Friday the 13th July 2012

2 Friday the 13th in Port Dover July 2012

Friday the 13th in Port Dover July 2012 3

Willie G. Davidson of the legendary Har-ley Davidson family will personally be in Port Dover on Friday the 13th.

He officially retired as an executive of the motorcycle company in April this year after five decades of service. He stepped down from his responsibilities as Head of Styling while carrying on as Brand Am-bassador and in Special Design Projects as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus for the company.

It has been confirmed by media relations officer Alex Carroni that Mr. Davidson will be in a large reception tent beside Clare’s Harley-Davidson Port Dover on Harbour Street (owned by Richard Epple and Gail Evans).

The 78-year-old distinguished HD execu-tive will be available from 11 to 12 noon only to greet card-carrying members of Harley

Owners Group Canada (H.O.G.). Willie G. will be escorted to Port Dover

and to that location by members of the OPP Golden Helmets group. Ms Carroni stated Mr. Davidson will meet peo-ple on a first-come first-served basis.

The public relations officer stated Willie G. is coming to Port Dover as a gesture of thanks and appreciation to people that own Harley-David-son motorcycles. Those that know him will not be surprised that he is coming to Port Dover’s Friday the 13th because

Willie G. Davidson at Friday the 13th to greet H.O.G. riders

Willie G. Davidson plans to be in Port Dover today for Friday the 13th.> Continued on next page

Willie G. Davidson will be in a reception tent beside Clare’s H-D Port Dover on Harbour St. between 11 and 12 noon


he has always had a tendency for just show-ing up at Harley-Davidson gatherings and motorcycle rallies.

A press release quoted Willie G., “it has been my privilege to work alongside many incredibly talented people at this company and I have great confidence the future of Harley-Davidson’s design leadership will continue to grow in its pre-eminence.”

The company executive commented, “I look forward to spending time with riders at rallies,” and it seems Port Dover’s now-famous Fridays the 13th has not escaped his notice. The local Biker Day this month is number 54, the first dating back to No-vember 1981.

His roots go deep in the company. He is the grandson of one of the brother found-ers of the company, William A Davidson, and Willie G’s father was William H. David-son (the second president of the company).

Willie G. joined the company in 1963 as its first head of motorcycle styling. His keen sense of style and forecasting trends led to the Super Glide in 1971 that estab-lished the factory custom category. He, and his team, is given credit for Low Rider, Her-itage and Softail Classic, Fat Boy, V-Rod and Street Glide models in the Harley-Davidson line-up … but always keeping an eye on the basic HD look.

The company traces its beginning to 1901 when 21-year-old William S. Harley designed an engine for a bicycle. That led to Mr. Harley and partner Arthur Davidson in 1903 writing the words ‘Harley-Davidson Motor Company’ of the door of their 10 by 15 foot shed ... where the duo built the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Walter Davidson (brother of Arthur) joined the company soon after, and the rest, as they say, is history ... that was 109 years ago. In 1904 the first HD dealership was opened by C. H. Lang in Chicago.

The Harley-Davidson company has an incredible history. It was one of only two American brands to survive the depression of the 1930s. Following what turned out to be a disastrous time of AMF ownership of the motorcycle company, Willie G. and other HD executives bought back the strug-gling manufacturer in 1981 … that was the year of the first Friday the 13th Biker Day in Port Dover.

From that new beginning HD executives developed it into the massive bike, clothing, gear and image-maker it has become … as well, in that same time frame Port Dover’s Fridays the 13 have expanded massively to an expected 150,000-plus visitors this week.

Jamie Nadrofsky, 40, of Port Dover and owner of Nomada Charters rides a 2003 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. He has been attending the port town’s Friday 13th event for at least 15 years. Jamie’s favourite rides include the lakeshore in Norfolk County from Port Dover to Long Point, to Tobermory and over to Manitoulin Island, Sturgis, North Dakota and Daytona Bike Week.

Willie G. Davidson visits Port Dover> From previous page

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PATCHES PINS T-SHIRTS & MORE!

In 1971 when George Simons gave his son Chris a Rupp minibike, he could never have imagined that gift would be the beginning of a life-long passion for bikes. Since that Rupp machine, Chris Simons has owned many motorcycles. He knows bikes inside out and front to back. At one time he operated a well-known bikeshop in Port Dover called “Bikers’ Delight”.

Port Dover’s Friday the 13th had its beginning in 1981. It began innocent enough in November, 31 years ago.

Chris Simons suggested to a few motorcycle buddies that they meet for a few beers at the Commercial Hotel (today known as Angelo’s of Dover). Word spread about the get-together so that Fri-day evening on November 13, 1981 about 25 guys showed up. They had a great time and someone suggested “let’s meet every month when there is a Friday the 13th.” More came to party in Port Dover on the next Friday the 13th. And, as they say, the rest is history.

This July, Friday the 13th is the 54th Biker Day in Port Dover. If recent trends continue, it will be the biggest event yet.

The legend of Friday the 13th

Chris Simons looks at bikes during Friday the 13th in December 2002.

Bikes and bikers enjoy every Friday the 13th event in Port Dover. Earl Hartlen (www.earlhartlen.com) took this shot and the pictures used on the cover of this souvenir newspaper of the bikers in Port Dover.


Three generations of the Robinson family in Wheatley, Ontario is now giving motorcyclists the advantage of extensive experience dating from 1958. For 54 years Robinson Motorcycle along the Lake Erie shoreline has sold new and reconditioned motorcycles to thousands of riders, many are repeat customers.

What has developed into a large opera-tion with 10 sales and service staff began when Jim Robinson took his first motor-cycle home to the family farm in the early 1940s.

It was only a few years later that Jim be-gan stocking a few motorcycle parts in the small tractor and car repair shop on the farm. He became hooked on motorcycles and the farm focus soon turned to bikes.

In the mid-1950s to early 1960s, after Jim and Bev Robinson were married, their mo-torcycle involvement developed into a full-time business. Triumph, BSA and Norton bikes were early makes carried, with addi-tions of Japanese-made Hondas, Kawasa-ki, and Suzuki to the Robinson inventory.

In the 1960s Harley-Davidson and BMW models became popular stock brands. It got so the original garage was too small, requiring a large showroom addition, with a warehouse and airplane hanger behind the bike shop to stock truckloads of motor-cycles for a growing number of customers.

Jim Robinson passed away in 2003, at the age of 69, of a heart attack while doing what he loved best. During some practice laps on his Triumph race bike for an an-nual dirt track race which he was largely involved with. He was much respected in his hometown of Wheatley and by many in the motorcycle fraternity across the prov-ince and country.

Today their daughter Kim Van Deven is president and son Randy Robinson is vice-president. Both head up the sales and pur-chasing for the business, managing day-to-day operations and continuing on their father’s legacy. Bev, secretary-treasurer of the company, is often in the showroom and helping with daily operations.

Kim’s daughter Michelle is the full-time office administrator and bookkeeper, and she can be seen in the showroom frequent-ly assisting.

Randy’s two sons Derek and Cole are very actively involved (although both are still in school). They are regular faces in the showroom, help with the website, and gaining experience on the shop end as well.

Robinson Motorcycles has a dedicated staff, with many having been with them for decades!

Mechanics Bob and Corbin in the shop have years of experience and expertise servicing Harley-Davidsons, from minor service to major restorations. In sales Joe has so much experience in riding and sales he can match buyers with the perfect bikes for their needs.

Sandy in the showroom helps custom-ers with their quality parts and accessory

needs to customize and make each rider’s bike their own.

Kim tells us Robinson Motorcycle is sell-ing more ‘comfortable’ touring bikes, they are becoming more and more popular. She also commented that, “every year more and more women are buying motorcycles and are getting involved with riding”.

As you can tell Robinson Motorcycle is much more than just bikes! For the past seven years they’ve specialized in Pre-Owned Harleys. With financing options available to customers, visit their website at RobinsonMotorcycle.com for a complete listing of motorcycles for sale – or give them a call 519-825-4222.

Robinson Motorcycle has providedbike sales & service for 54 years


UpcomingFriday the 13ths

find us at www.facebook.com/Fridaythe13thPortDover

Hello, and welcome to the last of three Friday the 13th events here in Port Dover this year. Janu-ary 13th was not the best, but was still busy. April’s event saw great weather and estimates of 90,000 people.

Please be sure to come back during the rest of the year and visit our local businesses. Their liveli-hood depends on it and it helps keep Port Dover a vibrant community.

Our War of 1812 celebrations will be held the weekend of August 11 in Powell Park. You can take two-hour cruises aboard the Brigantine St. Law-rence II. Since at one point during Port Dover’s his-tory, the Americans burned our predecessor town, Dover Mills, to the ground these celebrations will mean a lot to many citizens.

The third weekend in August always brings our Port Dover Summer Festival, a cornucopia of crafts, arts and antiques. As well this year on Saturday, you can pop over to Silver Lake Park on St. Patrick Street. Watch and listen as local favourite Tia Mc-Graff, The Good Brothers and others entertain you.

Many service clubs such as the Port Dover Lions, Port Dover Kinsmen and the Port Dover Board of Trade come together to make this day run smoothly and safely for you. Please give generously at the PD13 booth on Main Street. It helps pay for things like washrooms, set-up and clean-up.

If you have any comments or suggestions please visit and ‘like’ us at www.facebook.com/Friday-the13thPortDover. You can also find a link there for a live-streaming camera where you can view Main Street during the day or look at the videos after the day; maybe you’ll see yourself or friends.

Have a great day and we will see you in Septem-ber 2013 for the 55th consecutive Friday the 13th.

Lynn SonnenbergPublication Co-ordinator

live streaming at www.ustream.tv/channel/Main-Street-Port-Dover

Enjoy todayand visitPort Dover again soon


By Heather Walters

Sylvia Collins calls Brantford home but feels most at home when she is on the road. She is also one busy lady – married, with four nearly grown children, she is also a welder by trade, a grief counsellor,

a driving instructor, an active member of the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band, and the President of the local Kidney Foundation. When she does find time to ride she relish-es the solitude, the quiet, and the freedom the open road gives her.

Sylvia was raised in the era when boys rode motorcycles and motorcycles were deemed inappropriate for girls. Her father had a bike as did her brother, but all she got were hand me down biker magazines.

Somewhere along the line, that left be-hind little girl decided that when she grew up she would go after her dreams, even if they were viewed as unconventional. And she did.

She and her husband own several spe-cialty bikes. He finds these projects, as she calls them, usually skeletons of interest-ing or older motorcycles and sets about to completely restore them to their original glory.

Currently he is working on a 1938 In-dian motorcycle that he discovered in Port Dover on one of their many visits here. At present, it is sitting in a million pieces on a shelf, each part being carefully restored, rebuilt or replaced as he methodically works his way to a finished product. Syl-via says his joy is in creating each bike he restores.

Once it is finished, he immediately starts searching for a new project. A mill-

> Continued on next page

So Many BikesSo Little Time!

2003 Honda VTX 1300


wright by trade, he loves the challenge and precision involved in building a bike from the ground up. He once built a bike com-pletely from scratch, and later sold it.

They do have an interesting collection of motor bikes between the two of them. They have a 1960 Chinese Army Bike, com-plete with sidecar. Sylvia said their grand-kids get a real kick riding around in that one!

They also have a 1983 Passport Scooter, which is great for getting around town. It has a wire basket attached to it for carry-ing things, but will not go up to highway speed. They have a fully restored 1976 CB 750, as well as Sylvia’s personal favourite, her 2003 VTX 1300 Road Bike.

This is the bike she usually takes on her solitary road adventures. Last sum-mer, Sylvia explored Cape Breton Island, riding the entire length of the Cabot Trail in mid June.

It took her 17 days, most of which was in the pouring rain. She averaged about 150 k per day when the weather was partic-ularly cold and wet but covered up to 400 k per day when it improved somewhat. The beauty of the ride in that area was worth it completely, she stated.

At the end of May this year, she rode 2200 k in four days, around Lake Huron – all by herself, admiring the beauty of the

lake and land in spring and meeting all kinds of wonderful people.

In August this summer Sylvia plans to tour Newfoundland for three weeks. She generally does not make reservations for accommodations ahead of time, relying on people she meets along the route to offer suggestions and recommendations. She finds that works very well and does not hold her to a tight timeline.

Her goal is to see and explore every province in Canada from the seat of her motorcycle. She is partly realizing that dream, having completed a tour of all the provinces east of Ontario, including Que-bec.

Sylvia says the people she meets along the way make every trip memorable. She also says she has never felt particularly nervous or intimidated on her solo rides. She always has her cell phone with her and is a member of CAA.

Sylvia absolutely plans to be in Port Dover for July’s Friday 13th celebration. She is an avid photographer, and hopes for some great photos. With the crowds ex-pected to be huge, it is likely a great photo is just around the next corner for Sylvia Collins.

1960 Chang Jiang (Chinese Army bike)

Memorable trips

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Peak Powersports4325 Harvester Rd., Unit #12

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The Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Club was well represented at the April Friday 13th. Pictured here are (l – r) Rob Wall, 45, Bomber, sub-unit Oldenburg, of Hamilton; Richard Jerzyk, 62, Scarface, Vimy Unit, of Mt. Pleasant; Linda Giam-marco, 45, Chilly, Oldenburg Unit of Hamilton and Bob O’Hara, Limburger, Road Captain for the Vimy Unit, Kingston Ontario. They all plan to return July 13.

Animal prints anyone? Wanda Newton, 52, rides colour coordinated in zebra motif. She planned the custom paint job of her 2002 Kawasaki Nomad iron ze-bra. She wore matching leathers, hat, boots, jewellery and even had her finger-nails in matching black and white stripes. Her bike also sported a 1978 Harley – Davidson fairing and 1966 HD Beer Box on back. Wanda has attended every Friday 13th in Port Dover for the past 26 years. Crowded Main Street on Friday 13th in April of this year.


Hank Brouwer519-751-8693 www.boothillhearse.comThe Alternative Choice

A UNIQUE ANDSPECTACULAR TRIBUTE

Hank Brouwer is owner-operator of Boot Hill Hearse Company that since May 2011 has provided a much-appreciated service for families that lost a loved one who had been a motorcycle enthusiast. The company offers a unique service to funeral directors across On-tario. “It has been rewarding for me to be able to use my hearse,” Mr. Brouwer stated as family members have told him how much they appreci-ated it.

The hearse was manufac-tured in Pennsylvania with

only 30 being made. This is the only one like it in Cana-da. Hank says the hearse is designed to represent “an old wild west horse-drawn coach”. He noted that, “in-side is just like any regular Cadillac hearse”. Both sides have large window openings. It has a pair of stagecoach lanterns, one on either side, lighted from the bike’s elec-trical system. The hearse is pulled behind Hank’s Harley-Davidson Road King trike.

On Friday, July 13 in Port Dover the Boot Hill

Hearse Company will have its unique hearse on exhibit at the Pioneer Gas Station at the corner of Main and Walker Streets.

Hank Brouwer says he finds it “extremely reward-ing” to use the hearse for fu-nerals of bikers, adding “it is a nice send off for people who ride”.

Mr. Brouwer says his Boot Hill Hearse, “transcends the traditional funeral with a fit-ting motorcycle send-off that celebrates individualism and living life to the fullest.”

The Boot Hill Hearse Company is located at 134 Jerseyville Road, RR 8, Brantford. The number to call is 519 751-8693.

Boot Hill Hearse Co.offers service to bikers

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Wayne & Ursula Popiluk of St. Catharines ride a 2008 Honda Goldwing. They have been coming to Friday 13th in Port Dover for years. The couple ride as members of the Red Knights Mo-torcycle Club, which is comprised of active and retired firefighters. They plan to attend in July and will be standing in their usual spot across Main Street from Angelo’s.


By LYNN SONNENBERG

For over 20 years, Pat Savage, originally from Toronto, has been riding a Harley and singing about it.

Pat began his show biz career as a pho-tography model at the tender age of 5 along with his sister.

Then his dad bought him a set of drums. Pat soon picked up a guitar and the rest is

part of rock - blues history. The rock and blues music genres have traditionally been melded together and Pat Savage can meld with the best of ‘em.

Savage has headlined with such bands as Joe Cocker, Foghat, Scorpions, Manfred Mann, Slade, Sweet, Uriah Heep, Steppen-wolf, Molly Hatchett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, BB King, Marshall Tucker Band, Grand Funk, Georgia Satellites, Fabulous Thunderbirds,

Jeff Healey and Colin James to name just a few.

He has played blues and biker stages all over the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Italy, South Af-rica, the UK, Thailand and of course all over Canada and the U.S. Pat has even played at the northernmost HOG Rally in the world, The Arctic Chapter HOG Rally in Ballangen,

Norway.When asked where his favourite audi-

ences in the world are, the travelled muse re-plies, “Everywhere there are bikers is where I am most at home with audiences. We open up for some of the very biggest artists on the planet at bike events and we get straight to the heart and soul of being a biker with crowds everywhere! So my favorite audi-

Pat Savage ...musician, biker & citizen of the world

> Continued on next page


ences are the ones in front of my stage with their bike parked nearby! I have yet to play Friday the 13th event in Dover but its on our “to rock” list for sure! We would love to film the event as well for my Savage Roads biker TV series.”

His reply to the question of how he got started riding? “On an unusually balmy No-vember evening in Toronto in 1958, my biker father took my mother for a scoot on his ‘56 Pan Head to Cherry Beach where they made love on the bike. Nine months later and al-most to the day I was born.”

“People ask me if it’s just a good press story I reply, just ask my mother she knows! Needless to say I grew up on and around all sorts of Harley bikes. I am very open to folks who choose to ride rice or Italian bikes. Many of my fans in Europe ride Honda or Kawasaki chops and bobbers. Cool. As long as you’re in the wind!”

Now a lot of folks out there might envy this life, but while it is interesting and fun, it also takes much hard work. Wherever he is in the world, Savage is always tuned in to what’s going on. Whether it be the internet, social media, telephone or skype, Savage is plugged in. If he’s not working on his music or taking a much deserved ride to clear his head, he is busy with his new t.v. series “The Savage Roads”.

“The Savage Roads” is a video series that Savage produces and stars in. Pat takes the viewer on motorcycle rides in exotic locales

like taking a ride up a 3,000 foot volcano in Tenerife Spain, climbing a glacier in Nor-way or even riding elephants in sunny Thai-land! Pat says, “We are just getting started with episodes planned in Ecuador, Nepal & Tasmania! Lips are sealed for the moment” he chuckles. “My series will be introduced to the world via a 2 hour pay per view special in early 2013 if not sooner.

His music is also featured on several bik-er TV shows in North America and abroad including Biker TV right here in Canada.

Savage’s latest CD is titled “Wind and Fire”. This, his 7th solo CD release, has Pat playing all instruments and bending the rock - blues notes in a demonstration that showcases Pat’s talents. If you want some great riding tunes, this is the CD for you! You can directly download “Wind & Fire” in seconds for $9.99 or grab an autographed CD for $14.99 at his the website www.savagero-ads.com.

With each track recorded at ex-South Af-rican rock producer Gary Crause’s Legend Music Studio in Phuket, Thailand you can feel the love of the life that is Pat’s. The title track is dedicated to our heroes, the firemen. It is a rock - blues number that is a haunting reminder of what it must be like to dedicate yourself to others and risk your life every-day.

Pat has dedicated the song and donates his time representing the Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club, a group of more than 4,500

firefighters in 49 states and 24 countries who ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

There are 10 other rocking tracks on this CD catering to the ‘knees in the breeze’ con-tingency of this biker planet and that con-tingency re-ally needs to hear!

In the m e a n t i m e Savage, is working on his follow-up acoustic roots CD, ‘ S a v a g e Steel’ which will be an-other biker themed mas-t e r p i e c e dedicated to the life that he loves; his music and his Harley t r a v e l i n g down the savage roads that we all dream about. Soon we will be able to ride along

with him on his new biker adventure series. Stay tuned!

Savage got started riding... “on an unusually balmy November evening in 1958”

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Troy Molson of Brockville attended his first Friday 13th in April and intends to be back for July 2012 event. He rides a 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.

Jim Freeman, 53, came riding in to Port Dover for the April, Friday 13th on his vintage 1972 Norton 750 Commando, which he has owned since 1975. He has been attending Friday 13ths off and on for the past fifteen years. Jim’s favourite rides are secondary roads “within a half hour of my house when I’m rid-ing this bike”. He lives in Woodstock.

Lloyd “Nutbar” Davies, 54, of Hamilton rides a 1986 Harley-Davidson Classic. Lloyd, who works for Direct Equipment, has been at-tending Friday 13ths in Port Dover since the late 70’s or early 80’s. His D.O.T. helmet was custom made by him with a marten from a vintage marten stole and then horns that he glued on.

Bikers stories



Peter Lollar, 62, of Toronto rode into Port Dover on Friday 13th in April with his wife on their 2001 Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Road Glide. The couple rides the QEW and 403 to Hamilton on their way to Port Dover, where they make a quick stop at Tim’s for tea. Then, they like to arrive in Port Dover for breakfast at the Dairy Bar. Peter said he has been attending Friday 13th events since 1984. He has been riding since 1965. His first motorcycle was a BSA 650 Super Rocket. The cou-ple’s favourite rides include Grey/Bruce Counties, the Muskokas and Sturgis, North Dakota.Sandy Desnoyers, 47, of Hamilton

rides a 2000 Yamaha 650 V Star. She has been attending Friday 13ths in Port Dover for years and is looking forward to the July event. She always enjoys the ride to Port Dover.

Motorcycle Mondays at Angelo’s of Dover

‘Motorcycle Mondays’ have become a popular get-together at Angelo’s of Dover every week now until August 27 (except Civic Holiday Monday).

On Monday evenings from 7 to 9 the popular downtown Port Dover pub with its outdoor patio rocks with live (and lively) entertainment, a Peoples Choice Show & Shine, food and drink specials, door prizes and a 50/50 draw.

This fun event has been organized by Biker Rights Organization Erie Shores for the past four years.

‘Motorcycle Mondays’ parties go on ev-ery Monday regardless of the weather, the regulars have never let a few rain drops or hot, humid weather spoil a good time! Join them.

Blue Knights planPoker Run Sept. 22

The Blue Knights are a non-profit inter-national fraternal organization, consist-ing of law enforcement officers and their families who are motorcycle enthusiasts.

The group is located in Kitchener with members from Brantford, Hamilton, Sim-coe and various points between, servicing South Western Ontario Canada.

As a non-profit organization, The Blue Knights raise funds for charities that ben-efit local communities.

It is hosting a Poker Run motorcycle ride on Saturday, September 22 to raise funds for Haldimand and Norfolk Wom-en’s Services Women’s Shelter.

For more information on the ride, visit www.rideoftheknight.com


day 13th clothing. Using such Norfolk busi-nesses as Truckin’ T-shirts for silk screen-ing and Quick Stitch Embroidery as well as various graphic designers, Margit’s Dover Thunder clothing line includes men’s and ladies’ t- shirts, hats, crests, kids apparel, and both long and short sleeve choices. Margit, who has lived in Port Dover for the past 35 years, is the mother of two daugh-ters.

Admitting the business is a bit nerve wracking because it is so weather depen-dent and requires substantial financial in-vestment and physical work setting up tents, Margit loves Friday 13th in Port Dover.

“I’ve met people from all over the world. I’ve met people who have flown their bikes in from the U.K. and people who have ar-rived by limo. A lot of people come back every year and look for my clothing. They get to know you. It is a lot of fun,” she said.

Margit employs about 20 people for the event. She sets up Thursday and takes down Saturday.

Every year, Margit enjoys working with different colours and designs. Texas or-

ange with a cowboy graphic is a popular choice of some men.

Women will often go for butter yellow or cactus green, if they are looking for some-thing different than black. Shoppers enjoy the quality and unique designs that Mar-git’s Dover Thunder Apparel offers.

If you miss seeing her on the street, she can be reached at [email protected]

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By Donna McMillan

“Dover Thunder Apparel”, specializing in Friday 13th biker wear is celebrating its 13th year of business this year, a year of three Friday 13ths and expectations that this July 13th could be the biggest event in Port Dover to date.

Owner Margit Wamsley, who works as

a Special Events Coordinator for Norfolk County in her regular work day, will once again have staff manning two booths that feature “Dover Thunder Apparel”. They can be found next to Dover Hairport, near the Dover Dairy Bar and in The Arbor parking lot.

Thirteen years ago, Margit started off designing hats and quickly moved to Fri-

Dover Thunder Apparel celebrates 13 years of business

Margit Wamsley, right, and friend Connie Prime showcase some of Margit’s “Dover Thunder Apparel”.

Margit at the October 2010 Friday the 13th.



This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Fenwick Li-ons Club motorcycle draw at an annual event named ‘Biketo-berfest’.

Over the years the service club’s raffle for a new motorcycle has developed into a full-blown motorcy-clists /community party. Committee Chair Bruce Bissell calls it “the largest mo-torcycle event in Niagara Region”.

Members of the Fenwick Lions Club are in Port Dover on Friday, July 13 to sell their draw tickets for this year’s prizes … a Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide as first prize (retail price $42,000), second prize is $1,000, and third prize is $500. Ticket sellers will be on Harbour Street (along the pier) in Port Dover. Tickets sell for $20 each with only 6,000 printed.

The three draws will be made during Fenwick Biketoberfest 2012 on Saturday, September 15 in the Town of Fenwick.

Tickets are also available online at www.biketoberfest.ca

Committee Chair Lion Bruce Bissell reports Biketober-fest is a great day that kicks off with a Ride of the Flags with several hun-dred bikers carrying flags that gather at the ‘original’ Clare’s H a rl e y - D av i d s o n forming a proces-sion of motorcycles through the Town of

Pelham, then proceed through neighbour-ing communities to finish at the Welland County Motorcycle Raceway for Biketober-fest. The chairman explains there is a fun day of entertainment awaiting visitors. Program highlights include stunt riders and two popular area groups, ‘More Bad News & the Horns From Hell’ plus ‘Marty Allan Band’. Chair Bissell says “all the entertainment is free”. Organizers expect last year’s attendance of over 6,000 people will be surpassed this year.

Over the years the Fenwick Lions Club has donated all the money generated by the draws and Biketoberfest to various Lions charities, amounting to over $300,000.00.

Fenwick Lions selling raffle tickets on Friday 13 for CVO Street Glide

Len Bigelow of Len’s Automotive in Jarvis is pictured here in front of his “Not Just Dolls” business on Main Street in Port Dover on one of several Trike Con-versions his business had done. This is a 2008 Triumph Rocket 3. Conversion kits are available for Honda, Harley, Triumph, Rocket, Victory and Kawasaki.Not Just Dolls store carries a wide selection of biker merchandise. See oppo-site page (page 18) for two money saving coupons.


By Donna McMillan

There will be high fly-ing action at Gopher Dunes Motocross Track on Satur-day July 14 as the Courtland area facility plays host to the 20th Anniversary Monster Energy Motocross Nation-als.

Considered the toughest track in the country and lo-

cated not too far from Port Dover, Simcoe or Tillson-burg, this off road motorcy-cle and ATV riding facility was developed on a former 300 acre tobacco farm by Frank and Barb Schuster.

The 1.7 km track is de-signed as a fast paced, physi-cally demanding, bar-bang-ing course. It is the only sand track on the circuit.

“The Monster Energy Nationals is like the Olym-pics of Motocross”, Frank says. “Riders come from all over Canada and the U.S. to compete. A couple hundred pros will be trying to qualify Saturday morning for the af-ternoon races”.

There will be two Pro classes with 40 riders for each class in this Round Five of the Nine Round se-ries. Spectators are welcome for the entire day-long Ca-nadian Motorsport Racing Club sanctioned event, with pre-schoolers admitted free.

On Sunday, July 15, there will be 300 plus amateurs competing on the track, with spectators again admitted.

Frank, 56, has owned mo-torcycles all his life, with his first one being a Honda 70. He raced when he was younger. Son Derek, 28, who also works at the facility, started riding when he was three.

Gopher Dunes has estab-lished itself as a premier rider- training, trail ride and track racing facility

that caters to every age from pee-wee to senior citizen, as well as varying skill levels.

Four certified Rider Training Institute instruc-tors provide private lessons at the track. Generally a 1 – 2 hour course, participants will receive all the neces-sary safety and riding gear, use of a bike ranging from 50 cc to 250 cc and private tu-toring for $55 to $60 an hour.

In addition to the world class track, Gopher Dunes boasts a pee-wee track for smaller bikes, a beginner track designed for 5 to 10 years olds who are just start-ing out and need to hone their turns and riding skills, and a 26 km trail ride that takes the rider on an inter-esting and challenging for-est adventure.

There is a well-stocked pro shop on site. ATVs, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles are regulars on the property. Gopher Dunes also host such special events as Mudfest which attracts 4 x 4 trucks and jeeps to play in the mud. And, the facility sponsors

Tyler Medaglia, a Canadian Motocross Champion.

Gopher Dunes is located at 4385 Hwy. 59, just south of Courtland (at junction of Hwy. 3 and Hwy. 59), or north of Long Point and Port Row-an. It is open weekends 11

a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The season runs from April 1 to November 30.

For more information, call Gopher Dunes at 519-842-2781 or visit the website www.gopherdunes.com

Gopher Dunes sponsors Canadian Champion Tyler Medaglia.

Motocross Nationals July 14 at Gopher Dunes

Frank & Derek Schuster with some of the motocross bikes used for rider training.


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Major, newMotorcycle ShowJuly 20 to 22in Niagara Falls

Alexis Apolcer used to spend hours and hours trav-eling around North America for work. Now she spends hours and hours behind a desk … but she would not trade it for anything.

The 30-year-old entrepreneur from Port Colborne is the woman behind the Niagara Motorcycle Show that will make its debut on July 20 to 22 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This enter-prising woman hopes between 30,000 and 40,000 people show up for the inaugural event.

After taking sales and marketing, as well as radio and television courses in school, Alexis Apolcer found work in the U.S. in such high-profile events as NASCAR races, the Masters and the Superbowl. She was also a motorcy-cle fanatic and the host of Biker TV. “I have been around motorsports all my life,” she says, “especially the two-wheeled variety”. In fact, two weeks after getting her bike licence, she took her first trip, noting “I rode from Port Colborne, Ontario to Daytona Bike Week straight through.” Ms Apolcer’s motorcycle travels aboard her Harley sportster have taken her all over North America.

The first Niagara Motorcycle Show will be three days, July 20 to 21 this year. On Thursday, July 19 from 7 to 11 p.m. show organizers will be closing down Queen St. in Niagara Falls to kick-start the show.

Features during the three days include a Miss Ni-agara Motorcycle Show pageant, Rats Hole Custom Bike Show, Charity Poker Run, World Burnout Tour with Nick Lee, live entertainment, exhibitors, over 250 ven-dors and much more all weekend. Organizer Apolcer wants to see it expand to a full week of activities in the future, similar to a Daytona Bike Week. “There is no ma-jor motorcycle rally in the area during the summer, so it makes sense,” she said.

Alexis says “I have been working on it for a year-and-a-half ”. Plans now include group rides, demos, stunt shows, vendors, a fashion show, celebrity appearances and other events.

Alexis is confident “the idea of a major Niagara mo-torcycle show is one whose time has come.” And she is doing it in grand style!

Advance tickets and information is available by visit-ing www.niagaramotorcyclechow.com

Riders With a Message 5th annual fundraiser

Join over 1,000 riders on Sunday, August 5 from 9 am to 5 pm for the 5th annual “Riders With a Message” fund-raiser. The Ride will tour the scenic Blue Mountains led by our Canadian Military, with activities to follow at The Admiral’s Post Pub, 2 Schoolhouse Lane in Collingwood.

Registration is 9 to 10:30 at Thurst-T’s Cycle, 100 Mountain Road in Collingwood witha $20 per rider and $10 per passenger admission.

Proceeds raised during the event will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Fund Canada, a fundraising charity, designed to improve the quality of life of Cana-dian soldiers. For information, contact Wendy Thurston at 705 443 8715 or email at [email protected]


Welcome to Port Dover


WelcomeBikers


By Heather Walters

Joanne and Rob Perttula of Simcoe have taken their Harley on several road trips, across Northern Ontario, throughout parts of Canada and across a good many of the states.

When a friend casually mentioned an interesting tour was being organized through the North African country of Mo-rocco, they decided to contact a UK motor-cycle tour company called Motocadia and literally the wheels were set in motion for a ride they would never forget.

Morocco is on the continent of Africa, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, Al Maghrib. A population of nearly 44 mil-lion, its coast reaches from the Atlantic Ocean, past the Straits of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean. It has internation-al borders with Algeria, Spain and Mauri-tania to the south.

Their journey began in Malaga, Spain where they collected their tour bikes, met their follow tour riders, and prepared to ferry across to Ceuta, Morocco.

Rob said that the first thing they had

to get used to was the bike itself – a BMW instead of their familiar Harley. Once they got a feel for that, they were off.

This type of tour is not for the novice rider – rather, it is called “spirited riding,” for those with considerable experience as both the terrain and culture provided ex-citing challenges.

Joanne talked about the first real cul-tural experience they came across, as soon as they disembarked from the ferry. Although the border crossing paperwork had already been arranged for by the tour, each of the many border guards took their turns “helping expedite the process” with an open hand and obvious bribe. Luckily, they had already been instructed to carry only small bills in their wallets, and “to never, ever, give up your passport!” It was also strange and slightly unsettling to both Canadians to witness so many armed troops with machine guns patrolling the area, but they passed through without in-cident and the adventure began.

Each day of the two week tour, they travelled a good distance – between 250 and 300 miles. Rob stated that between the

Serving the GTA

Rob and Joanne Perttula gas up at one of the roadside petrol stations along the route. Gas was available at most stops, although diesel is much more commonly used in Morocco.

Bike tour through Morocco an eye opening experience

places and towns of interest, the landscape is arid, rugged, with “little to see and no place to overnight.”

Having said that, he went on to say that putting the miles behind you was hardly uneventful. The scenery was beautiful and spectacular in every way, from the Atlas Mountains, to rolling green hills, to the

red sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. They were able to cover a lot of ground quickly as the roads were nearly deserted (to own a car in Morocco is most unusual and those that do are wealthy city dwellers), and the speed limit is “mostly just a suggestion.”

Roads were fairly good, from a biker’s point of view, although the mountain roads


That’s the joy of riding a motorcycle! You hear things more clearly, you smell things more clearly, and you feel the land.”

This “team photo” was taken on the road to Marrakech. The tour con-sisted of 9 riders, the tour leader, and a support vehicle that followed the bikes in case of breakdown.

were narrow, winding and without guard-rails. Police rarely patrol the highways ex-cept for just outside a village or town.

Moroccans pride themselves on being “very green”, something that surprised both Rob and Joanne. Their roadsides were spotlessly clean of garbage or lit-ter, and since very few people are wealthy enough to own a vehicle, smog from ex-haust is not an issue. Busses, however, all overloaded and belching diesel smoke, were quite common.

They travelled through several major cities. Fes, the most ancient of the impe-rial cities, became the first capital of the Kingdom in 808 AD. They then went on to explore Erfoud, on the edge of the desert, Quazarate, where the film Gladiator was made, into Marrakech, a city of contrasts, both old and new, and through to Meknes, another imperial city with a rich and di-verse history.

The bike tour guides must be certified to conduct these historical tours, and are fluent in English, French and Arabic, de-pending on which language is used most widely in that particular region.

At day’s end, the tired riders stayed in pre-arranged four-star accommodations called “riads” The word itself means ‘gar-den’. Rob and Joanne said they were aston-ished continually by the hidden “paradis-es” between and behind all the plain mud walls and cement buildings. Rob said some riads were multi-levelled, multi-terraced, with abundant greenery, flowers and flow-ing fountains.

They learned that due to the predomi-nance of the Muslim faith, the majority of citizens do not display their wealth openly but lavishly decorate their homes indoors.

Joanne noted that it was interesting to hear the call to prayer each morning at 5:00 am. They found the inhabitants to be fairly progressive with their clothing stan-dards and they, as tourists, were not judged or required to adhere to dress restrictions.

She also stated several times that the peo-ple were extremely friendly everywhere they went, and at no time did they ever feel uncomfortable or in danger.

The desert areas were dry and hot (30 – 35 degrees), the elevations were cooler, es-pecially at nightfall, the Atlas Mountains were most spectacular and the history was deep and rich.

They rode camels, had tea in a berber

tent, and were clearly taken by the Moroc-cans devotion and love for their King and Spiritual leader.

“The ride itself was the jewel,” Rob reminisced. Joanne joined in with a sigh remembering the pervasive smell of ol-ive groves “as far as the eye can see.” We smelled them before we saw them, in fact, and I will never forget that exotic scent. That’s the joy of riding a motorcycle!” she

realized. “You hear things more clearly, you smell things more clearly, and you feel the land. Your senses are wide awake.”

For anyone interested in this type of ex-cursion, information can be found at www.motocadia.com or call Julian Cade directly at UK 07771 904525._____________________________________________

Comments [email protected]


By LYNN SONNENBERG

I said oh Black Betty, bam a lam

Which Canadian ladies’ name is synon-ymous with motorcycling in Canada?

That would be Belt Drive Betty, aka Re-nee Charbonneau of Alberta, Canada.

‘Betty’ is representative of what more and more ladies want in life. A respect earned and deserved by a life well-lived.

Renee has been enthralled with engines since she was a wee girl. When her Cana-dian Armed Forces-employed, motorcycle-riding (Vincent, Black Shadow) daddy took her to the oval track in Toronto she became addicted to the sounds, the smells and the excitement.

During her tender years, Renee was rel-egated to riding an old retrofitted 1945 Har-ley-Davidson that her father had used as a

young boxer in training. Retrofitted with pedals that is, no engine, no transmission.

Renee recalls, “It was the heaviest, but coolest bicycle on the planet.”

Over the years, Renee kept up her mo-toring interests, including Powder Puff car racing and eventually becoming the crew chief of jet car. All the while, Renee was riding pillion every chance she got.

Towards her mid-twenties Renee de-veloped a thirst for her own ride. “My first real ride was a 1984 FXRS H-D with a shovelhead engine. I loved riding that bike – I guess what they say about your first, is true! You never – ever forget it!”

After a car accident in her mid-thirties when a 17-foot canoe came off a vehicle trailer on the road in front of her car, Re-nee had a broken body. She had back, elbow, neck, knee and ankle injuries that resulted in perpetual pain and the required use of ankle-braces for life.

Never one to give up, Renee continued riding once she was able. After riding a

Belt Drive Bettycan’t imagine beingwithout motorcycles

Sporty, a Suzuki Volusia and a Victory King Pin she found the ride where her butt belonged.

A 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is Renee’s ride of choice these days. After some customizing, Renee has found ‘Black Betty’, the most comfortable ride she can find. She has put on an impressive 85,000+ kilometres and has attended many motor-cycle events in the last 10 riding seasons.

She has ridden across Canada several times and rode down to Sturgis, South Da-kota on her own. On occasion, Renee likes to ride pillion on her husband’s Harley-Da-vidson Road King, but still loves the soli-tude and empowerment that riding solo gives her.

During this stressful time of pain and after having her florist career ripped from > Continued on next page


her life, Renee had a great idea. In her area of Canada there was no way for riders to connect. Why not start a mo-torcycle-enthusiast newspaper? In 2003 the weekly newspaper, Busted Knuckle Chronicles was born. The paper went green in 2010 and is now an e-newspaper.

The ultimate in Canadian rider in-formation, the Busted Knuckle Chroni-

cles can be accessed via your computer at www.bustedknucklechronicles.com. Renee also has a wealth of information available on her own dedicated website www.beltdrivebetty.com.

Everything from motorcycle events and classifieds to the best Canadian rides and rider-friendly businesses along the way can be found on these websites.

Renee elaborates on her life. “Motor-cycles and the people who ride them have been a part of my life, all of my life and the motorcycle community is filled with eclectic and intriguing people, which is why I am still an active member in the community; these people excite and in-spire me. I can’t imagine being without motorcycles and motorcyclists in my life, when that day comes, it will be the day they spread my ashes in the wind so that they can catch up to my soul.”

Asked if she will be attending the July 2012 Port Dover Friday the 13th festivities, Renee replied “My baby girl is getting married this summer. “I was warned that I had best be attending the wedding in Mexico, so this year’s Conga will concentrate on the west.”

Betty is hoping to make the PD 13 in September of 2013.

Belt Drive Bettyconnects bikers

Bikers Rights Organization is holding a 6-Way Poker Run on Saturday and Sun-day, August 18 and 19. It is being held in conjunction with Iron Riders, Hamilton Bikers Church, also B.R.O. of Port Dover, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls.

Plans call for six different starting points … but just one (really big) party afterwards!

The poker run starting points are at Port Dover, Stoney Creek, Port Colborne, Hamilton, Niagara Falls. The party will be held at Sherkston Go Carts. The cost is $15 rider; $5 passenger and $10 for party only.

This Poker Run will have a lot going on for participants. There will be a Poker Run Trophy for the best hand. And a lot more … door prizes, raffles and a 50/50 draw … Go Cart Specials and Team Com-petition plus four bands.

Dinner is $10 a plate for pig and beef roast, homemade baked beans and sal-ads.

There will be overnight camping, trailers are welcome and vendors wel-come (contact [email protected] ).

The six sponsoring B.R.O. will be the benefactors for their diversified chari-table causes.

B.R.O. Poker Run Aug. 18-19

Belt Driver Betty’s husband Mark.


samcro is comin to town

Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara Falls Canada

Vendors - Charity Poker Run - ConcertsMiss NMS Pageant - World Burnout Tour - Demos

Ron Finch Movie Premiere - Laurette NicollIron Cowgirl Missy - Motomarc Art Exhibit

Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show - Pit Stop - Bean’re

www.niagaramotorcycleshow.com

MEET OPIESunday July 22

July 20-22

next weekend!

NiagaraMotorcycleShow

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Friday the 13th July 2012