Friday the 13th november 13 2015 port dover by Port Dover Maple Leaf

Special Bikersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Edition

Friday, November 13, 2015

Celebrating Port Doverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

60th Biker Day since first event Nov. 13, 1981

$150

Bikers are never alone

Cover photos and photos in this feature courtesy Earl Hartlen www.earlhartlen.com

34 Years, 60 Events, 1000s of Good Memories... Next Event is May 2016

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF

Every Friday the 13th, especially in the warm weather months, thousands of motorcycles visit Port Dover. Until last year when municipal officials became concerned about the ability to move emergency vehicles along the street, bikes were parked in a long row down the centre of the street as well as along both curbs.

Sisters have been riding since elementary school By Donna McMillan COLLEEN DRUYFF of Port Dover has been riding bikes since she was 11-years-old. Her late father, Robert Lindsay, owned the Nanticoke Service Station in Nanticoke. Colleen, 56, recently recalled that she was pumping gas part-time as a ten-year-old to earn money to buy her first mini bike, a Honda CT 70. And, her sister Cathy Davies, who is a few years younger, said she probably started riding in their rural area around the age of 8. When Colleen saved up enough money to buy a new bike, I would buy her old one with my earned money, Cathy explained. “We had a lot of fun on those mini bikes,” Cathy added. Colleen got her motorcycle license when she was sixteen and has owned seven motorcycles over the years, including a Harley

Colleen Druyff and Cathy Davies are sisters who enjoy riding together. Davidson she won at Rocky’s Harley Davidson in London the year she purchased a new bike. Colleen, who has lived in Port Dover for 25 years, currently rides a “red hot sunglow” 2009 HD Street Glide, which she considers the best bike she has ever owned. Her favourite rides include the lakeshore from Port Dover west to Port Rowan, day rides from Ellicottville, New York into the Pennsylvania Mountains and The Dragon’s Tail in Tennessee. She especially enjoys riding with her sister Cathy, husband Sam and close friends.

Cathy got her motorcycle license eight years ago when Colleen suggested she should get it so she could ride the motorcycle Colleen won. She said she spoke to her sister around midnight when she got home from the dinner put on by Rocky’s where Colleen won the bike. She said “you should get your licence, we would have so much fun.” Cathy, married and the mother of two, did just that. “My family knows how much I enjoy riding and is so supportive.” Cathy recently traded her 2006 Harley Da-

vidson 1200 Sportster for a 2013 red HD Dyna Switchback. “Colleen and I ride very well together,” she said. She especially enjoys riding in the Ellicottville, NY and Pennsylvania areas. She recounted a recent “great, great day” when the two sisters road back roads from Erie, Pennsylvania to Ellicottville and saw a bear come out in front of them in Pennsylvania. She also enjoys riding with brother-inlaw Sam Druyff and friends. Cathy “loves her new bike” and is looking forward to many great rides with Colleen.

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF |

THIS IS THE 60TH EVENT

First ‘Friday the 13th’ was exactly 34 years ago on November 13, 1981 FRIDAY THE 13TH in Port Dover had its beginning in 1981. It began quietly enough on a November day, exactly 34 years ago. The story goes that Chris Simons suggested to a few motorcycle buddies that they meet for a few beers at the Commercial Hotel (today known as Angelo’s of Dover).

Friday the 13th in Port Dover has grown over the past 34 years.

Word spread about the get-together so that Friday evening on November 13, 1981 about 25 guys showed up. They had a great time and someone suggested “let’s meet every month when there is a Friday the 13th.” More came to party in Port Dover on the next Friday the 13th. And, as they say, the rest is history. This event in November 2015 marks the 60th event over a span of 34 years since that first casual and friendly meeting in November 1981. If we go back ten years earlier to 1971 when George Simons gave his son Chris a Rupp minibike it is hard to imagine that the gift would be the beginning of a life-long passion for bikes and lead to an event like Friday the 13th in Port Dover. Since that Rupp machine, Chris Simons has owned many motorcycles. He knows bikes inside out and front to back. At one time he operated a well-known bike shop in Port Dover called “Bikers’ Delight”. This November’s, Friday the 13th is the 60th Biker Day in Port Dover. It is followed by only one event next year in May 2016 -- and the following year there are two events in January 2017 and October 2017.

FAVOURITE RIDE

Jeff Powell, who lives outside Waterford, enjoys riding his Harley Davidson V Rod. He bought his 2004 wheels four years ago, saying he has been riding a motorcycle since 1976. His first motorcycle was a Yamaha 350. Jeff enjoys riding to Port Dover. His favourite ride is on the Lakeshore east of Nanticoke.

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF

Port Dover residents and visitors look forward to speaking with the riders and passengers as they walk along the street where bikes are parked literally handlebars to handlebars. Many riders that come to Port Dover on Friday the 13th always enjoy sharing stories of their machines and travels across Canada and far beyond.

A love for touring and exploring by bike By Heather Walters JIM AND JENNY Bryce, of Selkirk, have logged a lot of miles on their motorcycle together over the years. Jenny told the Maple Leaf that she met her husband Jim in 1971, nearly 44 years ago, after finishing her shift at Tim Horton’s.

Jenny and Jim Bryce of Selkirk at Bryce Canyon in Utah, USA.

Ever the gentleman, Jim offered her a ride home on his bike, which she accepted. “It was a 1969 Triumph Bonneville,” she recalled. “I got on the back, and just never really got off !” One of their first vacation rides as a young married couple was to Florida and back in late May. “First we froze, then we scorched along the way,” laughed Jenny, “but I have so many good memories of that first trip.” Jim and Jenny married, raised a family and though many things in their life has changed over the years, their love for touring and exploring by bike has never wavered. Once the kids were grown, the adventurous couple began to plan their rides again in earnest. They’ve ridden to Lake George, NY, to attend a bike rally. In 2008 they went with friends to Sturgis, South Dakota for two weeks. Eventually, the Bryce’s found the long distance hauls were more comfortable on a touring bike, wider, safer and better for cruising. They bought a 2008 Ultra Touring Classic Harley-Davidson and now claim to have visited every US state except for Alaska, New

Jenny and Jim Bryce, Selkirk, have travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres on their motorcycle. Recently they completed a five week trip to the California coast and back. Jersey, Hawaii, Maryland and Rhode Island. In Canada they have explored the East Coast, Ottawa Valley, and northern Great Lakes area (Lake Superior). However, it was California that kept beckoning to them, so in late May, 2015, they turned their two wheels westward and logged 15,000 kms in total, heading out to the California coast. “The nice thing about traveling without

a group is that we are more free to stop and go when we please, stay where it appeals to us and we can take last minute day trips if we want to. We only tend to look for an overnight stopping place one day ahead, so there is no pressure to be somewhere at a specific time,” Jenny said. They found they were often directed to other places “that we just had to see” by > Continued on page 5

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Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF |

A walk along any downtown street in Port Dover on a Friday the 13th will reveal just about every make and model of North American-made motorcycle parked curbside. As well, European and Asian bikes will be intermixed amongst them. Regardless of manufacturer the machines will all be polished and shine like new.

Welcome to Friday

351 Main Street PO Box 70 Port Dover ON N0A 1N0 Tel: 519.583.0113 fridaythe13th@ PortDoverMapleLeaf.com

Todd Dewell Publication Coordinator We welcome your comments about Friday the 13th and Port Dover in general! Published by

Maple Leaf Publishing Paul Morris, Publisher Stan Morris, Editor

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Upcoming 13ths

Friday, November 13th marks the 60th time bikers and friends have gathered in Port Dover since November 13, 1981.

Port Dover residents and the motorcycle fraternity have witnessed the growth of the Port Dover Biker Days from a few biker buddies getting together for a beverage to become Canada’s largest motorcycle rally regularly drawing up to 150,000 riders and spectators. Hospitality has been the common denominator over the past 34 years that makes this event so successful. The kinship amongst motorcycle enthusiasts, combined with the welcoming outreach of Port Dover people and

the 13th in Port Dover #60

businesses, have created a bond and respect for everyone’s mutual benefit, creating a fun happening on the visitor side, and a profitable event for local service organizations and businesses. Welcome all motorcyclists and those visitors that come from out-of-town for the fun of this only-in-Port Dover spectacle of thousands of bikers and riders. This unique get-together also began on a November day with a few friends getting together for a good time in 1981. Now, 34 years later many friends will gather with exactly the same purpose in mind. Since it is November and the weather is unpredictable, large outdoor entertainments will be minimal, even non-existent, depend-

ing on temperature and conditions. Local businesses, restaurants, bars and service organizations that will be open are there to serve you in the hopes of adding to the pleasure of your stay in town. Some vendors will offer their merchandise at the downtown parking lot. If you have any comments or suggestions please visit and ‘like’ us at www.facebook. com/Fridaythe13thPort Dover. You can also find a link there for a livestreaming camera were you can view Main Street during the day or look at the videos after the day, perhaps you will see yourself or your friends. Have a great day, and we look forward to seeing you in May 2016, the only Port Dover Friday the 13th next year.

A love for touring and exploring by bike > Continued from page 4

locals and other travellers they met en route. They were blessed with good weather for the majority of their trip, a real plus when travelling by bike. The experienced couple travel extremely lightly – one saddlebag each for personal belongings and a “kitchen” that Jenny has put together containing essentially everything she would need to cook with along the way. They use a one burner, portable stove but, as Jenny stated emphatically “We don’t camp. We find a nice mom and pop motel somewhere and cook our own dinner at the end of each day. It’s one of the favourite parts of our day.” One of the highlights of touring the state of California is the Hwy. 1 Pacific Coastal Highway, renowned as one of the most beautiful highways in the world. The switchback roads, occasional sea fog, and breathtaking coastal views were stunning according to both Jim and Jenny. They toured mines in Bakersfield, California and took a boat ride out to famous Alcatraz Prison Island, now a museum. San Francisco was another highlight for the Selkirk couple and the Napa Valley, though smaller than they expected, was a must see as well. Along their return route, they encountered

fellow travellers that advised them to visit Crater Lake, Oregon, a huge extinct volcano that is filled with water of such a blue hue it looked fake. Jenny was surprised by several inches of snow (in the middle of June!) on both sides of the road in this region (altitude about 6,500 feet). “I guess what really impressed us,” she

stated “were the many and varied climates/ ecosystems we passed through, all within one country, often within one state. Our world is really so unique!” The couple plan to continue their road trip travelling as long as they are able to. They most recently returned from a two week trip to New Orleans, and plan to tour Quebec sometime in the future.

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF

On a Port Dover November day the weather can be anything from warm in the mid teens on the Celsius thermometer to a cold drizzle. It can be said that in the past 59 Biker Days there has always been motorcyclists here … of course, on a few of those wintery occasions the ‘riders’ came by car.

Randy Graham has ridden through all weather from coast to coast By Donna McMillan RANDY GRAHAM, 53, of Port Dover has ridden motorcycles through rain, snow, hail and blazing heat as he and wife, Shari, have travelled from coast to coast in Canada and

to many of the States on riding adventures. Randy, who has lived in Port Dover since 1988, works at U.S. Steel and is on the union executive. He started riding when he was 16, with his first street bike being a 1972 Honda CB350.

Randy Graham rides a 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Over the years, he has owned a number of bikes including a Honda CB 650 & 750, a couple of Yamaha Viragos and a couple of Goldwings. Now, he is riding a 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Randy told the Maple Leaf recently that his wife Shari prefers riding the long trips. These holiday journeys have taken them to the west coast a couple of times, the east coast, northern Ontario, Quebec and eighteen US States. Randy said his last motorcycle had 150,000 km on it. Randy also belongs to the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. He mentioned one of his most memorable rides with this group was to Salmon Arm, British Columbia where a group of 17 riders then rented a houseboat on the Shuswap Lakes. His Club also does a ride along Lake Erie to Port Burwell once a year, always a good ride. Locally, Randy also loves riding the lakeshore, preferring to travel east of Port

Dover where there are lots of good lake exposures. The father of two also says he enjoys rides to Elora Gorge, Halton Hills and Buckhorn. Randy’s riding season generally stretches from mid to late March to sometime after the first or second snowfall, usually in December. He remembers the first Friday 13th he attended was in 1982 and he still has the tshirt in recognition of it. There were about 20 or 25 riders then and he also recalled local firefighters had to douse an old Kawasaki that was burning in the middle of Main Street. Acknowledging that some people don’t like Friday 13th, he thinks it is an event that people need to embrace. He noted it brings many customers to town, with some of them returning to buy houses and become residents of Port Dover.

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF |

Spectators who come to Port Dover just to see the motorcycles and the people who ride them have a great time seeking out the ‘special and unusual’ machines. In that category, they look for things like sidecars, the hearst models, bikes that have been stretched, or given a special treatment. Of course, the artwork on many bikes is outstanding.

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By Donna McMillan PORT DOVERITE Gary Jones rides a 1948 British Military Bike around town for doing errands and getting from one place to the next. He found his Military Lightweight ML 125 CC bike, known as Famous James, in Cambridge seven years ago. He’s always been interested in military bikes, Gary told the Maple Leaf recently and particularly likes British ones because of his Scottish heritage. Gary also owns a 1976 Harley Davidson 1200 FLH. Thousands of Famous James were made for use in World War II. They were dropped behind enemy lines and came ashore during battles.

Gary Jones of Port Dover with his Military Lightweight “Famous James”. Some landed at Normandy, Gary said. The bike is chain driven, has a one cylinder, two stroke engine and is run by a dynamo. Its’ wheels are spoked. “Everything is original except for the paint,” Gary said. He noted that after the war, the motorcycle was painted different colours for selling to the public. Gary, 63, is semi-retired. He and his wife came to Port Dover on Can-

ada Day 2002. They were impressed with the town and decided to move here. Gary said he has been riding motorcycles since the age of 16. When he was 20, he rode an old British bike to Vancouver. On the ‘Famous James,’ he has a bell good luck charm hanging from the bike to help keep it from getting into an accident.

‘On the Fringe’ a must stop for bikers on Friday the 13th ON THE FRINGE on Main Street in Port Dover is busy every Friday the 13th, whatever the season and whatever the weather. The popular store and its owner Elaina Pring have developed a longterm relationship with bikers from almost everywhere. With custom designed Friday 13th t-shirts, unique bling on everything from chaps to jackets, knee chaps, vests and much more, On the Fringe and Destination 13 is ready for the crowd of bikers who will drop into the store on Friday the 13th and throughout the year. Elaina Pring fell in love with Port Dover when she opened her store in the resort town made famous by Friday the 13th. Her lifestyle is a busy one. Her first taste of retailing came in 1970 when she had a booth at a Bluegrass

On The Fringe shop on Main Street in Port Dover is popular with bikers year-round and is a “must stop” on Friday the 13th. festival stocked with haltertops. She sold them all and has not looked back. In 1984 Elaina opened a leather and accessory shop in Toronto called ‘On the Fringe’ and five years later expanded to Daytona to create an-

Business to Biker BE PART OF THIS FEATURE IN THE NEXT PUBLICATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

FOR ADVERTISING PRICES OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT PORT DOVER MAPLE LEAF NEWSPAPER FridayThe13th@PortDoverMapleLeaf.com or phone 519-583-0113

Elaina Pring of ‘On the Fringe’ on Main Street in downtown Port Dover has a full line of products for motorcyclists.

other On The Fringe with just about everything for motorcyclists. The Toronto store closed after a serious fire. Elaina’s artistic beginnings at Humber College have made her leatherwork unique and much sought-after. “Leather is a motorcyclist’s suit of armour,” Elaina says, knowing “it is mandatory, but it has become more of a fashion statement.” Elaina explains that Friday the 13th in Port Dover is where large groups of people meet friends and make new ones. “They meet for good food and good times in a small town atmosphere,” she says, adding “biking is all about riding in the wind with your friends and sharing good times.”

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF

The legend of Port Dover’s Friday the 13th had its beginning on Friday, November 13, 1981 when local motorcycle enthusiast Chris Simons and a few biker friends met in a pub (known today as Angelo’s) and had such a good time they agreed to meet there every Friday the 13th afterwards. This week’s Biker Day is number 60.

Biking through Bolivia By Heather Walters ROGER BUIS of Port Dover has seen some sights from the back of a motorcycle. He has toured Russia, New Zealand, North Carolina, Alaska, as well as much of Canada’s East Coast, and some of the West coast. His latest adventure took him to Bolivia, South America. He stated that he found the trip through the internet and was immediately intrigued. He was looking for “something different with

a lot of off-road riding.” He certainly found what he was looking for. The trip was planned for Bolivia’s winter – their rainy season. Buis flew to Bolivia January 1, 2015 for his two week excursion. There he met the tour leader (Cory) and was thrilled to learn that the bikes they would be riding were Suzuki DR650’s – the very bike he had owned and toured on for years. He commented that he was glad to see the familiar

Short straw goes first at the water crossing.

bike because much of the trip was indeed “off-road” and he was a little apprehensive just how difficult the terrain might be to negotiate. A familiar bike was a most welcome sight. Part of the appeal of this trip for Roger, and most of the others, was the fact that the group of seven riders (plus one guide and one support four-wheel vehicle) would intersect with a very famous car rally – the Dakar Road Race, a gruelling two-week car, bike and

A visit to the Salt Hotel.

truck race that covers several countries. Its long route crosses several countries including Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. The group began their trip from Cochabamba, passing through Santiago, La Paz, Sucre as well as many other smaller towns. The weather at that time of year averaged between 15 and 18 degrees C during the day with temperatures falling to 5 degrees at night. The four-wheel support vehicle carried all their lug-

Mud slide blocks road on Bolivian ride. gage and supplies, so the bikes were light and easy to manoeuvre. It also took care of any breakdowns, flat tires or mechanical issues along the way. They spent long days in the saddle, usually 8 – 10 hours of rough riding. Because of the tough terrain -- goat tracks and dog paths, according to Buis -- they would usually only be able to travel safely at speeds of 40 or 50 kph. Going off-road however, allowed the group to really experience Bolivia. Buis talked of touring one of the

many mines still operating in the back country. The silver has been mined out but they still produce tin. He recalled the dark, dank and unsafe conditions of the mine shafts, often 2 km deep, unlit and still all dug by hand. Kids as young as 13 pushed laden carts up steep inclines. The average lifespan of a worker, at present, is 39. Buis and the others found the Bolivian people to be very friendly, welcoming and open. “We felt very safe there,” he stated. “How> Continued on next page

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Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF |

In the warm and weather-friendly months, Port Dover service clubs stage large outdoor entertainment venues with bands, beer gardens, contests, etc. in convenient locations across the downtown. For the summer events, the roads are closed and camping is set up in local parks. In the ‘off-season’ months, there are no beer tents but local restaurants and pubs gear up to handle the extra visitors.

There are thousands of memories of Friday the 13th over the past 34 years for everyone who has come to the event in Port Dover.

Checking out the artwork on Port Dover’s Friday the 13th has become a bikes is popular. tradition for thousands of bikers.

Biking through Bolivia > Continued from previous page

ever, they do things in their own time. Things move very slowly there. Building a road could take forever.” Buis particularly enjoyed the city of Sucre. “It was a student and university town,” he commented. “Very vibrant, very alive. The open air markets were excellent.” He went on to say that most Bolivians spoke some English and they managed to communicate using short phrases and hand gestures. Their guide was fluent in both languages. Traffic and road conditions in the back country were a different matter. One of Buis’ travelling companions (from Australia) summed up the driving experience. “By the end of the trip we had learned: Busses can do anything and go anywhere. Helmets are a fashion accessory. Express no fear. Lines on the road, signs and traffic lights are

suggestions only. If you are Bolivian and it is not 100% certain you will die, then go ahead and pass.” Another highlight of Buis’ adventure was an overnight stay in a hotel, located on the edge of a large salt plain, built completely out of salt! Che Guevara, a revolutionary, is still revered in many places in South America. The touring group visited the site where he was killed and buried and ate a meal there cooked by a Che look-alike. Each day brought its own adventure and challenge. Buis said they came across numerous mudslides that blocked their trail. Most roads were gravel at best, hills were steep and rocky. Cliffs appeared on one side or the other, or both. There were no guardrails to be seen. They even rode along an abandoned railway track for some time which was dead-

ly slippery in areas where the rail was exposed. They dodged donkeys, passed cowboys and cows, crossed flowing rivers, got mired in quicksand, and ran into roadblocks constructed of sand by protesting farmers. “You ride at your own pace,” said Buis. “It’s not a race. The tour is not for novice riders.” He admitted that even with all his experience the ride was a challenge and nearly everyone “spilled at least once. Off-roading is a bit different than street riding,” he commented “But I think you see more. You meet the real people; see things you’d never see on the big highways. The scenery will take your breath away.” This all inclusive two week holiday was a perfect fit for Buis, who said it was everything he had hoped for in an off road adventure. He stated that Africa may be his next big adventure ride.

In the warm weather months, there are tens of thousands of people visit Port Dover and fill the streets with bikes and people.

Welcome Bikers Enjoy Port Dover

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF

In the early years, Port Dover Fridays the 13th had only minimal organization, but as the crowd increased the Port Dover Kinsmen Club took a lead in organizing some events. As Biker Days continued to grow, a committee known simply as PD13 was formed. Today, Norfolk County works with Port Dover Kinsmen Club and Port Dover Board of Trade to organize the event.

No such thing as a bad ride By Jan Dean THERE’S NO WAY of telling just how many motorcycles will show up in Port

Dover this Friday 13. But if the sun shines and the roads are clear, you can count on hearing the roar of engines and seeing lots of chrome even if

Charly Caradonna took advantage of the warm November weather to ride from his home in Stoney Creek to Port Dover for an afternoon the week before Friday 13th. of his dreams, a 2005 Harley Road King. It’s estimated that the average motorcycle rider is close to 50 years of age. Some are trying out a new sport, but for many, it’s about getting back into riding. The older rider can also afford a bigger bike with a bigger engine. “I started riding at 16,” says Nick Chiocchio of Stratford. “Then came a 20 year hiatus while we raised our kids. Now they’re 18 and almost 20, so we figure it’s time.” “It’s a cheaper way to enjoy retirement,” says Valerie Chiocchio. For them it’s also a way of connecting with family. Nick’s parents ride and have been waiting impatiently for Nick and Valerie to get a bike so they can ride together. “My mom and dad were so anxious to go riding with us that they bought me this bike when we were all at Baconfest in Lucan,” says Nick. “I had no intentions of buying a bike that weekend.” The couple recommend motorcycles and riding to anybody interested in feeling the freedom they enjoy on their bike. They laugh about filling the tank for $9 but a motorbike isn’t just transportation. “He gets home from a half-hour ride and then spends 1 1/2 hours cleaning and polishing the bike,” says Valerie. As much as they enjoy riding, they’re very aware of the dangers.

it is November. A week before that special Friday, Charly Caradonna joked that he and his two friends had shown up a week early for Friday 13th. The Stoney Creek resident and his friends felt like taking a ride and headed to Port Dover. Caradonna has been riding bikes for 15 years and at age 60, says he owns the bike

Nick and Valerie Chiocchio of Stratford couple are motorcycle enthusiasts but on this day they took the car so they could do some shopping in Port Dover.

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honda.ca

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF | 11

Many Port Dover merchants and businesses like Fridays the 13th for the boost to the local economy that the riders and spectators provide while here. Some people are here for a couple of hours to buy lunch or a beverage only, while others are here much longer, even staying overnight at a local hotel or B&B house. Money raised by local organizations helps the community year-round.

Bikers enjoy the camaraderie and freedom of riding > Continued from previous page

“I work on the front lines of healthcare at a hospital,” says Valerie. “I see riders who have been in accidents all the time.” Nick thinks Canada should follow Italy’s lead and require continuing training programs for riders. That feeling of freedom with nothing between rider and road except a motorcycle comes with a higher risk of accidents no matter how vigilant the rider. That’s a risk they’re willing to take. The couple also enjoy the camaraderie of riding. They belong to their local chapter of the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers -- a Canadian riding club with more than 6,000 members across the country. “We don’t discriminate about what bike you ride, whether it’s two or three-wheeled or who you are,” says Nick. “In our group of about 40 riders, about 10 of them are women with their own bikes. That’s a huge difference from years ago.” Valerie likes riding pillion and has no desire for her own bike, but every woman makes that decision for herself. It’s all part of the evolution of motorcycle riding. Motorcycles and their riders have changed a lot over the years. You get a glimpse of motorcycle history from the 1940 Indian Scout that is the centrepiece of Johnny Rebel’s Steel Horse Boutique on Main St. It’s very different from the Har-

Jayne Laidlaw says she would love to own an Indian motorbike because they have such character and history. ley Davidson touring bikes that currently retail for $40,000. Johnny Rebel’s owner John Androvics is an avid bike rider who appreciates the

old Indian motorbikes. The last one was built in 1953, though the brand has started up again. The Indian in the window has been reconditioned locally and finished to look as if it had just been found in a barn. Johnny’s partner Jayne Laidlaw named the Indian Maggie Mae and admires the machine’s character. She is a long-time horseback-riding instructor who rides pillion behind partner Johnny Androvics on his bike. Her goal is to get an Indian bike of her own one day. Jayne handles the store’s sourcing and decoration and says motorbikes and their riders are evolving. “Motorcycle riding enthusiasts have their own culture and lifestyle,” says Jayne. She sees a strong crossover link between riding horses and riding bikes. “We’re musicians as well,” says Jayne. ”That’s another crossover, whether you’re into rock or country music.” The store caters to that with leathers, accessories, shirts, art and of course, lots of bling in the form of belts and jewellery. It makes for a store that reflects a changing attitude to riders and their bikes. Their latest innovation has been introducing consignment sales of used motorcycle leathers. “We have something for everyone here,” says Jayne.

Jayne Laidlaw and John Androvics are the partners who marry motorbikes, horses and music in the Johnny Rebel’s Steel Horse Boutique on Main Street.

The 1940 Indian Scout motorcycle that graces the window of Johnny Rebel’s Steel Horse Boutique is a piece of history that has been locally restored.

Friday the 13th Port Dover NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | THE MAPLE LEAF