumble down the stairs left me with Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome. I have spent close to $1,000 trying every kind of ear plug available to help me cope with ordinary circumstances like driving in the rain, being near the fridge/freezer section at the market or surviving in places with 6 or more people. EARPEACE MOTO stands out!! They delivered beyond my expectations for both noise reduction and comfort.

I can Hardly Wait to try them out in my helmet this riding season. RESPECT!! Gabby Koch, Toronto Ontario

Dear Community,

We are thrilled to announce that the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association has entered into a partnership with the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association, furthering our joint mission to expand the availability of rider-oriented services, such as safe and secure parking, in hotels and lodgings.

We are delighted to have Braithwaite Boyle Motorcycle Injury Lawyers as our sponsor for the Reserved Motorcycle Parking Campaign, and we take immense pride in this collaboration.

To obtain the exclusive Reserved Motorcycle Parking Signs, businesses must become members of the CMTA and ensure that at least one staff member completes our Rider Friendly Certification Training successfully. Once these requirements are fulfilled, the signs will be shipped to the respective hotels/businesses, with the only associated cost being the shipping fees.

Next week, we will be issuing a more formal announcement as we initiate our efforts to educate and encourage Alberta Hoteliers and Lodging providers to appreciate the value of motorcycle riding tourists and incorporate them into the realm of rubber tire tourism.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this invaluable partnership, and we look forward to making significant strides together.

Renee Charbonneau Executive Director - CMTA

Travellingwith Animals

by Tracker’s Pet Supply, Athabasca

Taking your fur family can be a great way to explore the countryside and try new adventures. With some planning and preparation, this can be stress free and relaxing and here are some of the ways to make your travels a success worth repeating.

General guidelines:

*When travelling in a car – Cats in Carriers, Dogs in the back seat. Animals free ranging in the vehicle can distract you from driving leading to tickets or worse –collisions.

*Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle for any length of time. The vehicle can become hot (even on a cool day) and your pet can overheat quickly. If you are leaving for a short period, open windows on opposite sides, a small amount.

*Do not open doors of your vehicle until your pet is under control and not able to escape (especially cats).

*Help keep your pet calm by staying calm and taking frequent breaks. If your pet is anxious, you can use Calm Aid or a Calming Collar or talk to your vet for suggestions on what to give your pet to reduce anxiety.

Travel Kit for Dogs

- Familiar blanket, bed, toys.

- Food & treats

- Water

- Water & Food bowls

- Poop Bags

- Clean up spray. Pow Air

- Collar, leash, tie out.

- Leashes are required in many places.

- Seat Belt clip or carrier to ensure dog remains in back seat and is not ejected from the vehicle in the case of a hard stop or collision.

Travel Kit for Cats

Familiar blanket, bed, toys.

Carrier (Many cats prefer to travel in a crate)

Food & treats

Water

Water & Food bowls

Litter box (disposable or small tray with familiar litter & bags for cleaning)

Clean up spray to eliminate odour & mess from accidents. Pow Air

We hope these tips help you enjoy year-round fun and adventures with your furry family member!

5302A 50Ave Athabasca, AB T9S 1G8

Tracker's Pet Supply - Tracker's Pet Supply (trackerspetsupply.ca)

Vilna is one of those hidden gems in Alberta that deserves more recognition. Their historic main street will take you back in time with wooden sidewalks, 1920’s style storefronts and an operational pool hall built over 100 years ago. Even old-fashioned kindness is still prevalent in Vilna, as they became “Alberta’s Most Welcoming Community” in 2022, by receiving an overwhelming number of nominations through the Rumble Alberta Best of Alberta contest.

This community spirit has a long history. The region was settled, primarily by Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, around 1907. Between then and when the town was named in 1920 the Great War was grinding to a bloody halt and the Russian revolution was in full swing. It was in the years of Prohibition and moonshining was a profitable but dangerous business in Vilna. Still, amongst all of the turmoil, globally and locally, the local residents chose the name “VIlna,” which means peace in Ukrainian.

In addition to mainstreet, Vilna is home to the largest metal sculpture mushrooms; a popular selfie spot and part of the Alberta Big Icon tour on the Travel-ING On / History Check app. In addition to this piece of art, the village has numerous murals and sculptures.

Vilna is also one of the Iron Horse Trail communities. You can access the trail in Vilna and take in nearly 300 km of trail east and west of the Village. OHV’s are allowed within village limits to access their services and attractions.

Other attractions and nearby activities include the Vilna Golf Course, Bonnie Lake for camping and boating, Saddle Lake Cree Nation Museum and Metis Crossing. Another unique stop is GoodVibes Cannabis, the first educational cannabis store in Alberta.

You will find all of the services you need in Vilna for living and travel including a pharmacy, the health centre, an ATB for banking services, school, an antique store and eclectic restaurants including Porky’s Side Street Cafe and Black Cat’s Cauldron Tea & Herb House. Their signs alone should make great selfie stops.

A variety of seasonal markets take place throughout the year in Vilna and the surrounding communities. The Vilna Farmers’ Market is open on Sundays from May to November. If you are planning a late summer trip, Boomtown Days takes place during the 3rd weekend in August. The Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair, Waskatenau Fair Days, Smoky Lake Stampede and the Randy Russ Memorial Barrel Racing (Bellis) are annual events across the Region.

Combined, it is easy to see that you can spend a day or several exploring Vilna and the surrounding region. You can camp at the Bonnie Lake Campground or soon, stay in the historic hotel.

Today, the Village of Vilna boasts a population of 300. Still a rural community surrounded by farms the outlying areas bring the number up to 4,500. Vilna is located in Treaty 6 territory and the village’s Indigenous neighbours include Whitefish Lake First Nation, Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Kikino Metis Settlement.

Vilna is a 90 minute drive from Edmonton and both the Town of Smoky Lake and the Town of St. Paul are within 30 minutes of Vilna. For the flyers out there the closest airports are St. Paul, Bonnyville, and Edmonton.

Most Scenic Route: Highway 28 rolls through parkland and agricultural land. Also, Highway 15 to Highway 45 and north on Highway 857 to Hwy 652 east and then north on 859 to Vilna is very scenic.

Best Motorcycle Route: Highway 15 to Highway 45 and north on Highway 857 to Hwy 652 east and then north on 859 to Vilna.

Best Family Route: Highway 28 –lots of service points along the way

Best Visitor Route:Highway 15 to 45 from Edmonton area, then north on Highway 855 to Metis Crossing on North Saskatchewan River, into Smoky Lake and then east on Highway 28.