January 2018 riders mag

Table of Contents What’s Shakin’ Cruising with Critter Gone But Not Forgotten Donny Peterson One Armed Bandit by Angie Lil Red At Home in Nova Scotia Shop of the Month Len’s Auto Adventures in the Deep South Rants & Ramblings from the East Coast Fighting for Your Rights by Rooster Jessie Lee’s Open Road Experience Just East of the Rockies Motocyco Beau 3 Wheelin with Wheelz Swap Meet Sue Biker’s Church Biker Friendly Business Guide Joke Page

Pg. 4 Pg. 6 Pg. 14 Pg. 16 Pg. 18 Pg. 22 Pg. 25 Pg. 31 Pg. 33 Pg. 35 Pg. 37 Pg. 39 Pg. 40 Pg. 43 Pg. 47 Pg. 49 Pg. 50 Pg. 52 Pg. 54

Come join us for our

Anniversary February 10th, 2018, 10am-3pm

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Whats Shakin January 2018

Jan 5th, 6th & 7th – 42nd Annual North American International Supershow The Big One at The International Centre on Airport Road in Toronto. Friday Noon till 10pm, Saturday 10am till 9pm and Sunday 10am till 5pm. Canada’s Largest Motorcycle Show, Free Parking, Lots Of Vendors, Hot chicks & Leather Fashion Show! Donny Petersen will be at our booth for book signings! For more information check out www.motorcyclesupershow.ca or call 1-888-661-SHOW (7469) Jan 5th, 6th & 7th - Hog Town Cycles Super Show Sale If you are from the London area and find yourself unable to make it up to Toronto Super Show, no need to Fret! Hog Town Cycles will be holding a 3 DAY sale! 20% off the entire store, (bikes excluded), & free shipping! Located @ 164 Main St. Lucan, ON. For more information feel free to visit; www.hogtowncycles.ca, or call (519) 227-1331.

Jan 27th - Classy Chassis Plan Your Ride Day Be sure to join the gang from Classy Chassis for their annal plan your ride day. Located @ 1399 8th Line. Lakefield, ON. For more info call the helpful crew; (705) 292-8300 Jan 29th – Bacchus MC Beachville Swap Meet At the Colombo Club of Oxford, 434719 West Hill Line in Beachville. 10AM – 3PM, Tons of vendors, Admission is only a $5 Donation with kids 12 and under free! For more Information call Hutch 226-339-5184

Riders Mag is sure to be there to help celebrate an amazing feat such as theirs! The festivities will begin @ 10am, and will be finishing around 2pm. You better believe that they will have a bunch of sales, food, and so much more! They are located 900 Colborne St. E. Brantford, ON. For more info call the great guys at the shop (519) 756-2618 Feb 24th - Classy Chassis Shop Party The crew from Classy Chassis will be having their shop party Feb 24th. They are located @ 1399 8th Line. Lakefield, ON. For more info call (705) 292-8300

March 2018

March 17th - 7th Annual A.B.A.T.E Pool tournament Lets all celebrate Saints Paddy’s Day with the great A.B.A.T.E guys! Maybe the luck O’The Irish will be with you! This event is being held @ 1116 Dearness Dr. London, ON. Entry fee of $20, and all proceeds got to support ChildCan. Registraion is at 10:30 & the games begin @ 12:00. For more info call; Surf (519) 282-2978, Chico (519) 477-4365, Wabbit (519) 476-9108, or Deb (226) 456-1693.

March 25th - Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet Don’t miss out on all the great swag located at the Peterborough Morrow Building. 151 Landsdown St. Peterborough, ON. Doors open @ 9am, with free parking, $10 admission, kids under 12 free, and doors will be closing @ 3pm. If you are interested in becoming a vedor, the cost is $50, including a table. For more info pleace call (705) 340-2130 or email ptboswapmeet@hotmail.com

April 2018

April 7th & 8th- Spring Motorcycle Super Show Saturday April 7th, 9am - 9pm. Sunday April 8th, 10am - 5pm. Get ready to ride! For Vendor Info visit WWW.MOTORCYCLESPRINGSHOW.COM or call 905-771-0132

February 2018

May 2018

Feb 2nd - Queensmen Fish Fry Come out and show your support for the Queensmen February Fish Fry! There will great food, people, and so much more!

June 2018

Feb 3rd & 4th - The Greely Swap Meet Located at the Greely Legion, Branch 672. 8021 Mitch Owens Dr. Ottawa, ON. For vendor info call ; (613) 295-6934, (613) 724-8140, or (613) 822-2480. Doors open @ 10:00 am and you dont have to go home but you cant stay here, cause the doors close @ 3:00 pm.

Feb 4th - The London Swap Meet Down South London way @ L.B.F.W Union Building, 6588 Tempo Rd. London, On. The doors for your Bike Builder Headcourters will open @ 9am, & start wrapping up @ 4pm. Entry fee is $10. For more information visit www.motorcycleswapmeet.ca Sponsored by Hochberg Trial Lawyers - 416-524-8321.

Feb 10th - Hips Cycle 30th Yr Anniversary!!

Hips Cycle would like to invite all past, present, future customers to join in on their 30th anniversary celebrations! The

May 6th - 35th Fort Erie Swap Meet This is our 35th yr and those who attend can ride the new bus in free! The event is being held @ 99 Ridge Rd South.

There will be our Shinko tire draw, loads of kids draws, and of course the Canadian International Biker Tare Down.

Canada vs USA Military in a contest for the winners charity. There will be coupons for food in down town, we now have Beef on wick, sausage and eating lounge THE METRIC HALL is growing big time , book NOW! Give us a call @ 905 347 2001 or 289-686-6797!

June 9th - 2ND ANNUAL DESIREE’S RIDE- CHATHAM-KENT Join us for our 2nd Annual Desiree’s Ride in support of Victims of Crime. We ride in memory of Desiree Gallagher along with raising funds for Chatham-Kent Victim Services and Chatham Kent Women’s Centre. Located in Ridgetown, ON @ the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 243, 75 Main Street East. Registration begins at 11:00AM. Kickstands up at 1:00PM and ride returns back to legion around 3:00 pm for dinner and dance. Tons of prizes, 50/50, chance to win the Annual Raffle draw and Vendors. For more info visit http://desireesride.com

July 2018

July 6th, 7th & 8th - The 7th Annual Wheels, Water & Wings Festival Come Join the fun in Bancroft, Ontario. There will be a midway, concerts, paddle challenges, soap box derby, fly-in breakfast, vendors and so much more! Rally run on Saturday the 7th, Show & Shine on Sunday the 8th.Watch for details at www.bancroftbia.com

August 2018

AUGUST 18TH - 5TH ANNUAL DESIREE’S RIDE - BRANTFORD Supporting and raising funds for victims of crime Join us for our 5th Annual Desiree’s Ride in support of Victims of Crime. We ride in memory of Desiree Gallagher along with raising funds for Victim Services Brant and Nova Vita Women’s Shelter. Located in Brantford at The Knights, 12 Catharine Ave, Brantford, ON. Registration begins at 9:00AM, Kickstands up at 11:00AM and ride returns back to The Knights around 3:00 pm, breakfast and BBQ provided with registration. Tons of prizes, 50/50, Entertainment, chance to win the Annual Raffle draw and Vendors. For more info visit http://desireesride.com

September 2018

Sept 4th & 5th - Biketoberfest Be sure to come back and join us in 2018 for the ever infamous Biketoberfest!

Festivities start with the flag run September 4th, and Biketoberfest starts September 5th. Load of vendors, Great food, Live bands, free camping, and soo soo much more!!

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FYI – This is The January 2018, Volume 19 #9 issue of the The Riders Mag despite what it says on the cover!!! The Gremlins or Gremlin that came to visit a few Months ago seems to have taken up permanent residence in our office! We’ve given him an official Riders Mag name and title! We will be as vigilant as possible and try to undo his handiwork before it makes it to print but he is very good and will sneak one past us every once in a while!

His name is “Fuck!!!!!” I know this because that it is what anyone screams when we see what he has done, this time! The pronunciation varies from time to time and depending on who spots his handiwork. Us, who know him best, Fuck!!!!! Our readers; What the Fuck?????, and I’m sure lots of other variations, depending upon your mood when you encounter his hijinks, but they are all the same guy!

Depending upon when you are reading this I hope you either had or will have a very Merry Christmas and wish you all a safe, prosperous, happy and healthy New Year!

Well, while were able to get the last issue of The Mag out, other than the cover I was less than totally pleased with it! We were plagued with computer and internet problems and unfortunately, the gremlins, glitches and general bullshit that caused havoc then, are still with us but to a somewhat lesser degree. We have brought in people that assure me that they are more than capable of identifying the causes and exorcizing these malicious makers of mayhem from our system, once and for all, and we expect to be full speed ahead and on our way to be sending you the best issue of The Riders Mag ever!

We have also secured the services of Beautiful Brenda who is now doing layout and design along with all the unspecified other duties that we have been adding to her contract for us as we go. She is the one responsible for last month’s cover and while done on short notice and under not the best of circumstances, what-with Gremlins running amuck with our computers, produced what could well be the best cover has ever graced The Riders Mag. We certainly miss Al’s incredible graphic talents as he worked a lot of hours doing ad design and layout and ad design for our many advertisers during his time with us and he did it free of charge. He would do all-nighters constantly redrawing customer’s logos and other stuff and not charge for his time and effort! With his departure we have had to contract out some of the work that he used to do. We can no longer do it gratis as it is extremely time consuming and they don’t work for free!

Subsequently there will now be a slight charge for artwork that needs to be done to ads where artwork is not supplied by the advertisers as well as for any major changes that need to be done! If you can get the graphics done cheaper or can do it yourself in the proper formats and on time please feel free to do so.

Also, starting in the New Year, we will be starting to change up our Website, and other Social Media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in an effort to make things more user friendly and relate better to our readers.

We are anticipating a very hectic year as we move into 2018. And we start the New Year in grand style with the running of the 42nd Annual North American International Motorcycle Super Show Jan. 5th through 7th. This all takes place at International Centre in Toronto! (The Big One by the Airport!)

There will be lots to see and do there, with celebrities” Like Paul Sr. and Mikey from Reality T.V’s Orange County Choppers, plenty of Custom builds, leather fashion shows, entertainment, displays, clubs and organizations promoting rides to and from everywhere and anywhere. There will be lots of vendors and presenters with demonstrations and displays of the latest and greatest of motorcycles and related items for your bikes along with personal products The Rider’s Mag - Page 6

to make you and you rides traveling safe and stylish on the roads this year! This is all on display throughout all 7 halls!

Not to be out-done, we at The Riders Mag will have one of our most read contributors; Donny Petersen in our Riders Mag booth signing and selling copies of his latest book. He always draws a crowd and his long anticipated new book is bound to be in huge demand!

We hope to have most of our contributors like Beau, Our Northern guy, Guy, Little Red, Bad Bob, Lefty, Chantel, Mad Mike (our other cartoonist) and many of the other fine folks that make the Mag possible in our booth and cover the Show in style! Oh yeah, I’ll be along too!

Come check out the latest Riders Mag Swag and Support items such as pins, patches, stickers, as well as t shirts, limited edition rings, knives pendants and other stuff as well! Be sure to stop by and say Hi! There never seems to be enough time to get out to everything that I’d like to get to and there is never a shortage of places to go and things to do, regardless of the season. I have had to make many apologies over the years for not getting out to one event or another. Days, weeks, months, years and even decades just seem to slip by and things spring up out of nowhere and timeframes no longer make any sense. I have the best of intentions but there are times when I lose control of days and destinations change on me in a heartbeat! Just recently I left in the morning with stops planned for several spots out London way with the end of the day being at PD Restoration at their Annual Customer Appreciation Night and Open House! I didn’t even get close! My apologies!

Time is not our friend!

It seems like just yesterday, we were all young, in our prime and we all seemed to think we were invincible, immortal and we could stay that way forever! Time seemed to be in endless quantity!

However, time eventually catches up with us and we discover the reality and the true facts of life. We recognize that we are not frozen in time, not immortal and that eventually, time runs out for each and every one of us.

One of the harsh realities’ of life, is death.

We can’t avoid it! We can’t hide from it and as much as some of us try to prolong our lives by eating healthy, exercising properly and so on. When your number comes up and that black cloaked figure called The Reaper finds your name on his list and comes looking for you, he won’t be leaving without you!

Over the years, I have seen too many of my friends take that final ride, leaving behind family and friends to mourn his/ hers passing! But with those moments of sadness comes the realization that you still have all the memories that have come from the times shared! Those times when life was good, days were sunny and warm, the wind was gentle, your bikes all were running like a dream, the air smelled sweet, the beer was cold and the nights were warm and peaceful. All was good! You also recall the times when it was colder than a witches’ tit, the rain, sleet or snow stung your face, you froze your hands, feet and just about every other part of your body! Or when you broke down and were stranded on a desolate piece of road during a heat wave right beside a field being enriched with fresh manure or in the middle of a torrential downpour! Memories, some great others not so great and some downright spectacular!

They are what we create as we wind our way down the road of life and in the end, other than material things we leave behind, memories can be the most valuable and the most cherished. These memories can be the thing that can change tears of sadness to tears of joy as they are recalled and shared by friends and relatives! Something that you can share and you can relive those adventures and the joy of the good times and the bad for years to come! Enjoy your time here on earth where you can and create some memories of your own for friends and family to remember you by!

Doug “Double D” Warner – July 12, 1955 – October 26, 2017 GBNF - L& R – RIP I have been to way too many funerals and I’d far prefer that none of my friends would never have to pass on but it happens!

I got to go through it all again just recently when a dear friend, Doug “Double D” Warner passed away on Oct. 26. Doug’s departure was not unexpected as he had been ill for a long time and he was prepared for it! However, word of the passing of this much loved individual was still a shock and all the emotions that had been held in check were released.

It still hurt like a kick to the groin and many were left with a huge void in their lives! This is not just a Club, it is family!

His Club Brothers like Puss, Harl, Swanny and Newman, took turns tending to his needs right until the end, this was done out of love, dignity and commitment! This was a demonstration of what true Brotherhood is all about and at its absolute best! Being a Club member is not just merely putting on a patch and calling yourself a biker! It is about living up to what the Patch and Brotherhood is really all about!

So I rode the trike on this bitterly cold day to The Brothers of the Blades Clubhouse and parked amongst an ever growing pack of motorcycles and gathered with Club members and friends to pay our respects and take Double D on his last ride back to the Clubhouse where he can reside!

We rode as a pack down to the R.S. Kane Funeral Home on Young St. where an even larger pack had already formed, stretching all the way down the long driveway and into the back parking lot and took our place among them.

Representatives from many other Clubs came out to pay their respects as well!

There were thongs of familiar faces gathered there milling around, some inside, some outside, but the capacity of the building and the property was being pushed to its limits!

From out of nowhere a large bottle of fireball emerged and was now being passed around to appreciative, half frozen riders and their passengers! It didn’t last long!

I strolled through the crowds, getting some pictures, exchanging greetings and stopping to talk a while here and there. I checked out the displays of pictures that had been placed around the room. At the front of the room, Doug’s Urn, his cherished cut, hat and other treasured trappings of his life were displayed amongst the large array of floral arrangements. I wanted to do something special for Doug and had a special Riders Mag arrangement designed and delivered by Marcy at her Floral Shop, Flowers by Ms. Design up in Stayner. I was really impressed and she may well become our go to girl for these kind of things!

The start of the service was announced and we all took our seats! Two BOTB Probates took their places on either side of the table containing Double D`s Urn as an honour guard. The playing of one of Double D’s favourite tunes signified the beginning of a tribute to this fine man.

We were then taken on a very memorable, uplifting, emotional and inspirational journey through the life and times of Doug Warner from his early childhood through to adulthood. Through many heartwarming stories from fellow Club members, friends, family and Co-workers we could see the evolution of and the emergence of the man we came to know and love as “Double D”.

Those stories played with my emotions and judging from the reactions from around the

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room, many others as well! The stories evoked chuckles and grins and full out laughter at times, and perhaps a few tears and some sadness but Doug wouldn’t want to bring anybody to tears or cause sadness!

At the end of the service we were invited to enjoy an

excellent assortment of sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea and other goodies at the funeral home.

We then readied ourselves for the trip back to the clubhouse where we would continue the celebration.

Double D’s urn was carefully strapped to his bike that was to be ridden by “Swanny” while the rest of us bundled, layered and mounted up and prepared ourselves as best we could for the Hell that surely lay ahead as we followed along.

Running a huge pack of motorcycles along with other vehicles could be classed as a challenge at the best of times, but running through Toronto traffic, mid-afternoon, on a Saturday, in one of the busiest parts of the city would be considered by many to be near impossible! But we are bikers damn it! We get it done!

The Funeral Home staff were incredible, not only doing a great job throughout the whole service but now they braved the mean streets of Toronto and some of the craziest drivers on the Planet! They charged out in the midst of the mayhem, with signs in hand, blocking traffic so the whole procession to get across the street and sending us on the way! Now with one continuous roar we snaked out of the lot and were on our way!

The rest was the responsibility of the Road Captains, who carefully plan the routes well in advance and the blockers to make sure all get through intersections safely! Running a pack requires the vigilance of every member of the pack in order to maintain the integrity, order and safety within the pack and get to our destination in one piece. Public safety is always of major concern!

There are always going to be assholes! Those morons so determined to break into the pack and we have to be equally determined that they don’t! After years and years of doing this stuff in order to pay respect for our Brothers and Sisters, we have become oblivious to all the horns, The Rider’s Mag - Page 8

rude gestures, swearing and all that! I think it frustrates them even more when they are ignored other than to having it made clear that they will not be breaking into the procession any time soon! None of them however seem to take to suggestions that they pull to the side of the road for an up close, in depth discussion! Perhaps if it was someone close to them that was being taken on their last ride they would feel differently!

We all made it back to the CH safe and sound and the real celebration of life began! Double D stories reigned supreme, the bar was open and good times prevailed!

Doug was a unique individual who brought joy to all who knew him! He had a quirky sense of humour and a distinct sense of honour and loyalty to his Club and his Club Brothers!

One of my favourite memories of Doug was his countless attempts at making the perfect soft ice cream cone from the Ice Cream truck that he got his Employer, Natrel to donate the use of for the Daybreak Barbecue and Field Party. This is an event that the Brothers of the Blade hold on their property annually in support of handicapped individuals and group homes in the area. Doug loved this event and was proudly responsible for that Ice Cream truck and making of the cones. I have never seen so many sad excuses for an ice cream cone in my life! Most ended up being placed in a dish or cup to be eaten with a spoon. Some leaned, some just overflowed the cones, none looked particularly pretty but it was ice cream and it still tasted good! After all, what is more important, good taste, good looks or good intentions Double D had it all covered and did it with that big, ever present grin?

Another was his spectacular burn out during the games portion at one of the Poker Runs. During which, he, his bike and most everything else in the immediate vicinity was fully engulfed in dense clouds of acrid smoke!

When the smoke cleared and the cheers subsided it was noted that a once immaculate yellow Harley belonging to Lovely Linda that had been unwisely been parked directly behind the burn-out pit was now covered top to bottom, front to back with a gritty film of black rubber that had been shed from Double D’s rear tire during his performance!

Doug was an amazing individual and a good friend, he loved life and he lived it to the fullest! He will be sorely missed! Men such as he are few and far between!

Black Diamond Riders Christmas party – 2017

Chantel and I had both received invitations to this party and headed on down with what was to be a quick stop at the Loaded Dog Bar in Scarborough where Flo works! I forgot to take The Don Valley Parking lot into consideration and the wacko drivers who’s inability to merge cause all kinds of problems at any time day or night! I usually avoid it and swing off the 303 at around Steeles of Finch and find a street like Victoria Park or something to take me South! I forgot and spent the next hour and a half breathing fumes at a snail’s pace, with my festive spirit draining rapidly!

We got it done and arrived at the party spot, hungry, thirsty and well overdue for a cold 50 which I knew they would have ‘caused they promised!

Our timing was near perfect to arrive as they had just opened the buffet and we walked through the door right into the line-up for the food and found a table inhabited by Easy, Screech, Butcher, His lady Darlene and a bunch of the other Brothers of the Blades from the Muskoka Chapter.

A cold 50 appeared out of nowhere and the party was on.

My camera was acting up on me so pictures not that plentiful! Even my fine-tuned technical and diagnostic skills could not fix it! I took the batteries out and put them back in three times before deciding to just take it to the Nikon People and let them look at it!

We had a great time and it was great seeing everyone again!

Peterborough Fall Swap Meet – 2017 I rolled into Town early as I normally try to do but this time I was especially early this time as I failed to turn the

clock back for Daylight Saving Time and was way ahead of everyone else so I got to get a jump on others for the best deals as they were just being put out on display. There has to be some advantage to getting up this early!

This Show has been growing steadily since the first one, confirming the organizers hunch that something like this was needed out this way. It was a slow build but his perseverance paid off and the local motorcycle community is better for it!

Hell it isn’t just the local biker community or local

vendors that is supporting this event either, Vendors and bargain hunters are driving in from across the Province as they know that if you want great deals on parts you have to seek them out as they rarely come up looking for you, and if they are out there they go quickly and this is a damn good place to be!

There was lots to be had here today and judging by the number of people lugging treasures out the door to their vehicles there must have been some really good stuff!

Fred Hale and family were there and doing a good business as was Gord and crew from Black Gold, in from Newmarket!

I have to stop in to see the guys at Recycled Gear as they always have some incredible stuff and you just never know what treasures you’ll find there.

Swap meets are a social event and have always been a big

part of the lifestyle, long before things got so fancy! I know I get a warm feeling scavenging through piles and boxes of stuff!

All many Bikers really want is a place to buy and sell parts or just go and jaw it up with old friends! In other words, they go there to socialize sometimes under the guise of “looking for parts”. Many a solid friendship has been forged over haggling and bartering for parts or whatever!

This is back to the basics stuff and it can be as fun as riding itself!

Some of today’s riders will never know the pleasure of finding a much sought after part, needed to complete a project and getting into a good natured bartering session over it. That session could go on for days, weeks, months, or years. The project is real and the bike and project actually does exist however, the seller, knowing the buyer really isn’t in a hurry to get the part or to finish the project or the build so he refuses to lower his price and the buyer who isn’t in any hurry to do the deal because he knows that he will then have no real excuse for not finishing the project and that involves work that he really doesn’t want to do and refuses to come up on what he will pay!

That part becomes an excuse for the two to sit down and talk whenever their paths happen to cross. That part is invaluable to both of them, as price has nothing to do with it, as, truth be known, the buyer would have given the part to him years ago but then they’d have lost their excuse to get together!

I have a peanut tank painted up with a Labatt’s 50 theme that was painted by “James” years ago, on the wall of my shop that will one day, be my urn and then hung on the wall at the Brothers of the Blade Clubhouse! For years it hung from the ceiling of Kenny Kerr’s, Magic Motorcycles shop in Newmarket! He knew I wanted it badly but wouldn’t even discuss a price! Every time I would go in there and we’d get caught up in one of our usual long conversations I couldn’t stop looking at it and would ask about it and again, he would just change the subject! I think he just loved to torment me!

I now suspect that others were in on the gag because after the old bandit passed on I got word from Ian Stewart and Chucky that the family wanted me to have it! It now hangs above my desk and I see it damn near every day, I cherish it and think of the old scoundrel (May he always rest in peace!) every time I look at it! That is the same thing that one little part can be the link that holds a friendship together!

Any how I got to see a lot of stuff and meet up with a lot of real good friends and even bought some stuff. I had a great time!! See you in the spring!

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Classy Chassis - Remembrance Day I had plenty of company for this trip as Chantel brought her eight year old son “Aidan” along with us! He is a very polite young man and an absolute pleasure to travel with!

We were heading for Classy Chassis where they were holding a Remembrance Day service in conjunction with their own project in support for the Troops and their families who are stationed away from home and won’t be home for Christmas.

The crew here at Classy Chassis are very patriotic and do all that they can throughout the year to further their cause and really make a difference.

Remembrance Day just happened to fall on the same day as they had planned their event.

We arrived at their magnificent property and wandered in to find Josh and John hard at it and I introduced them to Chantel and Aidan and got an idea of what was to happen today! John gave us the grand tour and a basic rundown.

We were taken to the

outer building where a podium had been set up amongst a massive array of huge Christmas stockings stuffed with everything imaginable!

Hockey sticks, games and all kinds of other treats.

It was quite a sight and John swelled with pride at what he and the family here at Classy Chassis were able to do!

We wandered down to the Service and Parts building where the Remembrance Day service would be conducted.

I don’t think they got quite as many out as they had hoped for but with all the other ceremonies that were taking place in Legions, Cenotaphs, Town Halls and such all across the Province, it is understandable! It was a sincere and touching The Rider’s Mag - Page 10

ceremony with a special tribute to local men and women who serve or have served in our armed forces!

After the ceremony and observing two minutes silence a piper played and we were led back to the other building where all the Christmas stockings and other items adorned the room, there we had more presentations

and acknowledgements of local people who have lost loved ones in armed conflicts throughout the World. John explained what the program that Classy Chassis through the generous support of the motorcycle Community have been able to do and will continue to do and expand on it!

We were humbled by the generosity and the humanitarianism displayed here on this day and pledge that I will do all I can in support!

We headed for home leaving John, Josh, Charlene, the crew and the volunteers to get these gifts that will be much appreciated down to Trenton where they will be loaded on a plane, shipped out and distributed!

Great Job guys! Great day!

Recycled Gear – Lindsay I knew that they were moving the store and I figured that since I was passing by and check on the progress, plus I had some stuff to discuss with them and they are good guys and I just wanted to check to see what goodies they had in the shop!

There is a constant flow of really good stuff and you just never know what you’re going to find.

We walked through the door to find them working on a kid’s leather biker jacket just doing a bit of clean-up readying it for display! It looked like it should fit Aidan and when he tried it on all that was left was to negotiate price!

We also took them in some of our Riders Mag Swag which they will now carry in their store!

and Aidan as this is a nice place to be with great people who are bound to tweak your Christmas spirit! Aidan resplendent in the leather biker jacket I’d bought for him last week was already in the spirit and just loved the candies and other treats!

They had Santa Claus there making his rounds and spreading cheer to all who came in. There were lots of Christmas bargains and deals for the Biker on your Christmas list plus there was a fantastic array of Christmas treats and goodies, coffee, tea and other refreshments to enjoy while you shopped.

It was great to see

Pastor Dave Neals and his lady out and about getting ready for the festive season!

We couldn’t stay long as we had a couple more stop before our day was done and said our goodbyes as we made our way back to the truck!

Another good day wandering the highways and byways, spending time with our customers and taking advantage of the opportunity to introduce them to Chantel and visa- versa as it is always good to be able to put a face to a name when you’re doing business.

I had a wonderful lady by the name of Tiffany call a while back and she said she’d be interested in doing some modelling.

She was from Niagara Falls area which is reasonably close to Jarvis and she was available on the day that I needed to do the shoot! I gave her the gig!

We met at the appointed time and we got started.

She was fun to work with and moved comfortably around the bikes. Ernie was there with his camera as well and repositioned the bikes as needed and things went well!

This showroom is to great work in for shoots like these as it is nice and bright as well as roomy and lends itself perfectly to this type of thing! Plus the monkeys, gorillas and such that has become synonymous with Len’s and the Rewaco Trikes is quite a draw at the Motorcycle Shows make great props to use with the models!

Things seem to be going really well with the Rewaco Trikes with new dealerships coming on board and sales are very brisk! The factory really stands behind their products and they are gaining a real solid reputation! It certainly seems to keep them busy enough.

Stop by their display at the upcoming Motorcycle Supershow Jan. 5 -7, at the International Centre! The Big one by the Airport!

Classy Chassis Christmas – 2017 Once again we were off to the wilds of Bridgenorth to Classy Chassis for their Classy

Christmas Celebration! Once again I brought Chantel

Len’s Auto and Rewaco Dealership – Shop of the Month feature Jan 2018 Len and Ernie decided to do this feature, Months ago and I tried to get it all done early so I wouldn’t be hard pressed to get it done at the last minute. Things just didn’t work out and I was again, out to do the shoot on short notice with deadline looming, all kinds of stuff going on in the office, as we are still dealing with the fiasco with our computers and internet problems! Then my breathing went on the skids again and had to schedule around Dr.’s appointments, tests and such. In other words SNAFU!!!!

It’s reassuring to know that I have both Chantel and Brenda back at the office and looking after things allowing me to wander and do what I need to get done!

The Rider’s Mag - Page 11

Paradice Riders MC – Christmas Party 2017 Well both Chantel and I once again scored invites to one of my favourite events and I was anxious to introduce her

to them and visa-versa as it is a great party and she might have to cover things like this on her own someday.

As has been the custom for the last bunch of years, we would once again be traveling to the party in style! On the Magic Bus with the Brothers of the Blade.

I picked up Chantel and we drove over to The BOTB Clubhouse and found a spot for The Black Bitch to stay the night because there is no way that I would be driving again tonight!

We started with a few drinks at the House and just continued on! The 50 was cold! The company was great and the night had only just begun!

We rolled up in front of the venue, disembarked and got on with it!

My buddy Dave and his band Eye for an Eye were playing once again this year and they were sounding better than ever. They had a bunch of new tunes and were really

tight with close harmonies and really had the crowd hopping!

There was a great spread of food laid out for us and it was delicious!

It turns out that we weren’t just celebrating Christmas!

PDR MC Member, Perry was having his 60th Birthday and was presented with a beautifully decorated cake!

We partied long and hearty and raised many a glass The Rider’s Mag - Page 12

in his honour!

Before we knew it, it was time to once again board the Magic bus for the trip back to the Clubhouse so I wandered through saying my goodbyes and thanking the Paradice Riders for the great time and headed off to find a seat on the bus!

This party is one of the rare occasions where I just let loose!

I don’t have to drive anywhere, I’m safe among trusted friends who seem more like family. Chantel was looking after photographic duties and was also having a ball!

The party continued a while longer after we returned to the Clubhouse when one of the Probates Chris volunteered to drop me off at home and then drop Chantel off at her place! Perfect ending to a perfect evening!

Thanks to everyone! See you next year!

35th

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MAY 6th 2018 Metric Hall

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www.foreriemotorcycleswapmeet.weebly.com CALL 289-686-6797 The Rider’s Mag - Page 13

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2018

2018 H-D

September 14th & 15th

CHROME DESIGN & PERFORMANCE CENTRE

Doug “Double D” Warner Brothers of the Blade MC July 12, 1955 - October 26, 2017

A fine man, loved and respected by his Club Brothers and Sisters and will be missed by all who knew him!

R.I.P. – Love and Respect – G.B.N.F.

Ed Nash July 16, 1952 - September 3, 2017

cation Come See Our NEW Lo

Jo i n u s i n Ha l l 5 a t t h e Ja n S u p e r s h o w

COME SEE US IN HALL 5 AT THE JANUARY SUPERSHOW #1,

Gone too soon. After a brief battle with Cancer. He was a brother who lived life “his way” always having a good time. Until we ride again R.I.P.

8540 Keele Street, Vaughan, ON

Saturday June 30, 2018 $10.00 / person @ the CLUBHOUSE

Dave Lester - November 21, 2017

Dave Lester 47 of Brantford passed away Tuesday November 21 2017. If not for bad luck, Dave had no luck at all. Dave was the guy that would go out of his way to help anyone, and never think to ask for help for him self. Dave will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Rest easy now, and know you are loved GBNF

The Rider’s Mag - Page 14

Darren Stacy “Bloodline” Monahan Outlaws January 18, 1970 - November 12, 2017

4859 Hillside Dr. Beamsville (Mountain St to Albright Manor, East on Hillside) Opens @ noon - Judging @ 3:00 - Awards @ 4:30 Call 905-563-4267 email: lcmc1967@hotmail.com (Harley judging only)

Darren died of heart disease while doing what he loved, riding his 4 Wheeler at the hunting camp! He was loved and respected and a valued friend and Brother and had a fantastic turnout for his funeral! He will be sadly missed by his Club Brothers and Sisters, family, friends and all who knew him!

R.I.P. – Love and Respect – G.B.N.F. The Rider’s Mag - Page 15

Donny Petersen

The not so Toughest Punk in Town

The following is a short exerpt from Biker 101: The Life of Don available at www.donnypetersen.com and at book signings.

The exuberance of youth leads to many bad decisions. Like any punk, I was not immune to delusional thinking. However, I paid dearly for my er-rors in judgement. I have always been very good at learning my lessons the hard way.

I never thought I would refer to myself as a punk. Writing this book has made me reflect. I might have thought I was everything and then some but I was wrong.

I started life in the schoolyard getting beat up all the time. I never won. As I became a teenager, I began to do better. At first, I held my own, then noticed that the bullies were not picking on me much anymore. I can-not remember any one fight that led to my dominance because there proba-bly was not one.

Looking back, I think it was more of a change in attitude, not fighting ability that carried me out from victimization.

My foolish mind began to think that because I was one of the toughest in a small group of friends that this would extrapolate far and wide. When I began to venture not that far nor that wide, I learned some realities of life.

The foremost lesson is that it matters not your prowess when in anoth-er’s hood. By this, I mean that every area has its tough guys. You are very alone when venturing outwards with a bad attitude as street fighting is rare-ly oneon-one.

When we were 16 to about 19 years old, we would pile into somebody’s car and head to American border towns like Niagara Falls or Buffalo. We went because the drinking age was lower. The bars were lax in checking age identification and the alcohol was much less expensive than Canada. We re-ferred to the beer as piss water because it had slightly lower alcohol content than Canada. We mistakenly and repeatedly thought it impossible to get drunk on it. We were very wrong. We got stupid drunk and found ourselves in all kinds of trouble. It was our fault every time.

The American bar owners tolerated our stupidity to a point. I now re-alize that when we started acting like idiots, they also tolerated others, whether they be Americans or fellow Canadians punching our lights out.

Getting My First Lesson I cannot remember what started the fight but the fault was probably ours. Perhaps, fight is the wrong word. I must have been out like a light, lying on the street, while sustaining many dozens of boots to the head. I only remem-ber snippets of the beating. I was getting hit and kicked all over but the ones to the head are what I vividly recall. I was probably in-and-out of conscious-ness. These types of beatings only end if police arrive or the beaters get tired. The one emotion that pervades is fear; fear of dying from the kicking hurts much more than the kicks.

The police did not show up.

I am not sure how I got to my feet but remember stumbling and run-ning a block or two to our car. Arnie was inside, passed out, with the doors locked. I started banging on the car and yelling for him to awaken.

Across the street, a shopkeeper was locking up his store. The little old man with a very big German Shepherd attack dog watched my antics. He was tired of drunk Canadians in his neighborhood. He unleashed his dog on me. I was helpless as the Shepherd bit me multiple times at will, quickly put-ting me on the pavement again. This was the second time I was having to en-dure the pain, albeit a different type. The little old man finally called off his dog, leashed him, and walked away with me lying on the ground nursing my puncture wounds. Arnie slept through the whole ordeal. He was the lucky one that night.

A paddy wagon with two cops in it rolled up as I stumbled to my feet. They simply looked and slowly drove on.

Later, I found out that they had arrested another of the guys, Jake. He did not fare well either. He was in the back of the wagon. He was also in-volved in a fight. However, the police in the paddy wagon arrived and set their dogs, two German Shepherds, on Jake and quickly subdued him after he sustained his share of bites. They threw Jake into the pitch dark wagon with the two dogs. He was terrorized, lying motionless with the dogs snarl-ing, dripping fangs, ever-ready above his face. The cops let him go after they finished their rounds. Jake was scared sober. These cops were expert at tak-ing the drunk stupidity out of fuck-ups.

Can I Beat a Whole Motorcycle Club?

The obvious and short answer is no.

Bike clubs often complain that they do not start fights. I too, as a now-member observe this fact. This is not to say that we sometimes initiate ag-gressive action but many times it is citizens antagonizing us. Why, I am not sure, but the following story is about me starting a fight with a whole bike club called The Animals MC in a bar in Buffalo, New York.

This was long before, I had any interest in motorcycles or had any inclination that I would eventually join a club.

Therefore, I have seen this phenomenon from both sides.

We wound up in a low-life bar and began our ritual drinking. After a while, bikes began pulling up and a bike club started to file in. I had never seen a real bike club. They came in all shapes and sizes, some very big. They were minding their own business while socializing with each other.

I am not sure why I became offended; the word punk, now comes to mind. Maybe I sensed they were content with themselves. Maybe their power bothered me. I do not know why, except possibly, my immaturity.

I was staring in a not-so friendly way.

When they could no longer ignore the idiot who could not possibly win, the Sergeant at Arms walked up to me. I did not know what this title meant but he had a patch declaring this on his vest. He was a 300 pounder for sure and taller than me. He asked if I had a problem. I sucker punched him in the … actually, I have no idea where I hit him as an onslaught began as my punch was landing. I was on the ground in an instant. The pain of one blow was eclipsed by the next. However, I should not speak in singular terms. The pain of the many blows was eclipsed by the rain of the The Rider’s Mag - Page 16

continuous and ongoing punches, kicks, and smashing chairs.

I fell into unconsciousness, coming out and going back into oblivious-ness again. My eyes began to focus as the big Sergeant at Arms climbed onto a chair and then onto a table placed near my head. He jumped up, heels down above my waiting head. The boots came crashing into my skull. They must have glanced off as I am sure they would have easily crushed my head. He repeated this action to the cheers of the members. I did not have to wait until he tired. Suddenly there was someone yelling orders. The circle widened and the membership backed off a little.

I looked up. A cop was holding his gun on them. They were not afraid but respectful of the weapon. They were testing the cop. He was scared. The gun was shaking. The edges of the biker group slowly expanded outwards. Even, I could see that they would attack the cop and me if able to get lever-age. The cop figured this also. He told me to get up and run.

He would hold them as long as he could. I got up and split.

I have no idea what happened after I left.

I made it my mission to go back and take on the Animals. None of my friends were interested. This was a good thing.

Lucky me - I was still stupid enough to delude myself.

Now I know. It was not their fault. It was mine. I have seen both sides of the coin.

Last month I presented a humerous poem called The Bro Code from Biker 101: The Life of Don. I have since deleted one line “I never paid child sup-port or alimony”. This can be taken the wrong way. I never paid child sup-port because I never had any kids. I am a big believer in taking care of chil-dren and supporting them.

Donny Petersen Biker 101: The Life of Don

The Rider’s Mag - Page 17

One Armed Bandit tales of determination

Today is Sunday, December 10 - only 99 days until spring!! By the time you read this, spring will be even closer!

My hubby Lloyd and I put our babies into hibernation a few weeks ago. They are always within sight - covered - in the garage. Sometimes I think I hear them aching to go for a rip outside.... wait, that must be me!

Like many of you, I long for the day when I can start up the bike and go for a ride. Until then, what else is there for us to do? Plan riding trips for 2018 with fellow riders? Deciding on which bike rallies we will attend? Working on our bikes over the winter to prepare them for spring? Reading The Rider’s Mag to keep up on stories and news involving the motorcycle community? Aching for the day when we can just hop on and ride to who cares where?

As of now, 2018 plans include; - January 5-7: Critter has graciously agreed to give me space at The Rider’s Mag booth at the Motorcycle Supershow. If you are coming to the show, please stop by and say hello - I would love to meet you and hear your stories!

- June 15 - 17: Ride For Sight in Fenelon Falls. This event allows us to not only raise funds for a great cause and hang out with a bunch of awesome people such as yourselves, but also to perform with our band LEFTY AND THE GOONS. - July 6 - 8: Accommodations confirmed in Smith’s Falls, Ontario with some friends of ours for the Rideau Rendezvous Motorcycle Rally.

- July 20 - 22: Wasaga Beach Motorcycle Rally . Join us!!

For longer trips, we are debating between Americade, Atlanticade, the Lake Superior loop...... who knows! The list is endless!! What are your suggestions? Share them with me at the Supershow in January!!

As far as riding goes, I now have two bikes. My first, the 2017 Honda Rebel 300 (christened Hankster) served me well - it is a light bike with fat tires that grip the road making it a great choice for first time riders like myself. For those of you who do not already know, I ride with one (left) hand therefore the bike was modified with a centrifugal force clutch which disengages the engine based on rpms; I also have a finger throttle (similar to an ATV) on my left handlebar. Your clutch lever is my front brake. I still shift - just no need to manually disengage the engine.

I truly love my Rebel - he (yes HE - his name is Hankster after all lol) took me over 9,000km this past season. I started riding in the spring of 2017 - many suggested that I start with a 600 as I would quickly find that I needed more power however I have no regrets about getting the 300. Having said that, by the time August rolled around, I came to realize that while my Rebel was fantastic for backroad cruising at 80km/hour;, pushing it over 100km for highways was a stretch.

What to do..... look for another bike.

In late August, I was very fortunate to find a 2012 Honda Shadow Aero at Cycle World in Scarborough. I was even luckier to meet Gary. Referring to himself as a Freedom Fun Facilitator, he spent as much time with me as necessary to discuss my needs and encouraged me to sit on a variety of bikes to ensure that I was aware of possible options.

Despite the many styles available, I kept coming back to the Aero.

Given my situation, it was suggested that Spirit handlebars were added as they would give me the option to use my right arm when turning and/or for extra stability when parking.

I originally christened my new bike Hankster Sr until my friend and riding buddy, Darryl suggested naming him Hankster 2.0 which I did. This resulted in my Rebel being referred to as Hankster 1.0.

Hankster 2.0 had to be transported from Scarborough to Mission Cycle in Angus for modifications similar to what was done to the Rebel. Not having a trailer of my own, I reached out to my friends in the motorcycle community asking for help. Jack was kind enough to give my bike a ride up to the shop on a Friday morning.

After a few weeks, I got the call - the bike was ready.

On what started out to be a chilly day in late September, Lloyd and I rode up to Barrie (I as a passenger on his Yamaha VStar 950 Tourer) so that I could retrieve the bike.

I remember walking into the shop and seeing my Aero sitting there waiting for me. Like my Rebel, it is red however it looked so.....big. After getting it outside, it was time to practice. I recall sitting on it in the parking lot thinking “...what have I done? Did I just make a big mistake?” It suddenly felt so heavy! After some words of encouragement from Lloyd, I very cautiously started to ride. After being on a Rebel for several months, sitting on a cruiser was a totally different experience.

After a couple of hours of practicing stops, starts and turns, Lloyd and I rode off with some friends for the majority of the day.

The more I rode, the more relaxed and comfortable I felt. With the Rebel, I feel like I am sitting “on” the bike - with the Aero, I am sitting “in” it.

I never wanted to get off.

I remember being sad the closer we got to home, but tomorrow was another day.

The following Tuesday, Lloyd and I decided to go for a ride in the early evening.

Shortly after leaving our house, the Aero seemed to be struggling with getting up to speed. Despite giving throttle, the bike did not want to go. While we were not far from our house, we certainly were not within walking distance when suddenly, the bike stopped rolling.

I just about cried. I suspected that there was an issue with the The Rider’s Mag - Page 18

clutch and knew that it would have to go back to Angus for repairs. Thankfully, Jack came to the rescue with his trailer and I rode home on the back of Lloyd’s bike - depressed. I knew that the season was approaching the end and wanted to maximize my time on Hankster 2.0.

CLASSIC ROCK AND ROLL WITH ATTITUDE It was determined that as a result of “short shifting”, I had burned out the clutch which would take several weeks BIKERS PLAYING FOR BIKERS! to repair. I was heartbroken.

My depression was quickly Info / Booking Info eradicated due to my having so much on Lloyd: 416-432-8740 the go. On Saturday, September 30, my band LEFTY AND THE GOONS performed at the Brown’s Harley-Davidson grand opening. What a beautiful day it was - the parking lot was like a mini bike angsan@sympatico.ca show with riders pulling up on all types www.leftyandthegoons.com of rides. The event was exceptionally well organized and besides our live music, included food vendors, a burnout contest, raffles, in store promotions and more.

I also still had Hankster 1.0 to fall back on and on Friday, Oct 13, Lloyd and I decided to head out to Port Dover. The morning was chilly and damp as we started out from Mississauga. We met up with 3 other riders and continued our journey as the rain started to sprinkle. I remember thinking “why did I take a day off work for what will be such a lousy day ending with my probably getting sick?”.

As much as I love to ride, and was anxious about participating in my first Friday the 13th as a rider, the weather, for me, was negatively impacting my mood.

What started off as cold and damp quickly became blue sky with a warming sun as we approached Port Dover.

Many years prior, my since retired AC/DC Tribute band Bare Rump, performed at The Norfolk Tavern on Friday the 13th. While I have very fond memories of those performances, coming into Port Dover on my motorcycle was a completely different experience. I was so excited to see all the bikes and riders, and to know that I was now one of them.

We parked our bikes on Main Street and began to walk around the town which looked so different despite our being so familiar with it. Bikes, vendors, people.... the sun.... it couldn’t get much better when suddenly we bumped into a friend and fellow rider without even trying. Then it happened again! We could not have planned these meetings better.

I was getting hungry so we headed for Knechtel’s. During our walk, I was texting with Gaetan, a fellow rider whom I had met on the Motorcycle Society (Ontario) Facebook page. (If you haven’t “liked” this page yet - do so. As mentioned in an earlier article, this Facebook page was created by Jason North and is a place where people can share anything and everything related to motorcycles). Our texting went something like this: Ang: Where are you?

Gaetan: Infront of BMO. Ang: We are in On The Fringe. Which way are you walking?

And so it continued until we met at a picnic table where we were fortunate enough to get a seat. Here we sat, me with my Nathan’s hotdog (mmmmmm Nathan’s) chatting about riding and hockey (I forgave Gaetan for being a Habs fan.... it would have been difficult to have a conversation with him if not for the fact that he was a rider as well... lol). The day was getting better and better.

The return journey started had me riding with hubby and 2 other bikes, one of which was ridden by Chris whom we had met earlier in the morning, the other by Gaetan. Lesson learned: You never know what the outcome of a bike ride will be - adventure awaits at every turn - even if the weather sucks. lol The following Saturday was October 21 - time to pick up Hankster 2.0. I repeated what had become somewhat of a routine - hopping on the back of Lloyd’s bike for the ride north.

This time, we rode up to Barrie on the Friday where we met Gaetan.

After dinner, we checked into our Harley BSA Norton Triumph hotel and relaxed.

Well maybe Lloyd relaxed - I was excited, anxious and nervous about the following day.

I had 12 Carrying Place Road, Trenton, Ont. K8V 3E7 previously shared (613) 392-8433 when and where I would be picking www.makeitroar.com up Hankster 2.0 on The Rider’s Mag - Page 19

Facebook, and to my utter amazement, people whom I had never met started to appear shortly after Lloyd, Gaetan and I showed up. Before I knew it, 5 bikes were sitting in the parking lot in addition to Gaetan’s Indian Chieftan, Lloyd’s and mine.

My buddy Gord also appeared which added to my joy, but unfortunately he was not able to ride as a result of recovering from an injury sustained while riding the Tail Of The Dragon several weeks earlier.

I have never in my life, been so touched by the kindness of people who when they appeared were strangers, but instantly became friends. Everyone waited patiently while I once again, practiced with the Aero. Then came the ride! 8 bikes strong, we rode through the area on various backroads which included a variety of twisties - there were many times when I was astonished by the fall colours. I know that my smile was a wide as my face would permit throughout the entire ride.

We stopped at the Hockley General Store in Orangeville where we had lunch on the patio while watching bikes come and go and swapping riding tales. I truly felt so blessed and thankful for my good fortune - I had my new bike and new friends. What an awesome day that would never have come to fruition if not for the motorcycle.

The next day, Lloyd and I rode to Port Dover. Another beautiful day in late October! Upon our arrival, we pulled into the gas station just past Tim Horton’s where several bikes were already parked - riders chatting amongst themselves. I parked my bike by backing into a space between two few bikes and as soon as I took my helmet off, I heard one rider say to his buddy “What a pussy you are! She comes in with 1 hand and backs in, and you ride in frontwards?”

Of course we all started chatting, sharing stories about our bikes and experiences. Once again - instant friends!

This was to be our last bike ride of the season and I seemed to realize this as we returned home and pulled into the garage later that afternoon. As such, I parked it beside Hankster 1.0 and Lloyd’s V Star with mixed emotions.

Is it just me, or does anyone else talk to their bikes?

Be honest! Each day before leaving for work, I found myself smiling at all 3 of them... I think that I even stroked Hankster 1.0’s tank saying that I would always love him despite 2.0 now being part of the family.

This takes us to today, December 10. As I finalize this article, I can’t help but reflecting back on what was my first season as a rider. #allbecauseofamotorcycle; - I became a contributing writer for The Rider’s Mag - I visit places that I would never have considered going to including Gananoque, North Bay and Montebello, Quebec.

- I spent the majority of my time OUTSIDE! - I learned more about myself and my abilities -I was fortunate to meet many wonderful people,

many of whom have become friends.

There is one person in particular whom I would like to tell you about. I was fortunate enough to meet Cole Sunday several months ago as a result of a mutual shop modifying our bikes. Several years ago, this young man was in the back seat of a car when a terrible accident occurred, the result of which changed his life forever. Cole was an avid motorcycle rider prior to this unfortunate day, however this accident left him as a T4 / T5 paraplegic which means that he cannot move or feel anything from his chest down. He will be the first to tell you that when he woke up after his injury, everyone told him what he could not do. His biggest concern was not walking, but getting back to riding.

Cole was inspired by Ricky James, who was on his way to becoming a Supercross champion when, as a result of a motorcross injury, he was left paralyzed from his midchest down. Rather than give up, he persevered and after some modifications, began to ride again.

Cole rides a 2016 KTM EXC 500 which has substantial modifications including; - Leg protection bars to protect his legs should he fall over, ensuring that they would not be crushed The Rider’s Mag - Page 20

- A linear actuator which runs across the sub frame by the back of the Akrapovic exhaust. Many of the components to build this device were acquired from Servocity.com which provides a large selection of mechanical components for use in robotics. In the event that Cole is stopping at a light, or feels that he might lose his balance, he can easily hit a rocker switch located on his right handlebar near the throttle to lower arms down on each side of the bike to provide stability and prevent the bike from tipping.

- A PS R2 quick shifter located above the rocker switch allows gears to be shifted with a button rather than a foot.

- A rekluse clutch has been installed which can be adjusted to ensure that the bike does not tug.

After sliding from his wheelchair and strapping his legs in, Cole rides off doing what he loves to do.

For Cole, this wind therapy allows him to feel whole - no longer does he feel restricted.

Cole shares his story in the hopes that he can inspire others to never give up regardless of the obstacles which you might face. His message - to persevere by any means - to realize that there are options.

What are your tales of determination? We look at each other and see the outside of a human being not knowing what challenges they might be facing. Some will reach out for help and support - others may not. By sharing your tales, it is my hope that we inspire someone to realize that things can improve. You are never alone in the motorcycle community! We are all surrounded by Brothers and Sisters who will always lend a hand, offer support, and be there to encourage you when you are most down.

I am so thankful for everything that my motorcycle has brought me and look forward to sharing new tales in future articles.

I look forward to meeting you at the Motorcycle Supershow in January!

Until next time, #allbecauseofamotorcycle!! angsan@sympatico.ca HYPERLINK “http://www.angproblemsolved.ca/”www. angproblemsolved.ca or on Facebook

ANGIE SANDOW Tales Of Determination

Motivational Speaker Why Discourage When You Can Encourage?

Available For Your Next Motorcycle Event

FOR INFO / BOOKINGS 647-226-2921 angsan@sympatico.ca www.angproblemsolved.ca

The Rider’s Mag - Page 21

L’IL RED Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ya little buggers!

Well as we drive back from Tampa, Florida, I hear a bit of snow has fallen upon some of our friends back home. I’d like to say that I’m sorry to hear it, but that’d be a lie. Hey!!!!! you guys would hit me with a snowball the size of my old 33” jeep tires given half the chance!

We did the cruise! While back at home it was -6 at times, we were sweatin’ in 75 degree temps. The cruise took us to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West. (Just to make ya feel better, we got wet in Key West as it rained a good part of the day so karma was a bitch). But, they had a Starbucks, so I was good!

This cruise was the biker-only cruise I had previously mentioned, with a pirate costume party, a 60/70s costume party, a belly smacker contest, even a treasured chest competition (which our male readers would appreciate, as it consisted of ladies that were blessed with bodacious tatas, travelling around and using their bodacious ta-tas to collect money for charity.

All for a good cause I’d say!

The parties were pretty cool, with ice sculptures and food carvings, but not the like of what you’re thinking of. These ice sculptures were of bikers, watermelons were carved like skulls, pretty tastefully done.

Seeing as it is a cruise, and cruises are mostly about the food, I wasted no time jumping ahead to destroy the beautiful creations.

I took this opportunity to seek out party-goers, and came upon a really great costume of aguy dressed a s Captain Morgan. His name was Frank and he was from Texas. He was with a large group called the Travelling Beer Bellies (Which we have some i n various parts of Canada). While chatting him up, I caught a glimpse of a lady with a puppet. This being on the side of odd to me at a pirate costume party, I had to go talk to her. Having just witnessed a g i a nt dinosaur streak through the party right to the bar, this should not have come as much of a shock. Her name was Freda and she hailed from Virginia. She was quite happy to pose for a pick, and as I proceeded to ask her about the puppet and the W T F behind it, I then got distracted by a guy with a legitimate peg leg. No shit! He w a s an amputee (I presumed an army vet, as they also did a Veteran appreciation night, so I presumed the lost appendage was from war, but damn he was good t o incorporate that into a pirate costume, peg-leg and all. Brilliantly done sir.) I tried to catch up to him for a pic, but he disappeared as quickly as he materialized. All in all, a good time for sure.

Now I’m not one to fain sickness and bail from an event, but on November 5th, it happened.

It was the Peterborough Swap Meet. This is usually held at the Peterborough Morrow Building, and having a couple of these a year, it’s a great place to go for bike accessories, (I got saddlebags last year), various little parts for repairing your baby or for custom rebuilds, and even for the hard-to-find pieces to make your project unique. Plus, you always meet and get to catch up with buddies that you haven’t seen in awhile. This one however, I had to miss to an illness, but I’m sure Critter covered it in his part of the Mag, since he was there to represent. I’ll let him tell you what both you and I missed!!!

Now ya’ll know that Critter spends many of his days out running the roads, visiting our advertisers. (please support these folks, as they make reading this mag for free a possibility). With recent changes in the office, I figured it’d be nice to meet Chantel and see what is involved in a day with our Critter. Well let me tell ya, that guy puts on a lot of miles to keep this mag going.

I met him at the University of Toronto, as Mike was working there that day and seeing as we live hours away, it was a good idea to highjack Mike’s truck for a ride. Can I tell ya, if ya’ll wanna feel dated, go hang out at the University for awhile. Wow, I stood out and I wasn’t even trying! I could’ve been used a fossil specimen on that day based on the age difference (Hey, I represent my age group well, but I got nothing on a 20 something). So as not to feel inadequate, I did wear my Loyalist College sweatshirt, so I still appeared educated.

After navigating our way from UTM, Critter and I talked the Mag, and I followed along as he delivered Mags at his old work stomping grounds, and those folks were all too happy to see Critter and the Mags. Then we were onto Jennie’s Custom Leather. Now, I was excited about this, cause I follow her on FB, and have seen her ads and really wanted to see what she had. Well lemme tell ya, I’m glad I did. I scored am aweaome pair of leather pants she was selling on sale for $30!

Yup, I said it, $30!!!!! They fit and I was not leaving without ‘em.

Now, Critter knows that my Mike likes some of the skimpier things that I can find (and still wear without shame), and knowing that we had a leather night coming up on our upcoming bikers-only cruise, he found a pair of shorts he was sure Mike would approve of. Shorts, using that term loosely, and skimpy (I did kinda like ‘em.) They showed lots of skin, and I’ll be honest, I was even a little bashful at sporting them under my chaps.

If you need leather Jennie is the place. I’m looking to go back, and taking a few friends with me. She does a lot of custom work, so please stop in and tell her I sent ya!

There’s an add in the Mag that I’d like to bring to your attention, for two reasons. One, I think it should be a deyou The Rider’s Mag - Page 22

should consider, and two, if ya do, I wanna know about it cause Mike and I would like to do it next year (if not sooner) It’s the Arizona Outback Inn. This place has some pretty cool rooms, and you get to ride your motorcycle through the Arizona mountains. You get to ride the Tucson area and my personal favourite, checking out the Mine Shafts that were used ages ago. I wanna know what you thought of it, and you can bring a group. I’ve got a few friends that I think would appreciate it for sure.

This past summer I spoke of a young man that I hope we all would consider as our brother. Due to medical reasons, he was unable to ride his own, and he was only a young man, but that did not stop this young lad from being at every bike charity ride in Trenton and Belleville and this boy would eagerly wave as you rode by. He did this out of his love for bikes, and in the hopes that you’d twist that throttle so he could hear that thunder that he so loved.

I mentioned previously that we had attended his funeral, and damned if I didn’t cry! Watching that car go by as we parked in a salute to this courageous young boy. His family asked us all to twist our throttles that one last time. My only wish is that we could’ve gotten more riders out to shake the neighbours.

Well, I received a quick little email from the family, and I’d like to share it with each and every one of you. I’d like you all to know that you now have an angel riding along with you.

Hello, my name is Jessica Bell. I am sending this letter on behalf of Cheryl and Phil Donnelly who do not have an email.

Below is the letter they wrote: Hello: We are the parents of Patrick Donnelly, the amazing little boy you wrote about in your Riders Mag in September/October.

We were wondering if you could post this heart felt thank you and his little picture, so all the bikers can see his amazing face and smile.

A Special Thank You What an honour his biker friends gave to our son on his tragic passing. You will never know how much this amazing act helped our family get through that day.

Patrick loved the roar of the bikes and this started at the age of two. His big brothers would sit him on their bikes and rev the motors. He would squeal with delight and grin from ear to ear.

Again, on September 23, 2017 his biker family turned out and escorted his ashes on one of his favourite bikes, a HARLEY! He finally got to experience the thrill of his own THUNDER ALLEY. Bikers, you will never know how much these two acts of kindness touched our hearts and made the pain more bearable.

Patrick was truly amazing and special, he lived a very happy and full life, even though was too short. Patrick always had a smile on his face and love in his heart. We know that Patrick would want the same for all his biker friends. So please remember whenever you leave for a ride, that all of you now have a special angel sitting on your shoulder watching over you.

it

Thank You, Cheryl and Phil Donnelly

Lastly, giving a shoutout to my buddies. Mike and his British Military riding buddies from the U.K., and the girls from the diner. I get pictures of their rides, love hearing their stories about rides out their way and hear that they enjoy the Mag. Hope ya’ll are having a great December getting ready for the holidays. Thanks again your British Military patch, it’s on my vest!!!!!

Wanted to say a special hey to Dave B. and my new buddy Henry. Henry’s the fella I told ya about that I met at the Rideau Rendezvous that is in his 80’s and this man is a true definition of ‘a rider’. He’ll ride anywhere. We’ve recently been invited to possibly join them on their next trip to Sturgis. Mike and I have been talking about it!

And Mr. Glenn K. My beer nuts savour from last January’s Motorcycle Show. I was working the Riders Mag booth at the show at The International Centre, and I was starving. This guy came up and offered me beer nuts. Yes, beer nuts.

Aren’t they awesome!!!! Well he’s gonna be at January’s show at the International Centre, and I’m gonna be there Friday and Saturday for sure. Stop by, (bring by the beer nuts, Oh!! And those lil tiny cinnamon or icing sugar donuts lol), and see if I’m brave enough to wear those new shorts Critter picked out on behalf of Mike, and let’s get a picture!! But hey, pictures add ten pounds so it’s not the beer nuts and donuts that make my ass look fat!!!! It’s your camera!

The winter is slowing for our events so I’m waiting till they’re closer before sharing them, as there’s so many that I’m losing track as sure as you are. Bikefest is coming though!!!! Mark that one on your calendars!!

I’m working with Critter to get a small trailer all decked out in Riders Mag stuff, so I’m easy to find at these events, with Mags and swag, so I’ll keep ya posted on it’s progress!

But don’t forget, I’m on FB at L’il Red “The Riders Mag” Central and Eastern Ontario, and you can catch me by email at lilred@ theridersmag.com. Cheers!

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At Home In Nova Scotia

LONDON

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, 2018 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M.

My apologies to my colleagues at the Mag, the regular readers and especially those loyal to the Mag in Nova Scotia, I have had a really hectic couple of months in the early Fall with family and health and was not able to meet the deadline for the last issue. A few items, although late I still need to share.

In mid-September Mike Coady at Hellbound Custom Cycles in Elmsdale hosted his fourth annual poker run to raise money for the Re-Hab department at The Queen Elizabeth II Health Centre in Halifax. Mikes son required their services due to an accident and when he was visiting his son at the centre he noticed the amazing work they did there, but also saw a need for more resources. This annual runs proceeds are donated to the QEII foundation to help provide a few extras for the Re-Hab centre. The run itself was very well attended. It started at the shop and wound down through Kennetcook and Noel area coming back towards Shubenacadie and winding in around the backside of Elmsdale. A scenic twisty ride on roads I hadn’t had the pleasure of riding in a while, an excellent route and

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an excellent cause.

Autumn brought a few late season rides and events. The Cape Breton Chapter of the Bikers Down Society held their first Annual DICE Run. They had 41 bikes and raised a total of $614 that will go directly to injured bikers and their families.

Sponsors Sydco Fuels and the management and staff of the SandBar lounge are to be thanked. Congrats to the board on a great event.

I had the unbelievable good fortune to hit part of the Cabot Trail on the first weekend of November.

I was attending high school soccer provincials up in Cheticamp and Princess was kind enough to cage it with the boy so I could get a nice late season ride in. Princess isn’t a big fan of the cold, and she knew that my Friday ride up would be a comfortable 18 Celsius but the next day was calling for 5 degrees and high winds. The leg from Whycocomagh to New Glasgow I was a wee tad chilly and the last bit was pretty much a teeth chattering shakefest. Despite the discomfort it was so enjoyable “getting it out of my system” one more time.

On Saturday, January 27th the Atlantic Confederation of Clubs and Independents will host their meeting at The Ship Victory Restaurant and Lounge on Windmill Road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia from 1-3PM. It has been keenly apparent to anyone who is at all aware The Rider’s Mag - Page 24

of what has been going on in this world, that we are losing our freedom to make our own choices. No matter which way we turn, new laws are in place or are being proposed that restrict our very lifestyle. Those groups of people who choose to live a somewhat different lifestyle than what is considered to be the norm in their particular society are even more heavily restricted. Such groups not only suffer under more intense legislative pressure but are also burdened with more severe judicial penalties and law enforcement practices as well.

In the 1970’s motorcyclists, like many other groups, began to recognize the fact that theirs was a group that had better start to protect it’s interests. This realization ultimately led to the formation of many Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (MROs) designed to fight for the rights of all motorcyclists. Many of these MROs were started by patch holding members of clubs, who soon determined that it would be preferable, politically, to turn the leadership of such organizations over to non-club related motorcyclists.

In the mid 1980’s many of the MROs, seeing the massive size and power of the opposition, began to unite with one another. They knew that they had to develop a network of communication and cooperation if they were to stand up against the massive resources available to the insurance companies, governmental agencies, etc.

In the late 1980’s after experiencing much negative judicial pressure, some members of the patch holding clubs in Southern California felt that they must once again step forward and rejoin the fight to secure their freedoms. A few farsighted club leaders decided that the most productive way to add their support to the cause was to form an organization of patch holding clubs which would focus on judicial issues and also provide financial support to those causes which the MROs dealt with on their behalf. This seemed a good alternative, as it would add a judicial front to the already effective legislation one provided by the MROs; and thus, the Confederation of Clubs of Southern California was formed in 1988. In and of itself, this was a significant milestone in motorcycling history. For the first time motorcycle clubs joined together in a united effort to protect the rights of all motorcyclists.

The ACC’s major focus is in the area of biker discrimination.

In many areas businesses refuse to allow colours to be worn in their establishments. Likewise, as anyone who wears colours can tell you, the law enforcement authorities treat patch holders more severely in many cases. The confederations consider such acts to be discriminatory and want it known that they will use every legal means possible to stop such practices.

In their effort to achieve this goal, the member clubs gather regularly to discuss incidences which have occurred to members of participating clubs. The facts are laid out and discussed then, if it seems appropriate, a vote is taken as to whether to pursue the matter, even through the courts, if necessary. If affirmed, litigation is embarked upon.

At these meetings, clubs are also advised as to how to appropriately talk to proprietors, police officers and how and when to file complaint forms. The legal approach is stressed as the only method appropriate to any situation.

As you can see, the goals of our confederations are very simple: We are united and dedicated to legally fight against any encroachment on our freedom to choose our lifestyle by law enforcement authorities, insurance companies, local proprietors or any other special interest group. We mean to do this legally, through the courts if necessary; and, in cooperation with and in support of the MROs and any others who fight for the rights of motorcyclists. (With permission from OCC) Other events of note include 10th Annual Winter Blues The Rider’s Mag - Page 25

Bash; February 24th 9PM-2AM at The Parkside Pub in Highland Park Tons of prizes including a $500 Harley Davidson gift card; 50/50 in support of the Ben Kelsey Society

Toadstock, an annual Bikers Down Society event once again will be hosted at the Motorcycle Campground in East Wallace, NS. The date is set for Saturday August 11th and I think we even though last years was a success, a little less rain will improve the turnout. Put it down on your calendars and if you want to book one of the huts you better do it quick they go fast, at the least let Mark know to reserve you a spot.

I trust you all had a wonderful Holiday season, receiving lots of chrome and other motorcycle related goodies from Santa for being such a good boy or girl. Happy New Year and pray for an early and long riding season. If you are not on it already be sure to like The Riders Mag Nova Scotia Facebook page and be sure to message me about any events or topics you would like me to cover. Rob@ theridersmag.com

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The Rider’s Mag - Page 26

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Well, Len, Ernie, and the entire crew at Len’s Automotive in beautiful downtown Jarvis are looking at another very successful year as they gaze ahead into 2018! New dealers are coming on board all across the Country and there is a strong demand for Rewaco Trikes! This is due the strong efforts in promoting these revolutionary motorcycles by the crew here and the factories’ willingness to produce and fully support their products!

They continue to design, develop and implement innovations on their machines that are not just cutting edge, but in many cases, way ahead of their time!

Rewaco produces the industries’ only fully automatic Trike with innovations like; optional, ABS, back up sensors and heated seats! Featuring a 1.5 L Turbo charged Mitsubishi engine, paired up with a 7 speed transmission with paddle shift, you’ll get all the power and smooth shifting performance that you could want, all wrapped up in exquisite, revolutionary body stylings with lots of paint options!

Far from your traditional Trikes, these long based beauties handle like a dream and things like bumps and tight corners don’t present any challenges whatsoever!

Starting at $40,000.00 with excellent financing available these trikes are very competitively priced and once you’ve ridden one you are bound to see them as a real viable option for anyone looking to make the switch from two wheels to three!

Len, Ernie and company are a constant at all motorcycle shows, large and small, right across the Country with an impressive display of these amazing motorcycles! They also just opened a brand new show room this past year right at the four corners in Jarvis, Ont., so if you’re traveling through, be sure to stop in and check them out! New models are arriving constantly! Ask for a test drive! If you’ve never ridden a Rewako before, be prepared for a new experience in riding!

Len’s is not the new kid on the block in the World of Motorcycles and is definitely not any one trick pony. They have a lot of years of experience and knowledge under their collective belts! For those with a particular brand loyalty, Len’s was one of the first Motortrike Dealers in Ontario and continue to sell, install and service Motortrike conversion kits as they have for almost 20 years!

Stop by their displays at one of the many shows this year or stop by their great facility in Jarvis!

At the very least you will meet some real nice people!

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Adventures in the Deep South

of Canada

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Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! Hope your Christmas Holidays proved to be exciting and there was lots of Motorcycle related items under the tree for you from Santa. But seriously folks with these two month issues, I want to go back to November and cover a few great events that I attended… here we go!

Big Al’s Motorcycle Swap Meet ~Bacchus M.C Chatham.

November 5th, 2017 I was off to spend time at one of the only true Swap Meets in the Windsor/Essex/Chatham area. Big Al’s 5th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet ~Bacchus M.C Chatham. I look forward to this one every year and have attended 4 out of the 5 years that it has been going on. I really enjoy this one, it’s not far from home and has all the makings of a true parts Swap Meet but with a good mix of other Motorcycle and related items, I never leave empty handed.

This year it looked like a lot of folks that came in knew what they were looking for and didn’t leave without it. Lots of parts going out the door, also swag and the drum lights seem to be pretty popular! The Kent Belgium Dutch Club is a great place to have this event, lots of FREE paved parking, open kitchen, and refreshments at very reasonable prices! And the KBD Club is an OCC White List establishment! I hung out for the better part of the day and really enjoyed myself, how could I not? Watching a steady flow of people come through the door, Motorcycle stuff, giggles and grins, Timmy’s Coffee Refills, (Thanks Lisa and Jim!) meeting new people and seeing friends I haven’t seen for a bit. The making of a great day in a Motorcycle girl’s life.

Thank you to the Bacchus MC Chatham for all your hard work on this one!

Support your Local Motorcycle Clubs!

12th Annual Santa Motorcycle Ride for Local Children’s Holiday Program~ Windsor I have been attending this event for many years now. A longtime friend of mine Tammy and her hubby John run this and have been doing a great job for 12 years. It usually takes place around the 3rd week of November making it pretty much, the last Charity ride of the year. Some years the weather holds, sometimes not, it a crap shoot and Mother Nature calls it! Sunday November the 19th was the day and the weather, well it was pretty frosty. Regardless of the chill, 60 bikes still braved it and showed up for this one!

There is no fee for this ride; a toy, coat/snowsuit, or monetary donation will do. As always there is FREE Chili, as well as, hot dogs on buns at the end and lots of door prizes to be won! Tammy, John and Brian (Manager at Charley’s) held an amazing event this year!

See ya November 2018! Tammy says “Keep your eye open for some great changes for next year and Thank you to all that came out!”

North Wall Riders Association Windsor~ November Dinner Fund Raiser-November 19th Yes it was a very busy weekend! From the Santa Ride end at Charley’s then off to the NWRA Roast Beef Dinner! The hall at Legion 143 was full up, and the meal was amazing as always! It truly was a night of giving and caring for our Veterans! Thanks goes out to the great group of people I sat with, I had a wonderful time! Next time you have a chance take the time to attend one of these Dinners, and support your local Veterans.

Queensmen Amherstburg~ Fish Fry Dinners! If you’re from the Windsor/Essex County Area you already know of the QMC fish fry’s held the first Friday Monthly from October through May with exceptions of January and April! Fresh fish dinner all the fixings, dessert included and entertainment!

What more could you ask for?

Located at: 5189 Concession Road North Amherstburg.

These dinners are a great way to break up the dull winter months. Next one up is February!

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A few Events coming up of Interest!

Super Show in Toronto of course! Stop by the booth!

Beachville Swap Meet, January 28th, 2017, Beachville, On. 434719 West Hill Line 10am to 3pm.

Big Al’s Annual Swap Meet, Sunday February 25th, 2018. Dundas, On. 10 Market St. South 10am-3pm Something New, Iron Horse Motorcycle Club First Annual Indoor Bike Games/Swap Meet February 3, 2018. Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association. 3323 North Malden Road, Essex Ontario 519-726-7682 Well enjoy the next few months! Keep’in it Simple

Rants And Ramblings From The East Coast Well here we are, in the heart of New Brunswick, retired, feet up, sipping Peña Colada’s. Just soaking in the good life! O.K. now that the bull shit is done, everything that I have heard about retirement is CRAP!!! I’ve been retired for 4 months now and haven’t had a day off (and Harper doesn’t pay that well either) The summer here has started really late and I saw snow on the shady areas until mid June! Now that the weather has broken, it seems like I’ve put more miles on my lawn tractor than I have on my bike. Even my boss (Gerrie) has the itch to get out on the road. Some of the good points out here is the scenery on any ride, is spectacular and the roads are great for riding with lots of nice curves and ups & downs. Insurance on the “white couch” along with all of our other vehicles is about a quarter of the T.O. prices and fuel is about the same.

The riders here are very serious about the “life” and more than happy to help fellow riders. Now that we have the Riders Mag-Atlantic, we been delivering 400 mags, so far, in about 12 locations across North/Eastern N.B. Just a note to Critter, I don’t want to hear anymore whining about not having “50” at some of the events, I can’t get an “Export” anywhere in N.B. I did get a chance to take the “couch” in the Harley/Honda spa (one of my deliveries) & had a chance to meet the service manager/mechanic only to find out he worked at Harley in Huntsville, Ont. and Harley in Barrie. The story goes, he moved to N.B. to retire but he had no room to store his tools so he decided to store them at Stewart H.D. in Miramichi. He just has to check on them 10 hrs a day, 6 days a week.

As I’m writing this I’m just recovering from my first real ride, put on yesterday in St Antoine N.B., a charity run for breast cancer. A great ride, well organized and about 5 hrs of riding with about 350 bikes.

Thanks to Ovie for the promotion of the Mag & the great people that Gerrie & I met along the ride. Better go now the “Boss” is trying to start the tractor. I am enclosing a shot of my retirement clock & a few shots of the St Antoine ride.

Looking forward to more rides & the Warf Rat Rally. Hope to see some of you there. Stop by and say hi.

My email address is theridersmag_atlantic@yahoo.ca & contact number (506) 346-0224 Call anytime. Ride safe, until next month. Atlantic Jeff signing off. nb

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Fighting for Your Rights

by Rooster

During my years of writing this column, the force behind my ramblings was born of a growing need to stop (or alter) the perception of the biker culture. From the early onset, it was apparent that Ontario clubbers were being subjected to a subtle, highly unethical, form of discrimination. This epiphany was underlined during the nineties when law enforcement considered anyone riding a Harley Davidson while sporting a back-patch to be a criminal and worthy of their unwanted and unnecessary roadside interrogations. Their lack of knowledge (notice I have omitted using the ‘intelligence’ word when describing LE attitudes) became extremely evident during one protest, which involved a clubber’s right to due course in our court system. One of my good friends, Larry Pooler, received a bullshit speeding ticket on his way back from Dover on Friday the 13th. As was his option, he elected to challenge the ticket at the Hamilton Courthouse. His attempts to enter the courthouse were blocked because he refused to remove his motorcycle club affiliation identifiers. Twice before, he had attempted to have his case heard - he was refused and, twice before, his case was remanded. It was on his third attempt that myself, and my brother Storm, joined Larry on the steps of the courthouse in protest. It had been determined, by the courthouse bulls, that Larry would not be allowed to fight his case unless he removed his patch.

He declined and was escorted from the building. The shirt I wore that day was from the Biketoberfest Rally in FL and sported a skull under a rocker proclaiming Biketoberfest across the back. I attempted to enter the building and was also challenged and directed to remove my shirt due to it being determined “gang colours”. I also declined and was escorted outside. By now, we were joined by members of POW/MIA M.C., which raised our number of protesters to six. It wasn’t long before we were approached by two Biker Enforcement Unit flunkies, one of each sex. The male member held a video camera (which he used frequently) and also began to question me about my gang affiliation. Not in the mood for banal police interrogation tactics, I decided to reverse the play. I explained that my shirt showed support for a very large Florida biker organization. He scribbled everything down on his pages and appeared very aroused by all the new Florida ‘outlaw biker’ infiltration info he had collected. Once again, the term Intelligence Squad was proved to be the epitome of an oxymoron. This entertaining exchange was interrupted by the arrival of a contingent of pumped Hamilton Police Services personnel, already inflamed and eager to create a situation. Attitudes were quickly diffused by the arrival of a grandmotherly-type HPS Sergeant; who heeled the dogs and saved the day. Due to her efforts, Larry’s conviction was summarily overturned with a change of venue granted to a courthouse close to his residence. I have shared this little drama as an example of the lack of basic LE knowledge concerning our culture. The incident happened over ten years ago and, sadly, LE intellect has not evolved much despite numerous opportunities to learn from contact experience.

During my many years of activism, I have frequently questioned the authority of any association, establishment, or service to make a definitive clarification concerning what is (and what is not) ‘gang colours’. Some have lamely described it to me as an allegiance to any group which has been determined to be a criminal organization – but when pressed, most have zero idea about the criteria necessary to make that determination. Most members of LE believe that a 1% declaration by bikers is to symbolize outlaw attitudes. While that was true back when I rode my first machine - I was 15 and a member of an ‘outlaw’ Irish street gang. The biker culture, since the millennium, has morphed into something totally different with the 1% designation signifying a club’s commitment to the biker lifestyle. Duhaime’s Criminal Law Dictionary definition describes Criminal Org as - “Criminal organization means a group, however organized, that is composed of three or more persons in or outside Canada; and has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect receipt of a material benefit, including a financial benefit, by the group or by any of the persons who constitute the group. “It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a single offence.”

Here, at least for me, is where the wheels come off that simplistic definition as it pertains to clubbers. Questions and examples of square peg logic abound. Why are other established organizations being ignored as criminal organizations?

What about the clergy, political parties, law enforcement, teachers, etc. The news today is filled with many (wrongly described) upstanding citizens being ousted as sexual predators that have used their positions of power to commit criminal acts. Whew, bias emits an odor similar to decomp, Eh Ollie? The accounts are rampant with the public shaming of (previously) law abiding and principled pillars of the community caught in the headlights of deceit, avarice, unlawful, and illicit behavior - particularly when describing bullying for sexual or monetary advantages. These are the real predatory elements in our civilized society. The biker lifestyle, an easily identifiable foe, is being used as a scapegoat to open government coffers in order to finance the pork that wears the badge. It’s about time that the tap is closed because the tally of biker related criminal activities, when compared to other crimes perpetrated by the establishment, is proving to NOT be cost effective. Free the Woodbridge Fridge – its crime was hospitality which is not punishable by incarceration!

Well, brothers and sisters, my time is at an end. This is my final column. I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings over the years as much as I have enjoyed spotlighting the issues facing the bikers of Ontario. Sometimes heavy – sometimes light but every problem a pebble in the boot. We have won some battles and I am proud of the OCC&I milestones achieved. I will always be a part of the mission but now stepping back to allow the young ‘un’s to man up and hold the line. It’s been a slice but other commitments and deadlines are pressing. Money is a cruel master but, although it can’t buy happiness… it can make misery a lot more palatable. In parting, allow me to bore you, one last time, with a philosophy that has been a cornerstone in my activism. Perhaps it may inspire one of you to carry the banner?

So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men. Voltaire Catchya later……when yur hair is straighter Rooster Rider OCC&I Treasurer

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Jessie Lee’s Open -Road Experience

Hey everybody! I hope the winter is treating you well and you have all been good parents and brought your bikes in out of the cold. I believe when we last parted ways I was somewhere in Arkansas about to tell you crazy kids how I became a Unicorn. You see, life’s all about perspective and to some people a female rider 800 miles away from home on her own with no real destination is considered a Unicorn. I’ll proudly wear that label.

One of my favorite parts of a road trip is meeting new people and hearing their stories while sharing some of my own.

Over the years I have met some pretty awesome boys and girls and gained many lifelong friends while rolling in the wind. I have found my picture in magazines and on websites several times throughout my journeys, it always makes me smile to think my bike and I inspired

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someone. Often times people want to know my story and what I’m doing out on the road so I thought it would be fun to share a few of their stories with you.

I came across a bridge in the Ozarks on what they call their Dragon, HWY 123, and found Scott and Rob admiring the 100+ year old structure as they made some gear changes due to the wonderful weather we were experiencing. We all became fast friends chit chatting about bikes and rides. These boys were from Alabama, actually I may have that backwards according to pop country music it’s supposed to be “Bama Boys”....anyhoo, Rob was riding an ‘80 something Nighthawk headed on a cross country trip to various states and National Parks and Scott was on a ‘99 Suzuki SV650 just out for a weekend stroll. We exchanged Facebook and Instagram sites after an hour of conversation involving who we were and what we were doing there in the middle of nowhere on 2-wheels. Before I knew it I had an invitation to visit Birmingham for Vintage Bike Days and a riding partner for the next several miles.

Scott headed back toward home from the bridge, Rob and I rode until it was time for fuel and parting directions. We rolled along the unfamiliar territory, I was leading and truth be told I wasn’t 100% sure which way I need to turn at a few intersections to get us to the interstates we needed but it didn’t matter because the destination is never as important as the ride! We were enjoying the hills and curves until coming to our fork in the roads town of Harrison where I would head north and he would head west.

After fueling up we rolled into some parking stalls in front of the gas station and I went in to grab something to drink. I opened the door and was greeted immediately by the clerk and a truck driver both wanting to know where I was headed and where I was from. They were also riders and had all kinds of roads and places to tell me about around the local area along with giving me an alternate route north that was more scenic and bike friendly.

People in this town were as friendly and helpful as they come!

Back outside Rob and I were discussing different modifications he wanted to make on his bike when a gentleman walked over and asked if we needed assistance with anything. I realized that to onlookers our conversation had

probably seemed as if something was broken on our machines.

We smiled and reassured the man that we were doing ok and just having a chat about ways to improve a few things for long distance travel. The man returned our smiles with a grin of his own, handed me a business card and said, “Well if you’re ever in this neck of the woods again and need anything stop on by.” I looked down and discovered that his card was from Youngblood’s Harley Davidson and he was the owner. Now that’s some damn fine marketing if you ask me! Just another person proving that bikers make great humans. What a day, in the course of just a few hours I had met 5 great people all due to the fact I was on a motorcycle.

It was soon time to roll so I threw my brain bucket on, said my goodbyes, fired up the bike, and headed North. The following day I was scrolling my Instagram and found myself in the feed!

Talk about being flattered! There under my new found friends account was me by my bike in my rainsuit with a neat little caption referring to the “Unicorn” they had met in Arkansas.

What a couple of great friends in the wind.

Once in awhile you get by with a little help from your friends and once in awhile you make friends when you need a little help.

I was in my favorite Colorado mountain town of Silverton in September trying out a favorite friend of mines brandspanking new Africa Twin when I found myself needing some assistance. I was on a short off-road adventure up to Clear Lake and discovered when making a turn that the bike was a bit too tall for me. Unfortunately I discovered this by putting my foot down and finding that the ground was not quite where it needed to be to catch myself. Ooops! There went the bike onto its side at an angle that made it impossible for me to stand back up even with the good ol’ “back to the bike, hands at your sides, and lift” technique.

There I was 11,000-12,000 feet up and around 8 miles from town with my friends new toy laying in the dirt.

Guess I’ll take a walk.

I was a mile or two down the road when I heard a glorious sound! Engines running and heading my direction. Spectacular, I thought, “I am saved!” Around the next corner I spotted a 4-wheeler and a side by side coming up the hill. I probably looked like an escaped convict with my helmet hair and muddy rain gear but they stopped anyway. I asked if they were headed to the top and they were so I asked if they would help me lift a motorcycle and they said they would. What a lucky day this was turning into! Once up to the bike we made introductions and I met my savior’s, Mike, Teresa, Janie and Don Collier...A.K.A. Fantastic Humans! With somewhat of a group effort the bike was stood up, pictures were taken, and Facebooks were exchanged. The Collier’s visit the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery and endless off road adventure opportunities. Without these fine folks I would have been soaked and cold walking to town in the dark and hoping the bike would still be there when I returned with its owner to retrieve it. Instead, with all the thanks in the world going to my new friends from Texas, I rode the completely unscathed machine back to town and all was well.

The people you meet out on the road can make even the worst days better! I just love meeting new friends and sharing the wind!

Have you made any friends on your 2-wheel adventures? Next month I’m going to tell you all about that favorite mountain town of mine and the Sheriff there who rides the Million Dollar Highway with skill that could take on The Isle of Man. Stay tuned and ride on!!!

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JustEast East of the Rockies by Dan T Just

Happy new year to one and all. It’s that exciting time of year filled with new priorities and schedules. Time to take in the winter shows swap meets and meet ups. I for one will be taking in as many as possible. Coming up shortly in Calgary is the Steel Horse Sociable hosted by Josh Toney. The event will be held at the Black Swan Ale House Saturday, February 17th at 5:00 pm. This promises to be a great event filled with prizes and good times. And to top it all off, all proceeds raised will be going to help support Our Canadian Veterans. It is always a great way to shake off the winter blues and continue to contribute to our communities though ought the season. Please take the time to support our community organizations as they strengthen us all. If you would like your event promoted or covered, please send your inquiries t o dan@theridersmag.com. For the remainder of the Article, I

Riding With Momma Hey everyone, glad to be back. Sitting here writing this, I look out the window and there is snow on the ground, but knowing that I get to tell you all about my adventures over the riding season, my smile is big. What a wonderful riding season I had this year, Bella took Momma many places, meeting new people around Alberta and B.C. RIDERS FOR HALO – FUEL BOOSTER POKER RUN A few issues ago I introduced the Riders For Halo, a group that does a run every year to raise money and awareness for the HALO (Helicopter Air Lift Operation) program. July 22, 2017 marked their 4th Annual Fuel Booster Poker Run with hopes of raising $20,000.00 for Halo. This run seems to get bigger every year, so everyone was expecting a great turn out.

Saturday Morning saw over 200 bikes turn out to support the Riders For Halo. The Run started at the Irvine Hotel in Irvine AB., with a Pancake breakfast put on by Lou and Margaret to get us started. I must admit while I was standing on the Roof of The Irvine Hotel taking a picture seeing all the riders lining up to get their first card I had a sense of pride to see so many different groups all come together for such a great cause.

Once again Lou came to the plate for one of our charities. I asked Lou and Margaret “what’s in this for them”? They both replied with big smiles on their faces “the satisfaction of helping others”. Lou went on to say that he respected what the groups stand for and the respect that each biker shows him in return. “We are a family!” he said. Big thanks go out to Lou and Margaret for all they do for us bikers, and thanks to Jose, Carol, Karen, Lyle, Hayley and Sandy for Serving up a mighty fine breakfast.

The Pilot Grant Fletcher had landed the Halo Helicopter just down the street from the hotel so everyone could take a look and see what they were riding for. Executive Director JD Gaeten was on hand to answer any questions that needed The Rider’s Mag - Page 40

to be answered. While he was there answering questions, I overheard him say that without fundraisers like this the Halo Program would not exist. Do you know how much it costs to maintain the helicopter? 1 Million Dollars a year!!! Holy Crap, as a biker, could you imagine? The stops on this run change every year, and is always in the Halo Service Area which is Southeastern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan, so off to Saskatchewan we rode.

Our first stop, and second card of the run was at the Eagle Valley Campgrounds in Maple Creek SK, just down the #1 from Irvine. The Campground bar located inside of a Tiki Hut looking building was busting at the seams with thirsty bikers enjoying a cold one. I spoke with Len Lloyd one of the Support Veteran Paratroopers BG members in Medicine Hat. Len told me that that he and his Lady Mel were the first two in Medicine Hat to earn their patch and that Mel was the first woman to earn hers. The Support Veteran Paratroopers MG has 20 members whom I see often out supporting other groups or out at Tuesday Night Bike Night.

I had met the newly appointed President of the Veteran Paratroopers MC. Jeff McIntyre the evening before. He and a few other members from Edmonton and area had come down to Support the Riders For Halo. Jeff was enjoying the opportunity to get to know everyone, so I thought I’d get to know him a little better. Jeff a Military Infantry Paratrooper served for 22 years with 2 tours to Cypress, 1 tour to Bosnia, 1 tour to Germany and 1 tour to Croatia was unfortunately injured in the line of duty on his last tour overseas was deemed un-deployable. Looking for the comradery that he had experience in the service Jeff found himself hanging around with the Veteran Paratroopers MC where he could feel the connection with his brothers. Three years later here he is.

Our Next stop, third card and lunch would be Richmound SK. This small town had pulled out all the stops for The Fuel Booster Poker Run. The Run Coincided with Richmound’s Show N Shine. Main street was blocked, half of the street was lined with vintage cars and the rest of the street reserved for the 200 plus bikes rolling into town. It was an amazing sight. Tanis Eckart who had been taking pictures with her drone provided me with a picture of the bikes lining main street.

The Richmound Lion’s Club who volunteered their time was serving up Burgers and Beverages to the large group of hungry Riders. Burgers and beverages were provided at no charge due to the $1,900.00 donation made by Tom Sandau (Halo Committee Member), Quinten Tuchscherer (QCT Consulting) and Todd Helman (Select Water Hauling).

Josh Fault was helping to sell Raffle tickets for a fridge full of beverages.

As you can see by the smile on his face Josh was enjoying e v e r y minute.

Even after serving up all those burgers, t h e Richmound Lions club donated $500.00 from the funds that they raised throughout the day.

S u c h generosity from a g r o u p that did so much to help facilitate the Fuel Booster Poker Run. While taking in the 30 vehicle Show N Shine I was asked

to speak to one of the Members of the Show N Shine Committee, Jackie Schell. Jackie wanted to know who to present a cheque to as their donation to the Fuel Booster Poker Run. After everything this small town had already done for us I was impressed that they still had more to give. Jackie said how excited the committee was to learn that we were taking the time to stop in their small town, and how truly happy they were to donate to our cause.

This is a small town that had no idea that their town was in HALO’s Service Area. It was with great pleasure that Tom Sandau of the Riders For Halo accepted a cheque in the amount of $200.00.

While in Richmound the Riders For Halo, aware there wasn’t any fuel service, had made it possible for the bikes to top up fuel wise in order to make it back to Alberta.

With D&A Services and Northview Ranches of Maple Creek suppling the gas and Magnum Welding supplying the tank, the bikers were able to purchase gas by donation. These three companies not only made it possible for the riders to get back safe, they also donated over 2,000.00 to HALO from the fuel. This was truly an amazing thing. So much support.

Next, we were on to Schuler, AB, for a beer stop and what the Riders For Halo called a Mystery Stop. It was at the campgrounds in Schuler where Lou and Margaret from the Irvine Hotel were waiting patiently for the riders to arrive with some nice cold beers. A few of the Committee members were on hand to sell you an extra card if you so desired. The method to this is if you have a fairly good had but maybe a card is missing or you have a card you don’t want you can purchase another card FOR $10.00 to replace it. What a blast…lol. The amount of trash talking and such going around was hilarious. The guys had also set up a game of Horseshoes. Two throws for $5.00 with the winner collecting half the pot. That was funny in itself.

Among the riders on the run were not only representatives from the Veteran Paratroopers MC and Support Veteran Paratrooper MG, there was also representatives from S.E.A.R. (South Eastern Alberta Riders) and the Kanuckleheads. Just another indication as to how all the groups around Medicine Hat come together for each other and the Charities they support.

Next stop and the 4th card was at the Bar 7 on 3 in Seven Persons, AB. A small Alberta town just off the #3 Highway.

Being the last stop before we headed to Whiskey Creek in Medicine Hat it was a short one. Everyone wanted to be back at Whiskey Creek in time to see the HALO Helicopter do it’s fly over.

Back a Whiskey Creek Blair and the rest of the Riders for Halo were busy putting out all the items that had been donated for the silent Auction. Whiskey Creek was serving up a Steak Dinner that would make your mouth water.

Everyone had a chance to bid on their favorite items, and take a look at the items that were to be auctioned off later.

After dinner was finish it was time for everyone to gather outside to watch the HALO Helicopter do it’s fly over.

Looking up to see the Helicopter made me think how important this service is for accident victims who depend HALO’s record for being to the scene of an accident, the fastest way possible. HALO’s ability to transport from remote and highly inaccessible places such as farms, motor vehicle, oilfield, boating, skiing and ATV Accidents, as well as missing person searches, makes a person thankful that they do what they do. The eyes of every person, rider, or non-rider were looking up at the Bell 206L Helicopter, giving the Pilot Grant a big thumbs up.

Back in the pub it was time to get down to the business of poker hands. And let me tell you the payouts were spectacular. Third Place - with a low straight would have seen “Slick” walk away with a nice $820.00 payout but being “that guy”, he donated the full amount back to Halo.

Second Place – Ryan Becker with a high straight won a $ 2,260.00 pot. First Place – Eddie Mandel with a full house had a $2,100.00 smile on his face. 50/50 – Byron Fedosa donated $ 860.00 of his $1,780.00 winnings back to Halo!

Farthest Rider – Ralph Hilderman from Saskatchewan traveling 750kms Horseshoe Winner – Tex Carrier (Committee member of the Riders For Halo) donated his winnings of $315.00 back to HALO The VPMC donated $650.00 to HALO. After all the prizes were handed out the Rides for Halo got down to the business of auctioning off the large items that had been donated. In previous years, Tex Carriere was the Auctioneer, but this year they had a professional Auctioneer donate his time to make things a little faster.

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By the end of the evening everything had been bought.

What an unbelievable turn out and such a great cause.

Blair Carriere was beyond happy at this year’s outcome.

He had wanted this run to be big, and it was. I’m pretty sure that it exceeded even Blair’s expectations. What an honor to be a part of such an supportive Biker Community.

Great Job to The Riders for HALO, here’s till next year!

HALO Cheque Presentation Sunday August 13th the Riders For Halo got together with representatives from HALO, at their airport hanger to present them with a cheque from the Fuel Booster Poker Run. After getting a tour of the Helicopter (momma got to be a wounded model…lol) and speaking with the Committee, Pilot and EMS personnel, Blair Carriere (President) and George Tamtom (Secretary) of Riders For Halo, presented the Secretary of HALO, Tricia Nardari, with a cheque for $35, 380.00. Yes, that is the total amount this group raised for HALO, a far cry from the $ 810.00 Blair had raised the first year of the run. What an accomplishment!

Who would of thought that one man’s dream could make such an impact on such a well needed resource in our community. To the Riders for Halo and all those who showed up and donated, Congratulations on a job well done!!

Motorcyco Beau

tales from the Far East...of Ontario that is!

Each year as I start writing for the January issue I find myself going over some of the highlights of the past year, the good the bad & sometimes even the ugly. In January of this year as well as being at the Mag booth, a few of the TCB manned an information booth about their Busted Bucket Challenge project to promote brain injury & PTSD awareness and part of the display was a “chopper” tricycles that are used along with special eyewear, to give people who try them on some idea of what the symptoms of a head concussion might be like. Everyone in the booth was surprised at the number of clubs and organizations that came to the show to meet with the TCB and to look into having the Busted Bucket Challenge perhaps, one day come to their area and the club was overwhelmed by their reception. Thanks to Ray Bonner, of Pace Law Motorcycle Division and the other folks at Pace Law including Joseph Nammari for kindly providing the opportunity to be part of the January show.

Every year I am amazed and humbled by the number of people that drop by to say hello, including ones I have never met but because of the Mag and reading my column each month, feel like we are old friends. It is no wonder why I love doing what I do.

On the Saturday there had to be well over 150 people from the Ottawa valley and Seaway area that made a point to stop by and say hi to me while they were enjoying the show. In a number of instances I went off to the refreshment area to discuss plans for promoting their particular ride or event in the upcoming year.

One of the many positive aspects of The Riders Mag is that we are expanding awareness in the motorcycle/biker community about what is happening in the area they live in, such as rides and events! But we are also encouraging them to ride out and participate in similar events in other areas! In turn folks come to take part in theirs and I suppose you could say “more miles makes for more smiles”.

A special shout out to all the brothers in the Simple Men MC who stopped by for their support for myself and the Mag throughout the year. Brothers helping Brothers.

Another good thing in 2017 was the Greely Swap Meet, becoming a twice a year event both spring and fall! I suppose it will be no surprise to people by now that the Greely Swap Meet this spring will now be a two day event taking place on February 3rd & 4th 2018. As usual I look forward to all of you dropping by the Mag table to say hi and if you are planning any new events in the 2018 season let me know. The better the chance that I would be able to come out and participate.

This year also saw Sean Guest from the Simple Men Mc head out to work the season for Voigt’s Harley Davidson in Fort McMurray and if he returns this year I am going to stay in touch with him on a regular basis to keep us informed on some of the events and what is going on in the motorcycle scene out in Northern Alberta.

As I mentioned in the beginning of my column not everything is good and this past year saw us losing one of the legends in the Ottawa area motorcycle community with the passing of “Crazy” Joe Deevey who I had the honor of knowing for over a half a century. When it came to living life to its fullest Joe was an over achiever and his love of life whether it was motorcycles hunting fishing or partying he did it to the max and on one of the coldest days of the winter over 400 people came out to tell their favorite Crazy Joe story including me and the hall was filled with the roar of laughter while pictures of Joe from over the years flashed on a giant screen, Joe built fast Harleys and muscle cars and raced them both! He was a traveler, whether to motorcycle shows across the continent or going to places like Africa because Joe was fearless and when people were with him they became fearless too.

Every table in the hall had a binder filled with pictures of Joe from different decades and guests spent the afternoon going through them and recognizing faces of themselves but also others who have long gone on to Valhalla. Traditionally back in the 60’s & 70’s, bikers didn’t allow many pictures to be taken because, I think, that required we stay still for a moment! Joe’s passing had everyone going through drawers at home and bringing old black and white snapshots with them! At our table Doug Taylor, Felix Gaim and I just kept being blown away by the memories those pictures brought so even in his passing, Crazy Joe saw to it that there was one more great party that he was responsible for. Until Valhalla Brother!

In April there was the annual official declaration of the month of May Motorcycle Awareness Month at Ottawa’s city hall and a number of groups including BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) Dedicated Few RC and The Celtic Brotherhood put displays outside and took part in some motorcycle

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safety tips such as how well anyone regardless of size could lift they motorcycle by themselves if it accidently got dropped.

May started off with the annual Capital City Bikers Church Swap which in Ottawa is sort of the unofficial beginning of the riding season and while it was a great show with lots of swap and participation from many clubs attendance was down because not only was it pouring almost all of the day but our region had been devastated in some area by serious flooding and many bikers if they were not out trying to save their own home were out filling sandbags trying to save the home of a fellow biker.

Later in the month under far better conditions the 4th annual Burn Out Boys Ride that started at B.A. Machine Performance Cycle and this year instead of coffee and Timbits that Peri kindly supplied the year before. The Celtic Brotherhood provided participants with one of their Free Breakfasts to show not only to support to BOB but also to show their appreciation to B.A. Machine for all they do for the Ottawa and area motorcycle community. Over 160 took part in the ride and there was a large variety of patches in the crowd.

The day after I found myself down in Cornwall taking part in the 2nd annual Ride for the Children’s Treatment Center hosted by the Dedicated Few RC and of course our good friends Geneane & Perry Montgomery and the event takes place on the Campus of St. Lawrence College and a number of riders came down from Ottawa and the upper valley including members of the Simple Men MC. In 2018 the motorcycle part of this event will be held in a larger and flatter front parking area and because of that Perry hopes to provide more entertainment & opportunity for participants to socialize and enjoy themselves at the rides end.

On our way back to Ottawa we took the scenic St. Lawrence River hwy 2 route and stopped by to say hello to the Gillard family who operate one of the most biker-friendly French fry and dairy stands and they hold a Thursday Cruise Night for area bikers and post information about rides and events and during riding season a place to pick up your copy of The Riders Mag while filling your face.

Last May also saw the opening of an interesting concept for motorcycle riders. If they had the tools and the space, would do some of their own work on the bikes and thanks to a young couple who opened up DIY MOTO Inc. They may now have the chance. The garage opened up with a BBQ that not only included free burgers and dogs! Everyone was treated to being entertained by one of Ottawa’s best known blues singers, Maria Hawkins! She is a close personal friend, who sang at a surprise birthday party for me ten years ago! Many of the 75 people that attended still talk about her performance. You know I am always urging you to support local businesses that are biker owned and biker friendly so if you want to do some work on your own bike drop down and check out DIY MOTO Inc. The end of May was the 6th annual 2804 Dice Run in Cassleman Ontario took place and the Mag & TCB have participated in it from its beginning when one of the founders Denis Renaud asked me to come out and bring a bundle of The Riders Mag. Denis was the kind of guy who made the effort to take part in other groups and their events and he was a regular at any event the Mag was part of.

He tragically passed away a couple of years ago and the run is now dedicated in honor of him! They even held a special ceremony, complete with plaque!

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When his good friend and ours, Michel Dupuis asked to continue advertising in the Mag and would TCB do one of their Free Breakfasts how could the club say no? So the 1st annual Denis Renaud Memorial Breakfast was born.

Thanks to the assistance of Bette, my wife and Marie-France MacGillis & the lovely Stephanie Beriault both who are members of the Burn Out Boys, TCB turned out well over 350 breakfasts to the riders as well as feeding many of the army cadets and volunteers. Much thanks to Michel Dupuis and Claude Brunet for not only getting the necessary items we needed to do breakfast but for the pleasure of, in some meaningful way, honoring Denis’s memory! I am sure he was looking down from Valhalla, proud as hell at how this event had grown. Aside from vendors, I want to mention that every rider received swag bags filled with all kinds of neat stuff supplied by local businesses and I must say it is so seldom that you see any town or city where they openly show real support for young people who may be considering a career in the armed forces so special mention to the town of Cassleman.

This June saw the 1st annual Awareness Ride for Brain Injury, which in previous years, also included PTSD but because there are so many military and first responders dealing with the issue, the club decided to separate the two and have individual events for each. The gods saw fit to bless the event with perfect weather. While the ride departed from B.A. Machine the end of ride and the rodeo and festivities took place on the grounds of the Greely Legion. The Celtic Brotherhood made sure all the riders were treated to a Free Breakfast before heading out on the ride and when they returned, lunch, thanks to the generosity of Marcel & Linda Moncion of Moncions Independent Grocers! They are Harley riders themselves, and supporters of the Ottawa and area motorcycle community. Duane Chevalier along with Tom Sarazin and other members of the Simple Men MC from Snake River showed their brotherhood by donating their time and help with manpower issues such as serving as ride captains and traffic blockers etc.

This event allowed the TCB to help promote some of the projects that they are active in, which included having Wendy Charbonneau from the Ottawa Brain Injury Association set up and provide valuable information on brain injury and to their programs to help those touched by it! Whether a survivor or the friends and family of a survivor! At the same time let the area motorcycle community know that organizations like OBIA exist in case someone they know might benefit from contacting her or getting further info.

Our ambassador from the “A Chance Animals Rescue Inc” the mighty Quinn made an appearance and succeeded in winning over just about everyone, with a wag of his tail and his huge smile! He never gets bored with all the bikers who surround him and rub that big head of his.

Hillbilly and the crew from the Bikers Church put on one of their rodeos that they have become famous for and there also was an opportunity for some people to try out the Busted Bucket Challenge by wearing the special optics that simulate some of the symptoms of concussion while they tried to navigate a course of pylons and demonstrated to the crowd how difficult it can be. Special thanks to Mike Maloney aka “Grinder” for his creating the TCB’s Gratitude of Service Trophy which will honor clubs, organizations and individuals that they feel are a positive influence on our biker community. Between breakfast and lunch nearly 600 people were fed and that could have never happened without the volunteers that offer to help TCB out at different events.

In 2018, while the event will still be called the Awareness Ride, participants will have the option of going on a selfmonitored ride or taking part in events that will go on all day long and like the ride itself, the entrance fees will include a free breakfast and lunch.

Another event that I attended in June was the 40th anniversary of the Ottawa chapter of the Outlaws MC and the members worked very hard to plan and prepare for this party in getting the property all ready to welcome members not only from Canada but the US and Europe as well and they did an awesome job. Now as I mentioned in an earlier column, 40 yrs is an impressive milestone it also makes you shake your head at how fast time speeds by especially when you remember the 1st anniversary all those years ago. For the next couple of hours I just wandered around taking pictures and moving from one hug or handshake to another which made my day because there were a number of old friends that go back over 50 yrs and believe me the older the friends the sweeter the hugs.

Another event that took place which I consider a “must go” for riders is Ottawa’s annual Ride for Autism which celebrated its 5th anniversary this past July. After a number of venue changes over the years, it looks like they have found a permanent home in the Stittsville area, in Ottawa’s west end on the premises of Brown’s Independent Grocer.

While skies were overcast and ugly looking in the morning by the time the riders returned, the sun was out and it was a perfect afternoon. Autism touches so many families, including my own, and yet the public know so little about this condition! Thanks to all the riders who take part every year! It even brings out Mayor Jim Watson, a councillor or two and members of the general public. The Ride for Autism was created and organized by an Ottawa area rider Dave Kuhnle and his wife Noella. They have two granddaughters with autism and some of the funds collected from the ride and the very popular auction held later in the afternoon helps provide funds for the Quickstart program! This allows children who are autistic to be identified at an early age so that they can start receiving the educational assistance needed to be active in both their family life and the community they live in.

There were many other events that I will catch up with in the new year! I have to give mention to the Cowpaddy Boys Rodeo and of course the Snake River Rodeo hosted by the Simple Men MC. Late in July, Ottawa greeted a sanctioned chapter of the Bondslave MC, a Christian motorcycle club that originated in Winnipeg and towards the latter part of September, they hosted their first event, a Fall Color Run. Throughout the Summer Scott Towaij, aka “Church,” and his members were very active and supporting club’s events!

So to show their support more than 150 motorcycles took part including other Christian MC’s like the Bikers Church, Lost Disciples MC and the Soldiers For Jesus MC along with the 601 MC, BACA MC, Red Devils MC came by to take part.

TCB were asked and honored to provide the Free Breakfast for all the participants in the ride.

The next day was the annual Fall Greely Swap Meet and my good friend Jim Poulin has informed me that the Spring 2018 Swap Meet will be a two day event in the hopes it will entice more people with true swap to haul stuff out of their garages and basements and bring it to the show because they will have an extra day to sell it and let someone else put the parts to good use.

One of the sad notes of the Fall of 2017 was the passing of a good friend and a man whose children have called me Uncle Beau for over 40 yrs., Joe Laroche! If you have been riding Harleys in this area for decades and needed custom saddlebags or specialty items like holsters then Joe was the man most likely you would be directed to. He and I shared a passion for rescued dogs, motorcycles, martial arts and combat shooting and of course edged weapons. Like many of us we also shared a strong sense of family and when you put that all together you have an idea of why he will be missed by so many in the biker community.

Another new event that will definitely become an annual is the TCB Christmas Is Going To The Dogs Biker Gift & Craft Show held at the Greely Legion. Every year as it gets closer to Xmas so whether you are looking for something for a biker or for yourself you might find that something special at this event! At the same time you will be helping all the fur babies at the “A Chance Animal Rescue Inc” for abandoned and abused dogs!

A number of clubs set

up tables to have one last chance to greet the public and promote their events in the New Year such as BACA, the Dedicated Few RC the GOC and the Bondslave MC as well as vendors with things like fine jewelry, leather, t-shirts and ladies leather halters. There was also a vendor with swords and canes etc and for all who came, a good time was had and some much needed money was raised for the dog rescue.

My final event of the year and one I would definitely I try never to miss was the Capital City Bikers Church Christmas Party. Imagine feeling the true Spirit of the Season and sharing it not only with your close friends and brothers but also with about 300 other members of the biker community! Complete with roast turkey and all the fixings including pumpkin and sugar pie and whipped cream.

Awesome is the only word to describe it! Hillbilly, who is one of the Bikers Church original four founders along with his incredible wife, Nelia and the CCBC crew have always been 1st class hosts at any event they put on including their annual swap meet, but this year’s Xmas party was over the top! Enjoying all that, with people like Grinder Maloney and his wife the lovely Nancy, Tim and Peri Poirier, Dave Neals from the Kawartha Bikers Church and a number of my TCB brothers and their wives made it even better. Like I said Nelia and the Church ladies outshone themselves in seeing to it that the food was not only hot but delicious and plentiful! They had it organized so that everybody was fed in a short period of time and the evening’s entertainment was provided by Blair Gardiner and the Shameless Blues Band! While they have always been a popular group in our area I don’t know if anything changed but I heard a number of people mention that the boys sounded better than ever and I have to say I agree! There was a lot of toes tapping throughout the evening and later after the meal was over you could find couples dancing in the aisles. Every so often I stopped by just about everyone’s table and say hello and wish them all the very best for the Yuletide season from myself, The Riders Mag & The TCB! Towards the end of the evening after everyone was fed and sitting back and talking or listening to the band BoneZ from the ARM (Association of Recovering Motorcyclists) and some others arranged to have Hillbilly called up on the stage and awarded him a special medal celebrating his 20th year of being clean and sober! All being said, that was just about a perfect way to top off a great evening.

As always, I urge you to support the events and rides that are created by area riders and their clubs because unlike the slick organizations that run events the local riders and clubs will be the same people that come to support your event or ride.

Also please remember to spend your money with businesses such as those that advertise in our Mag or who have proven they are truly Biker- Friendly because they have shown their support for our lifestyle The Rider’s Mag - Page 45

3 Wheelin with Wheelz

Here we are in a new year and the first issue of the riders mag for 2018, I hope you all had a safe and good Christmas and New Years here is goes with my adventures for this coulumn.

Golden Brothers Ride And Show And Shine This was an off day as there wasn’t much going on but Giggles and I wanted to still ride so she looked for something to do and was successful and found a ride in Welland put on by Golden Brothers bar and eatery and it was FREE so I heaeded out to St Catherines to pick up my good friend and helper Giggles and we headed out to Welland to take part in this ride. When we arrived thr parking lot was filling up with bikes of every make, model shape and color and we heaed over to grab our food tickets and talk with other people we both knew before the ride was to get underway so we got back on the bike and waited til the end of the ride and followed as we headed out for a beauty ride and an aggressive one at times which I don’t mind sometimes. The first stop was at Parker’s Eatery and bar in Port Colbourne we got off the bike after finding a parking spot which was a bit of a challenge as the lot was small and the amount of bikes was big and there was a bit of construction to contend with but we got parked and headed inside for a drink and something to eat and to socialize with the other people on the ride. It was time to head to the next stop which was Bridge 12 in Port Robinson where more drinking, eating and socialinzing took place hey it’s what we do....oh and they had ice cream at this stop that doesn’t happen all the time it must of been a special occasion or something but he ice cream is good and makes people happy. It was back to Golden Brothers for the party; The food was cooking and ready for all of us hungry riders and passengers and they also had the show and shine going on which included both bikes and classic cars and there were some beauties in both regards. After staying a while it was time to say our goodbyes and head out thanks to the staff and volunteers at Golden brothers for a good day.

Annual Chile Ride This isn’t a ride put on by any club or organization but by a close group of friends who just want to help wherever they can. This ride is put on by Terry Francoeur and the group of people that he regularly rides with and they collect stuffed animals for kids in partnership with the local fire department in Mount Hope. This was a last minute decion for myself today so no Giggles with me today so after having an appointment I headed over to the fire station in Mount Hope where the ride was starting. The day started off cloudy but cleared up as the day went on. A picture was taken in front of one of the fire trucks before we headed out and than off we went and a good friend of mine Jackie McGowan lead the leg of the ride which took us to the backraods of Brant and haldimand norfolf counties to Circus machine (between Port Dover and Turkey Point) with almost an accidnt involving a dog and a few of the bikes but everyone was safe at the end. After a stop at the restaurant it was time to head out for the final leg of the ride which was led

by Terry Francoeur back to Brantford and his home for Chili and other food ( that’s why it’s called the chili ride) so we headed out on the backroads and through Delhi and other small towns to Brantford. After having the delicious chili and other food it was time to head for home so I said my goodbyes and headed out. Thanks for the hospitalilty and the ride brother it was a good day.

Port Dover Friday the 13th Once again friday the 13th rolled around and just like every friday the 13th that means Port Dover for us bikers for the annual event. Giggles and I left Hamilton at 9:00 a.m. And headed for dover with a stop at the bank first before heading the rest of the way via highway 6 and into Dover and we arrived at 10:00 a.m. And got a wicked spot behind the bank across from Powell Park. The day started off a bit dreary but it cleared up as the day went on and the crowds of bikers and onlookers grew as the day went on. Giggles and I started to make our rounds and started to run into people that we both knew The Rider’s Mag - Page 47

as we started on our travels we ran into Darren Fearnley President of the Sober Sons MC and Mark Masonville and some of the members of the Predators MC out of Toronto and Max Kochar who is the president of the club is also a contributing wrtier for the riders mag. We headed into the Parkette to look around at rhe vendors and what they had to offer and we stopped to talk to Kyle McKnight and a few of the other members of the Hells Angels MC Niagara Charter a bit before moving on. We headed over to Angelo’s for some food and a beverage but the menu wasn’t much for today so we just had a drink and talked with David Williams “Tiger” and his friend Dee and also Contributing writer Donnie Meeker before heading over to Powell Park than to the legion. I was surprised to see that there wasn’t alot of vendors in the park this year but we still took a look to see what bargains were there and that is where we saw Harley Guindon and Rob McDonald of Harley G’s and Giggles did some shopping and than we went on our way if your ever in the Oshawa area go and check out this store located at 201 Simcoe St South in downtown Oshawa ( or the shwa as it is also known as).

We headed over to the legion in hopes of finding some food but no luck there as the fish fry was sold out but we had a drink and listended to some music from my buddy Chico Sanchez and his lady beofore heading up to the Norfolk Tavern where we finally found something to eat.

After we had filled our bellies we strolled around down by the water and looked at some vendors and such and I also ran into a bro I haven’t seen in a while Jamie Duncan and his new lady and i also ran into long time friends and another bro Dave Lowe and his wife Marie it was good to see you all. As we got up the hill to the upper part of Port Dover and headed back into the parkette we ran into Michelle Semeniuk who rode all the way from the Barrie area for the event ( it is always good to see you) and than I ran into my bro’s from the Redemption 43 Crew in ontario of Disciple Christian MC ( whom I am now a supporter of) and I recieved my support cookie that day also and I am loving this journey and yes I am still a contributing writer for the mag GOD IS GREAT 888. After talking with my bro’s for a while we headed over to see the boys from the Hells Angels and Red Devils MC Hamilton Charter and talked with them for a while before saying our goodbyes and heading for the bike and the ride home....see you all in April.

NWRA ANNUAL PASTA DINNER The North Wall Riders Asociation Steel City Chapter put on two annual pasta dinners one in the fall and one in the spring to raise money for various parts of the military. Again Giggles wasn’t with me I know right craziness, So I headed down to the Royal Canadian legion branch 58 on Barton Street with my mom and step dad to have some pasta and meatballs and gather with friends and family. When we arrived at the legion and the room where the dinner was taking place we were greeted at the door by Keven ellis and his wife Wendy, paid our entry fee and heaed into to find a seat and my step dad’s sister Sue and her husband Tim and we sat at a table and had our dinner. The legion was filling up with hungry people the pasta and meatballs were going out just as fast as the people were showing up.

After eating I wheeled around talking to this one and that one before heading home for the night to stay out of the rain. All the proceeds for this event went to supporting veterans, cadets, and military families. Thanks again to the North Wall Riders Steel City chapter for another good pasta dinner see you at the next one.

Guardians Of The Children Christmas Party I was invited to this event a few weeks before it was to happen and I told Dean the Sargent At Arms for the Guardians of the children that I would be there to support them. After helping Sue Kojic a good friend and contributing writer of the mag at a local craft show we headed out to Oshawa for the evenings event. After having something to eat we arrived at Neb’s funhouse in Oshawa we were greeted by two of the members (sorry I forget your names they have slipped my mind at this time), and headed inside where we met all the members and the kids they have taken in from various abusive situations. Neb’s funhouse is like chucky cheese on steroids it’s crazy; It has a bowling ally, arcade games area, a huge play area, a go cart track and midway rides. After being introduced to all the members it was time for some new “lil Guardians” to recieve their vests and get “patched in” and a group picture was taken ( sorry I didn’t have my camera for some The Rider’s Mag - Page 48

of these events this time). After the “lil guradians” were “patched in” it was time for the kids to go play a round of bowling so while they did that I wheeled around checking this awesome place out and talking with some of the members and I had a beverage as well. After bowling it was time for Santa to make an appearance and have some pizza and pop also. We headed for the other side of the awesome facility to where the go carts, midway rides and the play area is and the kids and members were having a blast and Sue and I got a chance to talk to Dean and some of the other members about some of the situations they have come across to get these children out of and it was heartbreaking but it was good at the same time to see them having fun. It was time for us to head home as it had been a long day so we said our goodbyes and heaed out.

Well that does it for another column again I hope you all had a good Christmas and New year and I hope your 2018 is awesome and I will see you out on the road when spring rolls around and my bike will be painted as well pictures to follow.

Stitch (SwapMeet Sue) Let’s start off with my

name my name is Sue I really don’t use my last name because it’s very a little too unimportant to me! Some call me Swapmeet Sue and some call me Stitch.

I was given up for adoption but the people who adopted me did not really didn’t want me. In high school I met up with this girl named Dawn she was my very best friend. When I was living in a group home Dawn and her family came to rescue me. I ended up with a whole new family, Dawn became my sister. She was living with her aunt Bev, as well as, her two cousins Luke and Michael. From that moment on I was part of their family and I belonged.

We call each other brothers and sisters and her aunt became like a mother/older sister. Bevy passed away 2006 at the age of 48. Unfortunately Dawn passed away 7 years ago this Christmas morning due to leukemia at the young age of 39. Dawn’s cousin/brother Luke moved out west to Williams Lake in BC. I keep saying I want to go see Luke I miss him so much. When everybody passed away, I once again was left without a family except for my two nieces and I have been single for 10 years. I still see Dawn’s 2 girls every chance I can, they are my nieces and I love them very much!

In 2009 I started doing Car, Truck, Van, and “YES” Bike Swap-Meets and shows, the other vendors at the shows started becoming my family which has put me into a whole new life and wonderful new Journey!

In 2014 I started talking to Andrew Kruschel, Andrew runs a site on Facebook called Canadian Biker Community. Every time I would talk to Andrew it was to tell him what shows have changed or new locations or that show closed down so he made me and Administrator of the Canadian Biker Community.

When I started going to the biker swap-meets and a new world of Family had opened up for me, (just like Stitch who was a lost alien from a different planet) feeling like I never really belonged I have found my family. A reason to belong in both worlds, swapmeets and biker world, I love them both!! I am making some incredible friends along the way… so let’s get started I first meet up with Bacchus Chatham M.C. 5 years ago for their first annual swap-meet!

This year being no exception on November 5th 2017, their annual swap-meets are great! And no, I would not keep going back if they were not a good show. I enjoy this great group of guys very much and I enjoy the trip down to see them! Their swap-meet is always an added bonus keeping it a true swap-meet all bikes and bike related stuff. Truly a great success for them and so much fun! I am proud to make them my western part of my family. I also met up with Kathy Troiani, writer for the Deep South at The Rider’s Mag at their swap-meet. Special shout out to my new family (sister).

I met up with the Chatham chapter at CK Fest this summer. I had been asked to hand out their flyers for the upcoming swapmeet (that happened on November5th).

So I did it and it took me to a new chapter of my life. At

Biketoberfest in Welland Ontario I was handing out there flyer’s, and that’s when I met a wonderful lady by the name of Little Dean…

Little Dean is the sergeant of arms for Guardians of The Children, Toronto chapter. She started telling me about what they do, who they are and why they do what they do.

They sounded like a group that I would like to be involved with, but I wanted to find more about them. The Toronto Chapter currently serves communities from Oshawa to Hamilton and currently sits with 34 members and 17 Little Guardians.

They had their Christmas party for their children on November 26th. I decided to take my friend Gregg Walker, (who I meet at one of the swap-meets) and myself to Oshawa to meet up with the Guardians of the Children Toronto Chapter. It was very gratifying; however, it was extremely heart tearing at the same time! All the children at the party had an amazing time; they acted and behave like children should! What a fantastic group of people the GoTC are, giving their time for the children to build a better tomorrow.

I soon learned that at this party for the 22 children, (15 in attendance), there was other bike clubs () that had donated some money. All of their donations, to make sure that these kids had a fantastic Christmas. The two other clubs to be mentioned are; All 4 One Biker Church, and West Rouge . With all the help from all 3 clubs, everything was more than paid for. The event for the children started off with the circle of love, where all the kids received a stuffed animal that all the bikers hugged to fill up with love. Then the stuffies were given to children so they could feel safe. Two of the children were patched in that night, they got new jean jackets and patched in as the new part of the family! Santa Clause was there + presents under the trees, cake and pizza ,all the kids had a fantastic time! The kids got to go bowling, play arcade games, do Go-karting and go on carnival rides. All of this was included in the fun and everyone had a fantastic night!

Some upcoming events: •March 11th, 2018 – a benefit concert will be held at the Rockpile Night Club, 5555a Dundas Street West, Toronto •June 2nd, 2018 – second Annual Empower the Children Ride will be starting from Pfaff Harley, 8779 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill •All money raised will go directly into supporting our Little Guardians.

•facebook https://www.facebook.com/GOCToronto

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Bikers Church

PASTOR DAVE My name is Dave. I am known far and wide simply as Pastor Dave, fellow biker [for approx. 50 years] Friends to those who are associated within the biker world. I am an ordained ”pastor” who is the founder of the Kawartha Bikers Church.

It has been ministering for approx. 14 years.

I have ridden with the Choice, ministered to clubs like the Hell Angels, Outlaws, Hog and European riders. I have written for the Mag for many years. I have performed countless weddings, funerals and dedications. I have ministered/ supported those in the biker world who needed someone different, someone who has ridden the road they are traveling.

Yes the rumor is right [well in part] Presently I am semi retiring. As of November 1st . I will still continue to do all I have done in the past. I feel that older bikers like myself should step down and give the younger generation the lead. Young people, fresh blood = new ideas that will insure our future our strength and our longevity.

After two years of searching I have found the perfect couple. Pastor John and his wife have agreed to step up to the challenge. John is an ordained minister, I have agreed to assist him in this endeavor. He will have the opportunity to work with my old contacts and make new ones. He resides in Norwood Ontario and can be reached at 705-559-7290.

Next year I turn 69 years young and I look forward to slowing down. I have met a great girl who will share my future. I will continue to ride my Harley across Ontario and perhaps turn south to Sturgis and Daytona. I plan to connect with old friends and make lots of new ones.

The OCC [Ontario Confederation of Clubs] and the Teen Challenge are two of my favorite events and I plan to remain involved in both. I was involved in th OCC in its infancy and I have watched it grow beyond my expectations.

I will be helping my new girl with a large BBQ that she hosts annually on her farm in Gelert. This event is for adults only and is a two day event.There are lots of spots for camping , you can swim, fish hike, play horse shoes or just relax. This place is available for biker functions as it has the privacy we in the biker world need. Watch the Mag for more information or call my cell @ 705-875-5412.

I would like to say THANK YOU to all the individuals [good and bad] who have molded me into the person I am today. Please feel free to contact me if you need my services, or just someone to talk to. I will always be available to my brothers and sisters in the Biker community.

I wish everyone a great 2018 and hope you will remember, Never ride faster than your Angel!

Pastor Dave Blessings to you all this Fall!

Pastor Ken 905-870-8584 kenang@cogeco.ca hamiltonbikerschurch.com Well what a year this has been. 2017 has come and gone and we now step into 2018. It is hard to believe that it has been 18 years since the Y2K panic of 2000. Here we are 18yrs later and everything is still moving forward. So join with me in saying farewell to 2017 and welcoming 2018.

Looking back 2017 has been a year of change for Kawartha Biker’s Church. I am sure that many of you are familiar with Pastor Dave Neals who founded KBC back in 2003. Dave has been the driving force behind KBC for the last 15 years.

In the spring of this year Dave and I met and decided that it was time to bring a new member to the team at KBC. So in April of this year I joined the leadership team as the Assistant Pastor of KBC. During the summer Dave remained heavily involved with all our events. I had the unfortunate event of a car accident in early July which sidelined me for most of the riding season. I send a big thanks to all of you who helped us out during that time. I could not have done it without you guys. We had our annual Bike Blessing again this year but due to bad weather few were in attendance. Now some of you may be asking, “what is a Bike Blessing?” I will explain, a Bike Blessing is an annual event held in the spring of the year.

We have a service with a guest speaker each year and then we have a big barbecue hosted by Northview Community Church. After a time of fellowship and swapping stories we pray over the bikes and their drivers. We pray for safety and for great riding for the year. Then in July we had our annual Show & Shine, the second Saturday of July. This year we had a good turnout and the weather was on our side. A big shout out to the Rootmen for playing for us this year.

These guys played hard and I would recommend them for any event. The riding season closed with Pastor Dave making the hard decision of retiring as the lead Pastor of Kawartha Bikers Church. I have agreed to take the lead as Dave retires.

Now don’t count Pastor Dave out just yet. He is still around and is looking forward to seeing everyone in 2018. So if you cross paths with Dave and appreciate his ministry please send him a big thanks. Looking forward to 2018 and what this year will bring. I would also like to send a shout and a prayer out to Pastor Ken from Hamilton’s Bikers Church. He is currently recovering from or awaiting surgery for a shoulder injury. So please remember Pastor Ken in your prayers.

So as we enter 2018 I wish you all a Happy New Year and a Word from the one who promises to make all things new.

“Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying. “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold I make all things new, Also he said, Write down this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of water of life without payment.

He who conquers shall have his heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son The Lord promises that someday he will make everything that is wrong with this world right. He also promises those who put their trust in him that we will be called his children the choice is up to you. I pray you put your trust and faith in the one who makes all things new. Happy New Year. Pastor John 705 559 7290 Kawartha Bikers Church. Check us out on facebook!

January 5th, 6th & 7th 2018, Hall 1

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7848 CASTLEDERG SIDEROAD

BOLTON, ON

647-522-0516 Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

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(905) 826-3633 timleighbell@bellnet.ca

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Joke Page A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a wellknow cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?”

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and said, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.

So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?”

The cardiologist paused, smiled and said to the mechanic….

“Try doing it with the engine running.”

A police officer pulled over two nuns riding on a motorcycle, and said to the rider, ‘Ma’am, you’re driving much too slowly, could you please drive faster?” And the nun says, ‘Oh, I saw the sign with the “21” and assumed the speed limit was 21 km/h” The officer explains: ‘No ma’am, the speed limit is 80. The highway number is Interstate 21.” Then the police officer look at the passenger and see the other nun shaking like a leaf. “Excuse me sister, but what’s wrong with your passenger?” “Oh, that’s probably because we just got off Highway 205.”

A motorcycle patrolman was rushed to the hospital with an inflamed appendix. The doctors operated and advised him that all was well. However, the patrolman kept feeling something pulling at the hairs on his chest. Worried that it might be a second surgery the doctors hadn’t told him about, he finally got enough energy to pull his hospital gown down enough so he could look at what was making him so uncomfortable.

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Taped firmly across his hairy chest were three wide strips of adhesive tape, the kind that doesn’t come off.

Written in large black letters was the sentence: “Get well soon…….from the nurse you gave a ticket to last week.”

Q: What does an envelope say when you lick it?

A: Nothing. It just shuts up.

Q: What’s the definition of a will?

A: It’s a dead giveaway.

A biker stops by the local Harley Shop to have his bike fixed. They couldn’t do it while he waited, so he said he didn’t live far and would just walk home.

On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and an anvil. He stopped by the feed store/livestock dealer and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem: how to carry all of his purchases home. While he is scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him, she was lost. She asked, “Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?” The biker said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I live at 1616 Mockingbird Lane. I would walk you home but I can’t carry this lot.” The old lady suggested, “Why don’t you put the anvil in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in the other hand?”

“Why thank you very much,” he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he says, “Let’s take my shortcut and go down this alley. We’ll be there in no time.”The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, “I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won’t hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and ravish me?” The biker said, “Holy smokes lady! I am carrying a bucket, an anvil, two chickens and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?” The lady replied...