Issue #236 Going To California | Have, Just, It’s, Riding, Year

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Issue #236 Going To California

Written by Len Creed
Monday, 03 December 2007
Where did summer go to? I don’t know how the season shaped up in your neck of the woods, but it seemed to start slowly here in the west with periods of rain throughout most of it (especially on the weekends), cutting my travels back to local events. Of course if you’re not comfortable in the rain you won’t get much riding done on the west coast—this is a rain forest after all. But come on, I can’t remember one summer when I logged fewer miles. Guess I’ll either have to start planning a few long rides that everyone can join next year, or find one or two that have already been organized by someone else. One local event I did get to was the Association for Injured Motorcyclists’ “Pig ‘n’ Fin,” which is staged in the town of Coombs on Vancouver Island. This summer’s version of the event was the 20th, and of course it rained. That didn’t dampen the spirits of those who continue to come yearly, though. The Pig ‘n’ Fin is just a great little event that becomes a social get-together as a fantastic group of volunteers behind the scenes make sure everyone has some fun. Canadian Biker attended a few other local events and found most of them doing very well, which makes me want to check them out next season as it seems I just didn’t get my fill this summer. Now we’re planning for the slate of motorcycle industry national trade shows that will kick off with the Toronto version, Dec. 7-9. (See ‘Calendar of Events’ on page 46 for full listings.) The Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council of Canada, which sanctions the events, has added Moncton, New Brunswick to the circuit this year and that’s one I’m already hoping to attend as a start to the busy new year. I’m actually supposed to be laying back taking life easy after 28 years at this game and riding for more than 40 years, but I guess it’s like oil in your blood. My plan after we put this issue to bed was to head south to California where I’ll be testing bikes during the winter months. Kind of like those snowbirds we all hear about, but working at what I do best in a mild climate during the winter months. I only hope the California winter will be better than my summer has been for the four or five months I’ll be commuting between the Golden State and our office in Victoria. Hey, it can’t be all bad if you enjoy riding, sun and fun. That’s what brought this magazine to you in the first place, some old biker dude (me) having fun riding and learning the industry. The internet is playing a big role in the industry and magazine now and it’s a great tool that will allow me to keep in touch as I’m riding in the southern sunshine. It’s also a medium for you the rider to keep in touch. I’ve put some extra pictures of those local runs I’ve told you about on our website (canadianbiker.com), so if you have some interesting shots you would like to share, please do so while you’re registering on the site. It’s all part of the magazine’s plan to expand the coverage you see in print and over the next year a whole community should grow out of those with computer access. But don’t feel left out if you are not yet online. Your sons and daughters will be there to teach you, just as you have taught them all about motorcycling in the real world! Have fun this fall and winter wherever you are because it’s just a short time to the bike shows and then spring is just around the corner my friends. See you then. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.