2
Friday the 13th in Port Dover
June 2014
Rick Mercer Report at Friday the 13th He admired Greg Yerex’s vintage 1940 Indian Scout bike. He took time to interview and tease The Thong Man who is a Port Dover regular every Friday the 13th (rain or shine). TV producer John Marshall arranged for Rick to meet Elaina Pring of ‘On The Fringe’ store where they chatted about biker fashions, actually clowning around with a man’s black top hat on display. At lunchtime he used Lighthouse Festival Theatre as a staging spot, enjoying a take-out lunch from Jasmine’s Foodery. Throughout the visit lots of people chatted on the street with the well-known celebrity and he posed for photos. The TV host watched motorcyclists burn some rubber and referred to it as “rubber nation”. The Port Dover segment was on the premiere episode of the fall season, shown Canada-wide on ‘The Rick Mercer Report’.
Rick Mercer is wellknown for his CBC TV show ‘The Rick Mercer Report’. Rick is also a motorcycle enthusiast and rode into Port Dover on Friday, September 13th, 2013 -- riding the 13 kms from neighbouring Jarvis. Naturally, his presence with a camera crew created a lot of buzz and excitement. The founder of Friday the 13th event, Chris Simons, and his wife Mary Kushneryk accompanied the TV star into town. Of course, not far behind was a van loaded with cameras, a producer, crew and locals Sam Druff and Al McMillan. Rick Mercer, who was born in 1969, proudly announced he got his motorcycle licence at age 16. The bike (borrowed from Brantford’s Mark’s Motorsports) that he rode along Port Dover streets was equipped with a video cam. People gathered around wherever the television star went.
Rick Mercer of CBC’s “The Rick Mercer Report” admires Greg Yerex of Port Dover’s vintage 1940 Indian Scout motorcycle at the Friday the 13th event last September.
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Rick Mercer on a rooftop overlooking Main Street.
Rick interviews owner Elaina Pring at “On The Fringe”.
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Friday the 13th in Port Dover
June 2014
THE LEGEND
First Friday the 13th was November 13, 1981 Port Dover’s Friday the 13th had its beginning in 1981. It began innocently enough on a November day, now almost 33 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). 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 June 2014 marks the 57th event over a span of 33 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 wellknown bikeshop in Port Dover called “Bikers’ Delight”. This June’s, Friday the 13th is the 57th Biker Day in Port Dover. It is followed by three events next year in 2015 -- however, they all fall in the less popular riding months of February, March and November.
Chris Simons looks at bikes on Main Street during Friday the 13th in December 2002.
Crowd estimates at Friday the 13th today Friday the 13th in Port Dover has grown greatly over the years since that first gettogether in 1981. Police now estimate that crowds of over 100,000 people attend Friday the 13th in the good weather. Thousands of bikes visit the town. It is expected upwards of 300 vendors will be selling merchandise and food in a number of locations. This is co-ordinated with Norfolk County licencing dept. which issues permits to operate from 6:00 Thursday evening until Friday evening. The vendors with designated space in downtown Powell Park, and those located on Harbour Street are the responsibility
Send us your comments about the day to fridaythe13th@ PortDover MapleLeaf.com or facebook.com/ fridaythe13th portdover
of Port Dover Kinsmen Club. Vendors located on the downtown parking lot behind Elmer Lewis Parkette (beside Giant Tiger store) and those on Chapman Street west at Main St. intersection (traffic lights) are the responsibility of Port Dover Board of Trade. Those two local service organizations support all sorts of charitable and community projects throughout the year. There are even many more permitted vendors on private property. Most of Port Dover’s merchants are open to serve visitors throughout the day... they too look forward to patronage on Friday the 13th.
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Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 5
THE LEGEND
Friday the 13th back in 1986 By Brent “Storm” Wakeford
I
T WAS JUNE OF ’86 when a few of the guys I rode with, caught word of a Biker’s Pub Nite in the lakeside community of Port Dover, Ontario. We heard the story of a group of riding brothers that had been gathering every Friday the 13th for the past few years, to catch up with a few cold ones. It was billed as a “Biker Only” evening at a small town bar. Till that day, Dover did not even exist to many bikers from Da Hammer,
let alone across North America. We were a ratty crew in those days, torn denim jeans, leather cuts with patches, chain drive wallets, Bowie knives & bandannas. Our bikes sometimes were held together with bailing wire and band-aids, so to speak. Money was tight and if you were one of the lucky ones to even own a Harley, you did your own repairs, customizing and kept it running on the cheap. Those were the days of very limited custom parts, flashy paint jobs or accessorizing, unless done out of your own garage or shed. We worked long and hard for our money and most of it went to daily survival, not luxuries. But when the weekend came, we wrenched and rode and loved the lifestyle. We wrote our own code and rules and like a fraternity of brothers, we stuck together and had each others back. A brother’s bike break-
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down would find a dozen guys crammed into a smoke-filled garage doing a fix to get you back into the wind. Most evenings and weekends, we rode local and frequented the bars after a hard fast ride to blow the work week cobwebs out. When word of this out-oftown event came down the pipe, we jumped on it. These were the days of only home phones, no cells, e-mails, internet postings on facebook or tweets about an upcoming event. You either heard of it through the grapevine or from a poster at the bike shop. We arrived in Dover in the early evening to find fifty to a hundred bikes parked in front of a local watering hole on Main Street. There were no vendors for food and merchandising. Many of the riders were congregating out front socializing as the town folk stood gathered a few blocks away in awe or fear.
Media leading up to that era had painted all bikers as gang members rolling into small towns to rape and pillage, so it was evident, our presence was in question. We kept to ourselves, drank at the bar and occasionally an over zealous rider would do a wheelie or burn-out in front of the cheering crowd. We were in hog heaven on earth. For the following 28 years I have continued to make the
ride to Dover for the traditional Friday the 13th gathering of our clan. Along the way, our group has gotten smaller, laying many of my riding brethren to rest, but with that, our community has grown enormously and I have gained new riding brothers and now sisters to share in a lifestyle. Although I have given up the cold ones, I still come for the tradition, the comradery, and the look of awe on so many faces.
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Friday the 13th in Port Dover
June 2014
Live music all over town There are a number of lively entertainment beer garden stages in Port Dover on Thursday evening and Friday… and lots of music you won’t want to miss.
Budweiser Main Stage On Thursday, The Budweiser Main Stage on the Erie Beach Hotel parking lot (corner of Main and Walker Streets) has music from 7 p.m. until 12:30 with two great bands. Sponsors are Port Dover Board of Trade and Port Dover Minor Hockey. Enjoy the music of After the Lounge and of Dry County. That will be just a warmup for Friday when Purdy Durverts entertains from 11 a.m. until 12:30; from 1 p.m. until 3 the group Crued (Motley Crue Tribute); from 3:30 p.m. to 5 is Vagablond; 5:30 to 7 is After the Lounge; 7:30 to 9:30 is Wednesday’s Engine; 10 to 12:30 will be the always popular Dry County.
Molson Main Stage On Thursday, the Molson Main Stage sponsored by Port Dover Kinsmen and located on Harbour St. beside the Harbour Museum features four bands opening with The Mushy Peez from 11 a.m. to 2:15; at 2:45 the Delta Shakers are on stage until 6:00; from 6:30 to 9:30 it’s the Practically Hip (a Tragically Hip Tribute Band); from 10 to close will be the legendary Bill Durst. On Friday, Molson Stage opens with The Mushy Peez from 11 until 2:15; from 2:45 to 6 will be Skinny Leonard (a tribute to Lynyrd Skynryd); from 6:30 to 9:30 is Green River Revival (tribute to CCR); the finale band will be Thunderstruck from 10 to close.
Lions beer garden Port Dover Lions Club’s beer garden stage, located on Market Street at the Main St. intersection beside the town clock tower,
will be open on Friday only. It will feature Bad to the Bone -- a tribute band to George Thorogood. The music will get underway at 11:30 a.m. with Waterline playing live until 3; followed by Twisted Sister from 3:00 to 7; then Bad to the Bone until closing.
Port Dover Legion Port Dover Royal Canadian Legion on Market Street east will feature special events throughout Friday the 13th. Thursday features a chicken dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by “Hog Wild” live from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, there is an open house all day; pickerel dinner from 2 to 5 p.m. and “Hog Wild” performing from 2 to 6 p.m.
Dover pubs and restaurants All of Port Dover’s pubs and restaurants are open and ready to serve. The
The Budweiser Main Stage, shown above, on Walker Street at Main Street is one of the several popular beer tents with live music set up by local organizations for Friday the 13th. long-standing traditional beer tents with live music will be open again at Angelo’s of Dover and Norfolk Tavern both on Main Street. The music line-up at The
Norfolk Tavern is Thursday 7:30 to 10 p.m. The Healers; 10:30 to close The Whatever Device. On Friday at The Norfolk from 11:30 to 2 is Thee Hours; 2:30 to 5 p.m. The Felicia McMinn Band;
5:30 to 8 is Knee Deep; 8:30 to 11 is Detour; 11:30 to close is Done Deel. Erie Masonic Lodge at Main and Nelson Streets also operates a beer garden but without live music.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 7
Welcome to Friday
the 13th in Port Dover
Welcome to Port Dover 351 Main Street PO Box 70 Port Dover ON N0A 1N0 Tel: 519.583.0113 fridaythe13th@ PortDoverMapleLeaf.com
Lynn Sonnenberg 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
Find us on Facebook find us at www.facebook.com/ Fridaythe13thPortDover
Live Streaming live streaming at www.ustream.tv/channel/ Main-Street-Port-Dover
Upcoming 13ths
Welcome to Port Dover for the fifty-seventh consecutive Friday the 13th. Now in its thirty-third year, this event just keeps getting better. The number of people attending keeps growing. The community groups that are the organizers keep working hard to make the day successful and help their various causes. We have YOU to thank for that. For that we salute you. Enjoy your day! We in Port Dover are just beginning our summer season with many events still to happen. Please come back and visit when you can see all our shops, restaurants, the beach and everything else that we have to offer. In a couple of weeks we have our annual Canada Day celebrations in Port Dover. A celebration that is said to have begun in 1867, it continues today with a calithumpian parade, boat parade, soap box derby, dog show, live music and ending with a beautiful fireworks display. All through July and August you can attend at Powell Park bandstand
where a variety of musicians will strut their stuff for your approval. The weekend of July 19th and 20th just outside of town will feature the 1st Norfolk N’ Blues Festival with several great artists (see page 15). The third weekend in August is our long-running Summer Festival, which has many artists and crafters displaying their wares in Powell Park. That same third Saturday in August is also the annual Girlz Ride to Dover. You can find that group on Facebook. Elaina from On The Fringe helps host that ride. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there -- have a great weekend. Perhaps you will continue your weekend after Port Dover by attending the annual Harleys by the Beach at the Grand Bend Motorplex on Father’s Day (see page 23). Whatever your summer brings for you, ride safely. Have a wonderful day!
Lynn Sonnenberg Publication Co-ordinator
Community Living selling Friday the 13th Lottery Calendar with $8,000 in prizes
Community Living Access Support Services provides support to adults in the community with a developmental
disability. You can support this group’s community work, receive a beautiful Friday the 13th 2015 calendar and have a chance of winning some of the over $8,000 in monthly prize money. Calendars are just $20 and only 2000 are being sold with good odds of winning a prize. Pick up your calendar on Friday the 13th in the driveway just south of On The Fringe, Main St., Port Dover. All other days, calendars are available at Scotiabank Port Dover, On The Fringe, or call 519-426-0007.
Black Hawks Motorcycle Club keep Highway 6 looking good The Black Hawks Motorcycle Club was established in 1938 making it one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in Canada. Back in 2009, club members decided to adopt a portion of Highway 6 just outside of Port Dover as a way of thanking residents for the enjoyment club members receive visiting the community. Black Hawk members clean up garbage along the highway a couple of times a year and are recognized by a sign. As a fundraiser for their work, The Black Hawks hold a Show ‘n’ Shine at Bobby’s Bar and Grill on Homestead Drive in Mount Hope on Sunday, September 28th from 1 to 4 p.m. This is the 11th annual event and offers prizes, awards and a 50-50 draw. More information at www. blackhawksmc.ca or email bhmchamilton@gmail.com
8
Friday the 13th in Port Dover
June 2014
Builds big bikes in Boston, Ont.
Mike Boehnert, who works in maintenance at Dover Cliffs Long Term Care, rides a 2008 Triumph Speedmaster. The Nanticoke resident enjoys riding along the lake to Long Point and has also participated in the “Ride for Sight” fundraiser. He is looking forward to attending another Friday 13th.
Norm Dorr has been riding and repairing motorcycles since 1966. He is an inter-provincial licensed automotive and motorcycle technician and also a licensed CWB welder. Although Norm lives and breathes motorcycles he has a charitable side. He helps fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Society of Brant by taking some of exocentric machines to Brantford’s Lynden Park Mall to talk about bikes and drumming up financial support for Alzheimers. On June 7 this year he was a participant in the popular Hero’s Highway Ride, there were thousands of riders. Several years ago Norm learned that some Canadian veterans coming home from overseas were having difficulties readjusting so he got involved in Canadian Wounded Warriors Fund through his Dorr Enterprises Motorcycles business. He custombuilt a 120-horsepower motorcycle styled in desert camouflage style as a Tribute to our troops. More info at www.dorrracing.com
Memorial Ride for Steve Mesic assists young son’s education fund
The late Steve Mesic is pictured on his Military Bobber taken at Port Dover on a recent Friday the 13th rally.
The second annual Memorial Ride in memory of Steve Mesic will he held on Saturday, June 21 this year (rain or shine). He was a motorcycle enthusiast who died on June 7, 2013 leaving a widow and a young son Domenik Steve Mesic, who was born only three months after the incident (born September 24, 2013). Organizers report the ride is free, however donations for Steve’s young son’s Education Fund would be appreciated. There will be live entertainment and lots of door prizes from generous sponsors. Best Burn-Out contest prize of $100 has been donated by Dorr Enterprises Motorcycles. Starting point for Memory Ride for Steve Mesic is T. B. McQuesten Park at Upper Wentworth and the Lincoln Alexander Parkway in Hamilton. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 12 noon. Destination is Suck Bang Blow bar and restaurant located at Highway 20 E, Stoney Creek, ride is approximately one hour and 20 minutes (60 miles). Organizers report all vehicles and everyone are welcome, saying “come and join the party”. For more information and details, visit www.rememberingstevemesic.ca
motorcyclesupershow.ca • 1-888-661-SHOW (7469)
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 9
Barry Stock of ‘Three Days Grace’ expected at Friday the 13th
Kevin Jennings of Port Credit started riding mini bikes at the age of eight. Now, some 45 years later, he still rides -- a 2001 Yamaha V Star. Kevin says he especially enjoys rides in the Forks of the Credit area, Hockley Valley and north of Burlington. Kevin loves to ride and has tattooed on his fingers “LIVE” “RIDE”. In 1990, he hit a tractor-trailer truck doing 180 km per hour on his motorcycle. Miraculously, Kevin survived and spent a year recovering. He now works as a truck driver trainer where he puts a lot of emphasis on the safety component.
Barry Stock, guitarist with the multiplatinum selling and award-winning recording artist “Three Days Grace” is expected to be making an appearance at Friday the 13th in Port Dover. Barry is also the owner of MEAN Clothing Company, which has a booth at this year’s event, in the Giant Tiger parking lot. Everyone is invited to visit their booth on Friday where you will have the opportunity to meet MEAN model Jessika Violet. Everyone can also enter a free draw for a MEAN skateboard and a $100 shopping spree at MEAN Clothing Company online www.meanclothing.com. MEAN Clothing will be offering a limited quantity of MEAN Friday the 13th shirts for men and women. MEAN. It was more than just a word to Barry when he stuck it on his guitar the day of the “Home” video shoot
back in 2004. He says it meant something to him; something of great power. It signified strength, and it signified perseverance. MEAN was a declaration of Barry’s state of being and of his mental attitude. Fueled by great passion: Music, and an unyielding desire to succeed, it was in the early days of “Three Days Grace” that Barry decided to get MEAN. Since the inception of MEAN in 2004, the brand has developed into a clothing company. Barry says that he collaborated with other creative people and came up with ba-
dass designs, then printed them on shirts and hats, and mainly gave them out to fans, friends and musicians over the years. “MEAN is about being aggressive, in a positive way. It is strength and confidence. To stand with purpose. It is a take charge mentality to go out there and give it your all. It is fired by passion and the drive to succeed, to accomplish whatever it is you set out to achieve. It is about an excitement for life. Live it, love it, MEAN it. Allow MEAN to inspire you, wear it and MEAN it!”
10 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
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OPP continue to seek public’s assistance to solve fatality The Ontario Provincial Police, Norfolk County Detachment Crime Unit continues to investigate a fail to remain, fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Cockshutt Rd. in the former Woodhouse Twp. of Norfolk County, Ontario. Following Friday the 13th in Port Dover, in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 14, 2011 at approximately 5:17 a.m., 20-year-old Chad Everets, of Port Hope, Ontario, was struck by an unknown vehicle on Cockshutt Road. The unknown vehicle never stopped and left the scene. The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit is continuing to investigate and is reminding the public of this investigation and if anyone has any information to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority. “The OPP are currently following up on information provided by the public however someone in the community has knowledge of this collision and we need them to have the courage to come forward,” comments Inspector Zvonko Horvat, Norfolk County OPP Detachment Commander. Police are asking anyone who may have seen Chad Everets or the suspect vehicle in the early morning hours of May 14, 2011 or who may have information about this investigation is being asked to contact the Norfolk County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
Riding for more than 30 years Jim Mason of Port Dover rides with the Southern Cruisers Norfolk Chapter 399 out of Simcoe. Jim, who has been riding for more than 30 years, owns a 2002 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. His first bike was a scooter and then a Honda 500. Jim says the Cruisers do an ice-cream ride on Thursday nights, often down to Port Burwell and then longer rides on Sundays. His favourite rides are along the lakeshore west to Long Point and east to Niagara-on-the-Lake. “It’s nice and cool, with a breeze off the lake,” he said. Jim also enjoys Americade, which is a week-long event held annually in New York state. It is a great, family oriented event, he said. Jim is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 11
AT THE EVENT!
PHOTOS BY EARL HARTLEN www.earlhartlen.com
There’s nothing else quite like Friday the 13th in Port Dover. No matter how many times you have been to the event or seen the pictures, standing in the middle of it and walking down the street looking at the bikes is like nothing else anywhere.
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12 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
THE BACK ROADS BECKON
Exploring Norfolk by motorcycle
The beaches, ports and villages along Ontario’s South Coast, Lake Erie, are among the most popular tourist attractions in Norfolk County. Visitors enjoy our slow pace and relaxed culture. Norfolk County is located near Southern Ontario cities, Niagara and New York State and is a great destination for a biking holiday. If you’re at Friday the 13th you already know that Port Dover is a must-see destination that is always welcoming to bikers. But come back on another day and you can visit Lighthouse Festival Theatre and go to the pier and lighthouse for romantic walks at dusk. You can also take a Nomada tour of Long Point Bay. Don’t forget to savour the Lake Erie perch at the Erie Beach Hotel, the Beach House restaurant or any of the more than dozen restaurants in town.
Explore all of Norfolk As a motorcycle rider you’ll love the bends and hills of Norfolk County’s backroads, frequenting the small restaurants and shops in our towns and hamlets. Beyond the sun worshippers and skim boarders at our beautiful beaches, Norfolk
County has other outdoor adventures, too. There are zip-line canopy tours and star-gazing at Long Point EcoAdventures, camping at Sand Hill Park or Provincial Parks in Long Point and Turkey Point, boating, sport fishing and hunting in the waters and marshes of Long Point Bay, plus cycling and hiking on our trails. Norfolk County is also home to the Long Point World Biosphere, which attracts many species of migrating birds (and birders) in spring, fall and winter.
Norfolk has wineries too Wineries are open across Norfolk County, featuring award-winning Burning Kiln and Golden Leaf vintages. Two new microbreweries, Ramblin Road and Blue Elephant, are brewing local beer.
Norfolk County farmers are leading growers of many fruits and vegetables, from blueberries and strawberries to sweet corn and peppers. Peanuts, ginseng and sweet potatoes are also grown here. There are two weekly farmers’ markets (in Simcoe and Port Dover) and dozens of roadside stands bursting with local food, such as The Cider Keg, House’s, The Apple Place, and Matz Fruit Barn. Norfolk County restaurants feature much of our flavourful local food and drink. Key festivals include the annual Wildlife Festival (March), Eat & Drink Norfolk (April), Canada Day in Port Dover (July), Tour de Norfolk cycling event (July), Simcoe Rotary Friendship Festival (August), summer festivals in Port Dover and Turkey Point (August), Port Rowan Bay Fest (September) Norfolk Studio Tour (September), Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show (October), Waterford Pumpkin Festival (October) and Simcoe Christmas Panorama (December). Norfolk County offers a wide selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts, private cottage rentals and campgrounds for overnight stays.
Motorcycle officer
Sergeant Kevin Ferguson of the Norfolk O.P.P. has been riding motorcycles for the past 22 years since the age of 18 and is in his 10th year as a Motor Officer, performing general duties patrol and VIP escorts. He rides an O.P.P. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The first O.P.P. motorcycle patrol was introduced in 1928, phased out in 1942 and then reintroduced in 1949.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 13
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CUSTOM CYCLES
Function always a priority creating custom choppers By Heather Walters
Dave Green knows bikes inside and out. He is the owner/fabricator of DG Custom
Cycle located at 51999 College Line in Aylmer and has been building and servicing motorcycles since 1996. His son Kyle joined him at the shop in 2006 and is a fully li-
Lot Lizard by DG Custom Cycle was featured on cover of MidWest International Catalogue.
Canadian Sicko was featured in Urban Bagger Magazine.
censed motorcycle mechanic as well as a certified Harley Technician. Together they stay very busy creating custom choppers and servicing Harleys for clients from all over the country. According to Dave, he began tinkering with engines at a very early age. He began building customized hot rods (cars and trucks) then eventually transitioned these skills to motorcycles. His creativity and mechanical prowess quickly earned him a name as a top notch builder. He is now well known in the bike world for his many unique custom designed bikes. His ‘builds’ have been featured in many
magazines including American Iron, Urban Bagger and Bagger Magazine. DG Custom Cycle’s services range from a quick oil change to the creation of a one of a kind custom bike, built from the ground up. They service Harleys or imports and do performance up-grades on a variety of makes and models. “Function always takes priority” says Green when building custom bikes, “as bikes are meant to be ridden.” Green’s business has six lifts, a full shop, showroom, a full parts room and four > See DG CUSTOM on next page
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 15
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‘Lost Souls’ by DG Custom Cycle of Aylmer at a photo shoot this year in Daytona for Hot Bike Magazine.
DG Custom Cycle wins awards > From previous page qualified full time staff. They can claim several “best in show” titles both in Canada and in the United States and were featured by Barnett Magazine with a full photo shoot of custom bikes built by Dave Green and Company during a show in Daytona during Daytona Bike Week. Other accolades include appearances on Biker TV, videos and biker DVDs.
Each year for the past nine years, DG Custom Cycle organizes a fundraising ride in July call a “Scoot & Shoot” that includes 300-plus biker participants. All the money raised during this day-long event that includes a ride, barbecue, dart throwing, golf and paintballing goes to the Aylmer Youth Optimist Club. For more information regarding DG Custom Cycles call 519-773-3735 or check out their website at dgcustomcycle.com.
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16 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
Biketoberfest in Fenwick September 20 By Donna McMillan In 2002, Bruce Bissell suggested raffling off a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to members of the Fenwick Lions Club as a means to raise money for the activities and charities they support. They also decided to run a Biketoberfest party to go along with the drawing of the winning ticket as a thank you for all the
support they received. Lots of motorcyclists showed up, in spite of the inclement October weather. They moved the event to September and “it keeps growing every year,” Bruce said. People in his Club thought he was a bit crazy in the beginning, but not anymore. Last, year, Biketoberfest in Fenwick drew a crowd of 10,000 to 12,000. “We expect 14,000 this year.
Couple here with $48,000 prize Harley-Davidson won at Fenwick Rob and Sharon Hall of Bayfield won this 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Also keeping his Honda Shadow Arrow, below.
Rob and Sharon Hall of Bayfield are on the street in Port Dover today having covered the miles to Port Dover on their 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. They won the bike last year in the Fenwick Lions Club Biketoberfest draw. They don’t know which of their two tickets was the lucky one but the couple intend to keep their prize motorcycle … and also keep their 2004 Honda Shadow Arrow mo-
torcycle that Rob described as “a poor man’s Harley” ... but he admitted, “I’ve always wanted a top line bike with all the bells and whistles and this one is the Cadillac of Harley-Davidson motorcycles”. The prize motorcycle is valued at $48,000. Sharon says she is happy “riding on the back wherever we’ve gone in the past eight years.” Rob has 25 years experience as a lumber grader at his day job with a sawmill in Hawkesville.
It’s the last event of the season.” Eventually, they hope to make Biketoberfest a three day event, he added. The kick-off on Friday, September 19th is a Ride of the Flags. Saturday will see a vendors market 70 to 80 strong that opens at 9 a.m., a ride from The Boat House in Chippewa that will take motorcyclists back to Fenwick, a show and shine and a raffle of a 2014 motorcycle at 6 p.m. Entertainment will start at 1:30 p.m. with the Travelling Beer Bellies performing. Food will also be available.
“We have good bands. There will be all kinds of food. Biker TV will be there all day. And, Harley-Davidson will be there too,” Bruce said. Biketoberfest events are hosted in Centennial Park in Fenwick, which is just a short distance from Niagara Falls. In Port Dover, for Friday, June 13, the group will be set up on Harbour Street behind Clare’s Harley-Davidson, Bruce said. All are invited to visit and buy a raffle ticket. For more information on Biketoberfest, visit www.biketoberfest.ca or call Bruce at 905-8926004.
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Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 17
Bikers stories
Kelly Fulsom, partner/manager of Port Dover KIA with his 100th Anniversary Harley V-Rod.
Kelly Fulsom rides 100th anniversary edition Harley V-Rod By Donna McMillan Four years ago, Port Doverite Kelly Fulsom did not own a motorcycle. But, the 47-year-old partner/manager of Port Dover KIA was doing his research and knew he wanted to find a Harley-Davidson V-Rod. Launched in 2001, this motorcycle was radically different for the iconic American firm in terms of styling, design and performance. Kelly found three such used bikes advertised and, three years ago, made the trip to St. Thomas to check out the first one. “It was covered up in a guy’s garage. He took the blanket off and I immediately bought it,” Kelly said. The 2003 HD VRSCA V-Rod 100th Anniversary Edition was in mint condition. It still is. Kelly couldn’t even ride the silver performance machine home. The advertised top speed is 218.6 km per hour. “I did the weekend motorcycle training course in St. Thomas,” he said. “It was the best thing I ever did. It made me a better bike rider and
a better car driver. It should be mandatory for everyone”. Now, Kelly enjoys rides along the lakeshore east and west, noting that he especially loves the ride hugging the shore all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake. “It’s a totally different experience. Motorcycling helps me clear my head. I forget about work and everything else. I love the smell of fresh cut grass when riding.” Kelly shared some of the specs of the bike. “The engine – Harley’s first production liquid – cooled V-twin, with twin camshafts and four valves for each cylinder, is fed by a powerful fuel-injection system”. It is built by Porsche, Kelly added. The body is comprised of a steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails. The swing arm is one piece of polished cast aluminum. The aluminum bodywork is jaw dropping as is the machined aluminum disc wheels. Needless to say, Kelly washes the bike after every ride to prevent corrosion and > See HARLEY V-ROD on next page
18 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
Harley V-Rod anniversary edition > Continued from previous page to keep the bike in such beautiful shape. It is a shiny blur on the road. Kelly shared the bike has dual 292 mm disc brakes, each grabbed by a four-piston caliper. The dry weight of the bike is 595 pounds or 270 kg. The seat height is 687 mm or 27.1 in. from the ground. Although he may not be riding his bike around Port Dover on Friday 13th, Kelly is looking forward to the event. “Whether you
love it or hate it, you need to embrace the day,” Kelly said. He shuts his KIA dealership down and enjoys the day. “It’s well organized. It is a great day for a town like Dover. People come and spend money and they come back to spend money. Some move here... There are many towns which would love to have this event,” he said. He noted that the Board of Trade is one of the groups that does a lot for this Friday the 13th.
Biker stories
BIKE SPECS
Information from www.topspeed.com
The V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition is a tribute to the original 2002 V-Rod, the motorcycle that introduced the liquid-cooled Revo-
lution engine and a new styling direction for Harley-Davidson. Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork with color-matched frame are exclusive in the V-Rod line and evokes the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod. Extra chrome and polished surfaces dazzle on the engine, exhaust and speed screen. The motorcycle is powered by a liquidcooled, Revolution, 60° V-Twin engine with a displacement of 1250 cc. The engine puts out 125 hp @ 8,250 rpm and 85 ft.lbs of torque at 7000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a five speed gear box and the fuel consumption is rated at 37 mpg (city/highway). The speed is kept in check by a set of Brembo triple-disc performance brakes which also include ABS.
Don & Celia Law ride Harley Sportster Don Law bought his 2005 883 Harley-Davidson Sportster last year. It was his first bike and he and Celia are enjoying their second season of riding. The couple, who live in Brantford, said they love the freedom motorcycling offers. And, they especially enjoy riding into sunsets for the panoramic view of the colourful sky. The couple have many favourite rides, including trips to Port Dover, down along the harbour in Burlington, Niagara Falls and London. Don said he has been attending Friday the 13ths in Port Dover all his life and plans on “coming here for as long as I can ride”.
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20 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
Hendrik Lenis celebrates Friday the 13th with pencil drawings of the memorable day By Donna McMillan
Send us your comments about the day We’d love to hear from you... fridaythe13th@PortDoverMapleLeaf.com or facebook.com/fridaythe13thportdover
Artist Hendrik Lenis will be introducing and taking orders for his fifth black and white pencil drawing of Port Dover’s Friday 13th at the June 13th event this year. In the past, the 73-yearold has featured “Chris Simons”, “Thong Man”, “The Zoo” and “The Puzzle” in his “celebration of the event” series, which dates back to the 90’s. This year’s work will feature a well known attendee at the event, Wendy Newton, also referred to as Zebra Lady. “I’m not a motorcycle aficionado,” Hendrik told the paper. But, he lived locally as a child and then was a resident in the 1990s when he also ran the Port Dover Art Gallery. He raised his > Continued on page 21
Wendy Newton, in Zebra print, will be featured in Hendrik Lenis’ newest print. This picture was taken in 2012 and Wendy was riding her custom painted 2002 Kawasaki Nomad.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 21
Friday the 13th inspires artist to create drawings
Artist Hendrik Lenis meets “Thong Man” one of the subjects of his black and white drawings.
Bill Penner enjoys lakeshore rides on his Nomad
Bill Penner of St. Thomas first started riding motorcycles in the ‘80s. His first bike was a Yamaha. The truck driver, with Elgin Motors Freight of London, then stopped for a number of years. Three years ago, “with the kids grown and the house paid for”, he decided it was time to start riding again. He bought his 2005 Kawasaki Nomad in London. Bill said his favourite rides are north of the lake to Bayfield and along the lakeshore to Port Dover.
Friday the 13th
TRIVIA
If you don’t arrive by motorcycle, traffic into Port Dover is restricted on Friday the 13ths in good weather but Port Dover residents have received a “Resident Pass” that allows them past police roadblocks.
> From previous page daughter, Amber, in the port town. So, the artist wanted to celebrate the event with his artwork. Hendrik now lives in Brantford, but considers Port Dover his second home. He visits frequently and has artwork on display in many locations, including the Port Dover Harbour Museum, The Fisherman’s Catch and The Dairy Bar. On Friday 13th, Hendrik will be set up with his finely detailed prints in front
Hendrik Lenis will introduce his fifth Friday the 13th drawing at this year’s Friday the 13th. of The Twisted Fish. His work can also be purchased through he and business partner Barbara Tanner-Billings website www.fridaythe13thpublishing.ca Barbara told the Maple Leaf this Fri-
day the 13th, with the expected warm June temperatures, is a good opportunity for purchasers to meet the artist. The pen and ink of Wendy is called “Iron Zebra”, she said.
22 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
A ‘CASABLANCA MOMENT’ FOR KAT
If it was going to happen to somebody...
O
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P
the streets were still fairly quiet. Ruby was on her own, right next to a driveway, and I figured that she would eventually have other bikes to keep her company. I wandered up and down the main street, then down and around where
vendors were still in the process of setting up along the pier. I grabbed a coffee and found a nice, grassy spot to sit and watch the now-steady stream of bikes coming over the bridge and into town. > Continued on next page
What were the odds that “Thong Man” would pull up and park beside me?
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“Ruby” is Kat’s 2007 red Yamaha VStar 650 Custom. Her story of coming to the last Friday the 13th started before 6 a.m.
NLY ME. If it was going to happen to somebody, of course it would end up being me. All I really wanted a nice quiet morning to myself to wander the streets of Port Dover and soak in the moment. Celebrate it. Breathe it in along with the crisp autumn air and the scent of bike fumes wafting in the breeze. Pulling out of my driveway shortly before 6 a.m. (for September’s Friday the Thirteenth), I chased and raced the sunrise all the way to Dover. It was cold and windy, but I didn’t care; I was on my way to Friday the Thirteenth celebrations and nothing was going to dampen my enthusiasm. I managed to find a great place to leave Ruby (my 2007 red Yamaha VStar 650 Custom) and made my way from under the shade of the towering tree and down the hill towards the Tim Horton’s at the end of the street. What a perfect spot to park the bike, I remember thinking to myself. It was shortly before 7 a.m. and
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... of course it would end up being me! I could have sat there for hours, you know. With my eyes closed. Just listening. There’s something about the sound of a motorcycle that touches me deep in my soul: It’s the sound of adventure and freedom and independence; of my lyingin-wait-for-years courage and confidence sprung to life; of back roads waiting to be explored and a brave new world just waiting to be discovered. I know we all ride for very different reasons. Some of us have been doing it since we were teens and then there are those of us who got a late start at it. Some of us have been surrounded by bikes & riders all our lives, and then there are those who kept their deep desire to be a part of this world a secret for years. It doesn’t matter how or
why we ride. All that matters is that we do. If I’ve learned anything over the past two years, it’s that riding isn’t something that we do, it’s a part of who we are. It runs through our veins. It’s our motivation and our relaxation and our therapy. I found myself smiling as I wandered through the park, past the vendors and the food booths, making my way back to Ruby and the source of many of my smiles over the peceeding four months. Even the side streets – ‘my’ street included – were filling fast with rides and riders of all shapes and sizes. Men and women. Two-up and on their own. Cruisers and crotch rockets. I squinted and peered down the street. Looks like Ruby’s got company, I mused. I raised my camera to take a picture of
Kat smiles as she wanders along Main Street at the September 2013 Friday the 13th.
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the bike parked next to her. I wasn’t exactly sure what kind of bike it was, but it sure looked interesting. Custom, I thought. Handlebars that were sort of apes. A fur blanket or something thrown over the seat. Funky-looking bull horns on the front. A man and woman were standing there talking to each other and I smiled as I approached. ‘Hello!’ I sang out as I snapped a few pictures. “That’s a mighty interesting-looking bike.” We chatted for a few minutes and when I asked him if he came to many of these events, he grinned slyly and asked, “You don’t know who I am, do you?” I tilted my head and looked at him a little more closely. “No, I’m sorry… I’m afraid I don’t. Did we meet at one of the bike shows?” I asked. The lady beside him laughed goodnaturedly. “I don’t think so, dear,” she answered. He grinned again and leaned in closely, whispering in my ear something about a wrong man. “I have you confused with someone else?” I asked, thinking he had said something about him being the wrong man. “No,” he laughed in reply. “Not wrong man…. THONG Man.” I gasped and turned about fifty shades of red. “Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed. “I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on! I mean… er… I mean….” I was blushing about as red as Ruby. He gave me a big hug and said, “I like you, Miss Kat!” Excusing himself, he began getting undressed behind the bikes and changing into what was the first of what must have been about eight different outfits that day. I don’t think I will ever look at The Energizer Bunny, leprechauns, leopard prints or leather in the same way ever again. Ever. He and his ‘honey’ were great ‘parking mates’ that day. Genuinely friendly and authentic, open and full of laughter, and his amazing air of self-confidence were the traits that left a lasting impression on me that day.
Thong Man gets a little help from his ‘honey’ preparing his next ‘outfit’ at September’s Friday the 13th in Port Dover. All I could hear echoing through my mind as I left Dover that night was the sound of a certain famous line from Casablanca (slightly modified, of course): “Out of all the places in all of Port Dover that there were to park a bike, he parked next to mine.” It certainly made what was a fantastic ‘day of ‘firsts’ for me that much more memorable. Yep, if it was going to happen to somebody, leave it to happen to me. And you know what? I wouldn’t have had it any other way…. KimberleeAnna Taplay (aka KAT) is a novice biker with the heart of a seasoned one. You can reach Kat at kattales@rogers.com
24 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
Bikers stories
Mike Allen of Hamilton has been riding for the past 35 years. He loves to ride his 2008 Kawasaki Nomad on the Niagara Parkway and to such places as Virginia and West Virginia. He has enjoyed Port Dover’s Friday 13th many times.
Rob Bussey of Simcoe bought his first bike, a 2003 Yamaha V-Star, ten years ago. Formerly of Port Dover, his favourite ride is to cruise along the lakeshore to Long Point. He has also enjoyed participating in the “Ride for Sight” from Vaughn to Orillia. Rob, who works at U.S. Steel, Lake Erie also attends every Friday the 13th.
To watch a live stream of Main St. on Friday the 13th... get link at www. PortDover MapleLeaf .com
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Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 25
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Danny Williams was out for a ride with a friend, enjoying the fair weather that just recently arrived in Port Dover. He has been coming to Dover on Friday the 13th for over 25 years and says he can recall when you could actually count the bikes that parked along Main Street. “This year’s event should be a doozy if the weather is good,” he said “and I will be here.” Danny rides from St. Thomas.
Camp sites Two Port Dover service clubs have camping sites available Thursday and Friday evenings. Port Dover Kinsmen Club is operating its traditional camping sites in Kinsmen Park fronting on Highway 6 at the entrance to Port Dover (next to Doverwood School building). Cost is $20 per person per night. Campers arriving Thursday will be charged for two nights stay. Those who depart before 12 noon on Friday will be eligible for a refund. Port Dover Kinsmen offer hot food served by Port Dover Scouts. Also there will be full service restrooms including hot showers. Wireless internet is available at Kinsmen Park. A courtesy shuttle from Port Dover Kin Park Camp to downtown Port Dover is available. Port Dover Lions Club is also operating its traditional Camp Site at Silver Lake Park on St. Patrick Street (four blocks from downtown). Gates open on Thursday, June 12 at 12 noon. Grounds are to be cleared by 12 noon on Saturday, June 14. The Lions operate on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis with no reservations. Cost is $15 per night per person. Hard-walled campers and trailers are $20 for the stay plus $15 per person per night. Clean washrooms are on the campsite. Security is provided 24-hours. No campfires are allowed. Hot breakfast is available Saturday on site from 8:00 until 10 a.m. at the Silver Lake Market building.
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26 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
Annual Motorcycle Memorial Service held near memorial stone at Kinsmen Park By Donna McMillan In 1990, Kevin Jennings, of Port Credit hit a tractor-trailer doing 180 km per hour on his motorcycle. He spent a year recovering and changed his line of work from truck driving to Truck Driver
Training, with a major emphasis on the safety component. The Harley rider has LIVE and RIDE tattooed on his fingers as a constant reminder of the need to be safe and enjoy riding. Nanticoke motorcyclist Jeff Melko, 60, lost a buddy 43 years ago
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to a drunk driver. “We’ve all known someone we lost”, the Honda Stateline 1300 rider told the Maple Leaf at October’s remembrance service for fallen motorcyclists. Both men, along with about 30 other motorcyclists, representatives of the Canadian Motorcycle Association, the Christian Motorcycle Association and the O.P.P., attended the local fourth annual “National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims” held in the Kinsmen Park, Port Dover in October. The National Day of Remebrance was held in Ottawa on November 20. In May 2010, a tree was planted at the Port Dover park in remembrance of fallen riders. Later that same year, thanks to support from Sleeman Brewery, a memorial rock was placed in front of the tree as a perpetual memorial to those who died on the road. Discs are placed in the rock to indicate the number of motorcycle deaths each year, Marilyn Bastedo, CEO of CMA explained. In addressing the group, she said there were far too many accidents in the past year. She noted a number seemed to involve speed. She encouraged riders to be safe. Bryan Ferwerda of the Christian Motorcycle Association read a psalm and urged riders to do due
Motorcyclists, left to right, Mike Allen of Hamilton, Kevin Jennings of Port Credit and Jeff Melko of Nanticoke stand behind the Port Dover Motorcycle Memorial stone at Kinsmen Park. They attended the remembrance of fallen motorcyclists service in October. diligence, check the checklist, be ready and alert when riding. “The
responsibility is on us to avoid accidents”, he said.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 27
Re/Max hot air balloon here
Chris Lacey rode his bike from Hamilton in a snow storm to attend the last Friday the 13th in December 2013. “I’m hoping I’ll be warmer in June than I was last December,” Chris said in his facebook post. His bike is shown above ... on the snow covered parking lot at The Norfolk Tavern.
SMALL WORLD
While on vacation in the Dominican Republic, Don was wearing his Friday 13th t-shirt. Other tourists were making comments and asking if we were there at bikers day, and behold we saw another tourist wearing the same shirt. On many occasions people have come up to us and asked us about Friday 13th in Dover. The other guys name was Paul. -- Don & Darlene Powell
Re/Max Erie Shores Realty Inc. Brokerage is bringing the huge Re/Max hot air balloon to Port Dover on Friday the 13th. It will be located on a vacant lot beside Kinsmen Park, at the Highway 6 entrance to town. It is so large it will be impossible to miss seeing it. Re/Max sales representative Darryl Swarts reports it will offer “rides” up and down in the tethered balloon … if weather conditions permit. Mr. Swarts says a donation for the on-going community work of Port Dover Board of Trade would be appreciated from those lucky enough to get a ride in the balloon.
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28 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
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Thank you for visiting on Friday the 13th Come back and visit Port Dover and Norfolk County again soon.
“Mr. & Mrs. Friday the 13th” really enjoy motorcycling together By Donna McMillan Mary Rose Kushneryk met her soul mate, Chris Simons, in the summer of 1976. “I got on the back of his bike and the rest is history”, she said. Mary, 53, got her motorcycle license in 1984 and has been riding along side Chris ever since. She started off with a 250cc Harley-Davidson and tried a few others over the years. In 2000, she bought a powder blue Kawasaki Drifter that she nicknamed “Millie” because it was a millennium purchase. Chris rides a 2004 BMW 1150 GS, following a long line of motorcycle ownerships. Port Dover’s Friday 13th started in 1981 when Chris Simons got a few motorcycle friends together at the port’s Commercial Hotel for a few beers. It was a Friday 13th. They decided to make it a regular event and it has grown from there. “I’ve been to every one, obviously, right from the start”, Mary told the Maple Leaf. “I guess that makes me Mrs. Friday 13th”, she said laughing. “We did miss one in Port Dover when we were in New Zealand. We celebrated there instead,” she said. The couple have enjoyed many fantastic rides together. The motorcycle touring in New Zealand ranks number one on Chris’ list. For Mary, her favourite was the 10,000 km trip the couple took from Port Dover to Vancouver Island. They have travelled throughout U.S. and Canada over the years.
Chris Simons and Mary Kushneryk flank Rick Mercer (centre) at last year’s Friday 13th where Rick featured Friday 13th on an October 2013 Rick Mercer Report. “What I most enjoy about riding… the sights, sense and smell of the great outdoors. Moments when everything comes together… you, your bike and the open road; like a dance, it all flows”, Mary said. “Riding with Chris is like a dance. I can read his body language and know his moves, whether he is ahead or behind”. The couple is looking forward to this Friday 13th and many more fabulous rides together.
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MORE COUPLES THAT RIDE TOGETHER
Cheryl and Larry Lampman took advantage of the sunshine Sunday to make the drive from Welland to visit one of their favourite destinations, Port Dover. Cheryl says in the summer weather she and her husband come as often as once a week. They walk, shop, have coffee, visit friends, eat and then head home, something they have been doing for six years or so now. Both were enthusiastically anticipating Friday the 13th this year. Cheryl has only been to the event once before, as she usually has to work, but this year, made sure she booked that date off.
Ron Farland says he has been coming to the Port Dover area since the late 1950s, and has watched the Friday 13th event grow in popularity. He will definitely be coming this year in June as it is the last Friday the 13th event in good weather for quite awhile. His wife Margaret says she loves coming to Dover to shop at the leather stores, eat some perch and walk along the pier. Ron has made several long trips on his bike to the west coast.
Jeanie Gaul and Dwayne Fortman took advantage of recent great weather and warmer temperatures by getting out on the highway on their bikes with a group of friends. They came from Stoney Creek. This is Jeanieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year riding her bike and says the reason she likes visiting Dover is the atmosphere of fun and the interesting people she meets. Dwayne says he has been riding bikes since he was 8. He loves coming to Friday the 13th each year, weather permitting, because he loves looking at all the different types of motorcycles, especially the really creative ones, and likes seeing what new biker accessories are available at the vendors tents.
30 Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014
AT THE EVENT!
Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone to enjoy at Friday the 13th.
Friday the 13th in Port Dover June 2014 31
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