Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Another Remembrance Day - Another Controversy

Belt Drive 0 1% MC's, Discrimination, RCMP, Remembrance Day, Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans MC 2:21 PM

It seems that every year, some motorcycle organization is singled out by the RCMP, OPP or other municipal police services and/or the Liquor Boards in the various provinces, as undesirable and undeserving of the right to march in and attend Remembrance Day services/parades or attend Legions in their riding regalia.<br />
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The Veterans MC on Vancouver Island has been locked in a battle with the local Legion, Branch 171 in Ladysmith BC. <br />
<br />
Click this link to read the <a href="http://www.nanaimodailynews.com/ourtown/340958061.html?fb_comment_id=1041934975858121_1041942169190735&comment_id=1041942169190735&offset=0&total_comments=3#f295b119">Nanaimo Daily article</a>...<br />
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<b>This is a battle undoubtably caused by the RCMP.  </b>Read further and you'll understand why I say that.<br />
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Because this club, the Veterans MC, wears a 3 piece patch, they are being discriminated against.<br />
And yet....Every member of the club HAS SERVED THIS COUNTRY by donning a Canadian Forces Uniform, and is an honest to GOD veteran.<br />
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We saw it in Cumberland at the Motorcycle RoundUp, the club was singled out by the Liquor Board & the RCMP as one of 7 clubs who were not supposed to wear their colours into licensed establishments. <br />
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In Ontario, we have heard of members of various RC's and MC's being asked to leave the Orangeville Legion because of their patches - some like C.A.V. wearing simple one piece patch, because the Legion didn't know who was who or what was what, regarding patches.<br />
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We saw it in Medicine Hat with the Falcon's MC and their poker run a few years back.<br />
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Because the police forces concern is that this MC is going to be absorbed by or is somehow already working with 1% clubs, they are being told they can't participate in Remembrance Day services.<br />
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<b>The "request" however, never comes directly from the RCMP - OH NO....</b><br />
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The RCMP bring pressure to bear on those who control the establishment or function, in this case the RCL branch president.<br />
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You see the police feel that because most MC's follow COC protocol and go to the dominant club with their mission statement and their proposed patch to ensure the dominant club approves their patch and to show that their club as not interfering with any of the 1% clubs, that somehow that approval process means they are now in bed with or tied to the 1% club.<br />
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Clubs that have police officers as part of their membership are not allowed to attend COC meetings nor do they meet COC "guidelines" and therefore seldom go to the dominant to "ask for permission" to fly their colours.<br />
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It is considered a sign of respect, to let the dominant club know who you are and what your intentions are, if you intend to sport a 3 piece patch.  The dominant club either believes you or they don't. They either deem that your patch does not conflict or misrepresent who you say you are or it does in their eyes.<br />
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If you are "allowed" to wear your cut/colours that does NOT mean you are a 1% club, it means you are an MC that does not grate against the Confederation of Clubs and their protocols.<br />
<br />
If you don't go to the dominant club to introduce your club, then in the eyes of the COC clubs, that means you allow police officers among your ranks and you are not a real MC in their eyes. <br />
This aspect of the COC protocols creates a lot of discord/disagreement in the motorcycle community.<br />
<br />
Of course the club that allows police officers in it, generally have a police officer who is a member who can smooth out the path so to speak, regarding the law and their ideas on special attention.<br />
<br />
<b>In the case of the Veterans MC, unlike many Veterans Clubs, they hold true to the core principle that you are not a veteran unless you have worn a MILITARY UNIFORM. </b><br />
Unless you have worn the Canadian Forces Uniform and have been prepared for battle via basic training etc. you are not a veteran. Remember WWI, WWII, Korea, Afghanistan etc., were wars fought by soldiers not police officers. No one is discounting the fact that the RCMP serve their country, but they are not veterans who have been prepared to go to war and that is the mindset of the members of the Veterans MC.<br />
<br />
Being an RCMP officer <b>does NOT MAKE YOU A VETERAN</b> in their eyes and so they do not allow police officers in their membership and therefore, they are fair game for special attention in the eyes of the police.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">They (The RCMP) deem that to be the case with the Veterans MC because two their members have gone over to a 1% club. And yet, the rationale is not totally valid.  2 members left their club to go join a 1% club.  These veterans who went to a different kind of three piece patch club decided the "rigours" of being part of the Veterans MC no longer served them. They wanted to be a part of something different.  You don't see the entire membership moving over, being absorbed, patched over.  Two members....however.....</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Here's where things get really muddy....</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">They left their club in good standing and while they will probably never be able to wear the Veterans MC colours again, they are still brothers at arms - they served in the Canadian Forces with the guys who make up the Veterans MC. So the Veterans MC gets invited to parties, events or the homes of these men who are now 1% MC </span>members.<br />
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That's where the RCMP feel they are justified in connecting the dots if you will.  Although they no longer ride together as a club, the Veterans MC and the 2 members who moved to a 1% club are still friends, they were friends and comrades before they were MC members, but it's that very friendship the police look upon as suspicious.<br />
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At least that is how it was explained to me by a gang task force officer last year at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show.<br />
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The thing that truly makes this a sad situation is that the Veterans MC have donated substantial monies to the Ladysmith Branch of the Legion and now they feel abused and betrayed.<br />
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I called the RCL Branch 171 and asked to speak to their president, Gary Phillips, but as of this moment in time, he has not contacted me so that I could understand and pass on the specifics of this situation to you.<br />
<br />
<h3>
I do however already know in my gut how this played out.</h3>
<i><b>I have heard it enough times...I have EXPERIENCED IT MYSELF, back when I used to host motorcycle shows.</b></i><br />
<br />
Police officer tells the event coordinator, in this case, the Legion president that if they allow the Veterans MC in the Legion or to be a part of the ceremonies, they, the RCMP will pull out. <br />
They also mention liquor licenses and how they can be affected by non compliance. They tell the Legion they are protected by the petty trespass act, and they, the RCMP will come and ask the "offensive" people to leave when they get the call.<br />
<br />
The Legion becomes scared by the perceived intimidation, they cave in and do not defend the very veterans they are sworn to serve, they go against the Charter of Freedoms and Rights, they deny these people the right to be involved in a public ceremony on public land, they deny them access to a private club meant to serve military veterans and members and the veterans become hurt, indignant and angry.<br />
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Public opinion goes badly against the Legion because the citizens of the region do not understand the bullying tactics used on the Legion, the Legion decides that the RCMP are wrong minded in their "requests", the RCMP have no legal leg to stand on and so, the Legion reverses it's decision AFTER the damage is done. <br />
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OR, the Legion out of fear, stands firm because they would be embarrassed if the RCMP did not attend the service.<br />
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That's what has transpired, time and time again all across this country. Some Legions stand firm with the RCMP, usually out of fear of reprisal OR they stick to the Charter of Freedoms & Rights and protect the rights & freedoms of those they have vowed to serve.<br />
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Sadly too often, ill feelings become entrenched and their is a lot of anger on all sides of the equation.<br />
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In this case, the RCL Branch 171 in Ladysmith BC, has apparently, although not publicly, overturned their initial decision and have decided to allow the Veterans MC to attend.<br />
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Their decision is too late though, as the Veterans MC has decided to go to another Legion, the one in Chemainus and have vowed to not support the Ladysmith Branch.<br />
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In my personal humble opinion, there needs to be a full push to have motorcyclists recognized as a visible minority, because we are. We are very distinguishable from other motorists, other persons and we are a true minority, our community is only 700K+ strong. (Washington State was successful in having motorcyclists recognized as a visible minority).<br />
<br />
My rights as a citizen, taxpayer and rider have been trodden on several times by the RCMP with regards to hosting events and banning patches. I lost almost a 1/4 million dollars standing my ground against them. They damned near broke me financially by blocking entrances to my show in Olds and it took me years to recover.<br />
<br />
The RCMP will cripple you, financially and every other way they can so that they can get their way.<br />
They do not care that what they are doing is not only immoral but bordering illegal.  It is profiling and at the very least it is subversive. They are in a battle with the 1% Clubs and sadly think that everyone who wears a patch, 3 piece or not is a 1%er unless there happens to be a police officer as a member, then the treatment tends to be different. Not always, but most times.<br />
<br />
And so we find ourselves in this position time after time after time.<br />
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There are no rights and freedoms in this country as it pertains to motorcyclists, but somewhere there must be lawyers who will challenge the charter and people willing to force the point. Money and desire being the two strengths that are needed to get something like this done.<br />
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That's how I see this situation, what say you?<br />
<br />
I'd dearly love your feedback on this topic.<br />
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To express your feelings to the RCL on how this situation has unfolded please contact:<br />
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 171<br />
Gary Philips - President<br />
621 First Ave, Ladysmith, BC<br />
Phone:(250) 245-2273<br />
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Another Remembrance Day - Another Controversy

It seems that every year, some motorcycle organization is singled out by the RCMP, OPP or other municipal police services and/or the Liquor ...

The 3 C.A.V. Gathering - Abbotsford BC

Belt Drive 0 3 CAV Gathering, Abbotsford BC, CAV 8:08 PM

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4UM_Eh2o7SL1nlhTbvH0Ih4rF4Cdf0UnxLy8kYMOKC2gg5lL86s5j-yGAVBKRNCN1CunuWet8dP2EVsfK6yYi5j06TnIljKY7E1NDRQx85FK_34hg3MZSzZNSvbd8Po1r9s/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4UM_Eh2o7SL1nlhTbvH0Ih4rF4Cdf0UnxLy8kYMOKC2gg5lL86s5j-yGAVBKRNCN1CunuWet8dP2EVsfK6yYi5j06TnIljKY7E1NDRQx85FK_34hg3MZSzZNSvbd8Po1r9s/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">At the Afghanistan Memorial at the Derek Doubleday  Arboretum    </td></tr>
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This past August I had the absolute honour and privilege of riding with members of 3 C.A.V. the Motorcycle Riding Club that I have been an honorary member of for 11.5 years of the 12 they have been in operation.<br />
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This was the first time I had gotten to attend The 3 C.A.V. Gathering.<br />
<br />
I felt like a school kid! Riding with the C.A.V., no matter what province I have been to or what unit or units I ride with, is probably the SAFEST and most joyous group riding I have ever taken part in.<br />
I WAS SOOOO looking forward to this event.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rs2Yi12QhrmXIT6TNQkGzGlNYdPGkLvR5YIXQpPunnCtBbBTi5CN4OrCsCVkzKOsyUcc61FUFTII8_puipNJ8YgSpmlQYdMlrWbbMhV0kDc99hXVfZ_H_Bifaq1G-WIs6_Z/s1600/IMG_2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rs2Yi12QhrmXIT6TNQkGzGlNYdPGkLvR5YIXQpPunnCtBbBTi5CN4OrCsCVkzKOsyUcc61FUFTII8_puipNJ8YgSpmlQYdMlrWbbMhV0kDc99hXVfZ_H_Bifaq1G-WIs6_Z/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earle "Grizzly" Eastman (L) making a presentation to <br />
ROME Unit President Barry "Brutus" Drews (R)</td></tr>
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On Thursday morning I was up and out of my girlfriend's place in Salmon Arm and off to Kelowna bright and early.<br />
<br />
I stopped in at Konquer  Custom Motorcycles and they squeezed me in for a quick oil change. <br />
The service there is always awesome!<br />
<br />
They got me in and out within an hour and I made it to the Tim Horton's on Old Vernon Road in plenty of time for our scheduled meet up.<br />
<br />
It felt like old home week, all of the hugs and smiles, well, you know how it is amongst friends both old and new!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vGYP23OjhkmRR0HmqbLIoJLwZTT28C_TfR7Q1hG9B-Kyz7TeddbXE0apZScv6nXgIVbjRYJxZkgOnDcaXWzGzr5rczhnFRnOdbanjSyUaBUUAqWEsKsPia20QRexYsdpZ9y/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vGYP23OjhkmRR0HmqbLIoJLwZTT28C_TfR7Q1hG9B-Kyz7TeddbXE0apZScv6nXgIVbjRYJxZkgOnDcaXWzGzr5rczhnFRnOdbanjSyUaBUUAqWEsKsPia20QRexYsdpZ9y/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" width="320" /></a>After our ride captains gave us a quick briefing on the roads we would be riding and the stops for fuel we would be making, we were off under sunny skies.  By the time we stopped in Merritt however, we had been riding in the rain for about a half hour. Nothing serious, spitting on and off with intermittent showers, damp but not horrible.  At the gas station we joked about Trapper riding with us in spirit. Trapper, the Founding President of C.A.V. is notoriously known as the rain magnet by many of us.<br />
<br />
Traffic at the top of the Coquihalla was at a standstill as three lanes of traffic merged into one. There was construction between two bridges up ahead and that construction zone was over 15 kms long, all up hill, and the rain began to fall and then it became a torrential downfall.<br />
<br />
Two and a half hours of stop and start riding, standing in three inches of rain in the truck ruts with<br />
nowhere to go, how much fun was that!?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kUqN1SwGW8LcB-y10-bBjkFu58FMdEzaAXNOdekHMziDtJcnzMv28Ms9fU35myXq_IU9r8ZaOTYIRYFy2PLJ55WQNnp8DE4Rhpt-G6rQkp8vpqnh7Nc35kwEG-AHaQ8SMeA3/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kUqN1SwGW8LcB-y10-bBjkFu58FMdEzaAXNOdekHMziDtJcnzMv28Ms9fU35myXq_IU9r8ZaOTYIRYFy2PLJ55WQNnp8DE4Rhpt-G6rQkp8vpqnh7Nc35kwEG-AHaQ8SMeA3/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we finally got back to riding, we were in the slow lane for a good portion of the way as we simply couldn't see where we were going, we were riding in the clouds, and the driving rain with our glasses and goggles getting fogged up. It was a scary arsed ride to say the least! Oh and those lovely automobile drivers that were out that day were so terribly considerate, they must not have thought we were getting wet enough as they kindly splashed us as they went by.<br />
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As my group pulled into Hope, we came on to the on ramp only to see a bike on its side. It was one of our guys, but it turns out his bike had rolled off the kickstand. Whew! <br />
<br />
With a bad crash on the edge of Hope, making it so no one could leave town towards Abbotsford, we decided to stop at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #228.<br />
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We were welcomed with open arms! Our <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMun5Ku1DdFyau3CxGYEKseDrwIosl0mzKuRGR_T945tfBAurIG98Cm9S9QlPBMevl6X_GhPP61CBr6X9nTZYyUso4PzO8Ro4FE7oaIvZovmVnkeX8b8yPDnfMsgHaQTP0U1q/s1600/IMG_2235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMun5Ku1DdFyau3CxGYEKseDrwIosl0mzKuRGR_T945tfBAurIG98Cm9S9QlPBMevl6X_GhPP61CBr6X9nTZYyUso4PzO8Ro4FE7oaIvZovmVnkeX8b8yPDnfMsgHaQTP0U1q/s320/IMG_2235.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou & Chuck - in the dart throw at the rodeo games!</td></tr>
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dripping wet clothes were stripped off and thrown in the dryer and towels were handed out to those in need.<br />
<br />
Hot coffees and beverages all around, pizzas ordered in and stories and tales of other hard rides abounded.<br />
<br />
I called Cindy Koszegi of Hope Optical and asked if she had a place for some of us to stay for the night, turns out I was the only one to stay behind. Once the highway reopened the other 17 riders, some with passengers headed out to their hotels. My health has been rather precarious all summer so I elected to ride out in the morning.  I am so glad I did!  Not only did I get an awesome visit in with Rudy and Cindy, but I had a good sleep and dry clothes to start the day off in.<br />
<br />
As luck would have it, I never got rained on again the rest of the weekend.<br />
<br />
As I rode into the gathering spot, the farm of a Silver Cross family, I had a grin on my face.<br />
I parked and it was hugs and laughs all around.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3MnG9zsT8dgtIWwEWnWg4Ogcwntp0GWhBbZopckc7OqcjRkazGu_ymdfFMbwMF2wW7OowZ2Z-l3UIm5eTxJafptX14lul8u1Mkh8jgX3YSyEnnuEFRM4wYNCOtw0KJeSfy8_/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3MnG9zsT8dgtIWwEWnWg4Ogcwntp0GWhBbZopckc7OqcjRkazGu_ymdfFMbwMF2wW7OowZ2Z-l3UIm5eTxJafptX14lul8u1Mkh8jgX3YSyEnnuEFRM4wYNCOtw0KJeSfy8_/s320/IMG_2230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bubbles" roasts a wicked pig.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ue55kyIlDCAX_5fxDq0s0y8yTJU_FAsJF0uos44UeU56vCzxbxpFCwbQyeB375JUuMSxX9osTuEm_aW_2ILxsCeGmnkZE9tzt7kOI9U5Dzj682ZjqtT6OirkT9d-RoXDtpwW/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ue55kyIlDCAX_5fxDq0s0y8yTJU_FAsJF0uos44UeU56vCzxbxpFCwbQyeB375JUuMSxX9osTuEm_aW_2ILxsCeGmnkZE9tzt7kOI9U5Dzj682ZjqtT6OirkT9d-RoXDtpwW/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" width="320" /></a>I got to finally meet people like Barry "Brutus" Drews, the president of the unit hosting the gathering, ROME Unit, and Cynthia "Lou" Starchuk, president of Groningen's Unit out of Saskatoon, Allan "Sensei" Plett President, Agira Unit.  I met all sorts of new friends and hugged so many old ones!<br />
<br />
Some were missed though, my brothers from Regina in particular couldn't make it.<br />
<br />
With the registration kit I was given, was a toque and a beverage ticket and some raffle tickets for door prizes along with an itinerary.<br />
<br />
I grabbed some breakfast and read up on what to expect.<br />
<br />
After all of the presidents and the national reps got done their meeting, we saddled up and headed to the Afghanistan Memorial at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in Langley Township.<br />
<br />
 The memorial is beautiful and even though the trees that line the entry aren't mature, one can envision what they will look like when they are.<br />
<br />
It was a touching time as various unit presidents and National reps made small speeches, it was impressive to watch the units fall into line when the "Drill Sergeant" hollered. It was moving watch Grizz and Maddog lay a wreath and it was wonderful to take the group photos and see all of those wonderful smiling faces.<br />
<br />
Once we arrived back at the farm, lunch was served, cold cuts and salads, fruit and coffee all courtesy of the amazing volunteers whose smiles just made a person's day. <br />
<br />
The rodeo games had everyone hooting and hollerin and laughing like school kids. It's so awesome to see that, too many of our veterans and serving soldiers and first responders have had the joy sucked right out of their lives, but not on this day.<br />
<br />
Soon it was time for "Bubble's" famous Honey Jack marinated pig. OHHH MYYYY, was that good.<br />
Served with salads and potatoes, beans and beverages, the meal was absolute perfection.<br />
<br />
After the pig roast came the presentations and they were many. A silver cross family was brought into the C.A.V. family, another silver cross family was honored and thanked for the use of their property.  Members of C.A.V. received various honors and we got to hear from the new<br />
National President, Earle "Grizzly" Eastman.<br />
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I was starting to feel unwell. It really was too soon after being in hospital and all of those tests to be going on a hard ride like this one from Grande Prairie Alberta to Abbotsford BC turned out to be.<br />
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I said my goodbyes before the bands started up and headed off to my friend's home for a good night's sleep. I proceeded to sleep off and on for the next three days, hence I never made it to the farewell breakfast! Some company I was!<br />
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I am so grateful to have gotten some time with these amazing people.<br />
If you are military, former military, first responder or just a civilian who wants to support the same causes and ideals that C.A.V. has, go check them out at <a href="http://www.thecav.ca/">www.thecav.ca</a><br />
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To see more photos from the 3 C.A.V. Gathering visit: <a href="https://plus.google.com/+BeltDriveBettyMC/posts/jH3xGhZ23Kj">https://plus.google.com/+BeltDriveBettyMC/posts/jH3xGhZ23Kj</a><br />
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Until next time, ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.<br />
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Don't forget - Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest is looking for you to nominate your community - it's EASY to do!<br />
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Belt Drive Betty<br />
Editor & Rider<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><i>Disclaimer:</i></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Belt Drive Betty Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.</span>

The 3 C.A.V. Gathering - Abbotsford BC

At the Afghanistan Memorial at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum This past August I had the absolute honour and privilege of riding wit...

Motorcycling in Canada - A Ride Through our History - Part 9

Belt Drive 1 A Ride Through Our History, Canadian Motorcycle History, Honda Canada 7:45 PM

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Honda in Canada<br />
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The Honda Motor Corporation Ltd. based in Japan, was founded in 1946 by Soichiro Honda.<br />
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In the field of motorcycle manufacturing, it is the largest public multinational corporation in the world. Since 1959 it has held the top position in the manufacturing of motorcycles and internal combustion engines.<br />
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In 1946, Japan was trying to rebuild from the effects of the Second World War. <br />
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Honda, a talented mechanic began manufacturing piston rings before turning his attention to motorcycles. He had realized that there was a need for an affordable means of transportation and began grafting war surplus two stroke motors into bicycles. The initial shaky start due to his lack of training in metallurgy in the production of piston rings gave way to his passion for engineering. <br />
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The first motorcycle that featured a completely Honda designed motor and frame was produced in 1949. By the 1960’s his motorcycles were up against the best on the racetracks of the world.        <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">  </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1 - Honda's 1st Prototype</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2 - Honda's First Motorcycle, 1949, Model D<br />
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Honda ventured into the Canadian history books in 1969. With hard work and perseverance they slowly gained the trust of Canadians. Over a period of time Honda gained respect in the marketplace as well. In 1986, Honda built a car manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ontario. In 1998 a second plant was built at the same site and in 2008 Honda completed its third manufacturing facility. On May 2010, Honda Canada moved to their new Gold Certified Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Head Office in Markham, Ontario which is now home to approximately 600 associates. Today Honda employs almost 19,000 Canadians and buys goods worth 1.1 billion from Canadian suppliers!<br />
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Honda has turned its vision towards providing a sustainable growth for the future. <b>Blue Skies for Our Children </b>embodies the vision of keeping the environment in mind for the future generations so that they might find the joy of free mobility along with sustained development. The challenge of sustained development encompasses numerous energy and environmental issues. The most important amongst them has been the reduction of greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. In June 2011, Honda pledged to reduce CO2 emissions from automobiles, motorcycles and corporate activities by 30% by 2020. There have been significant advances towards achieving this end. These technologies include natural gas vehicles, hybrids, fuel cell electric along with new energy creation and distribution technologies like Honda’s original solar cell.<br />
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A socially responsible and engaged corporation, Honda Canada started the Honda Canada Foundation to enhance the social well being of Canadians. The focus of the foundation is to provide grants in the areas of education, engineering, the environment and safety with a focus on youth.<br />
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Even back in the beginning of its emergence in the UA and Canadian cultures, Honda showed its social responsibility in other ways. They had a rider’s manual that explained the operation of their motorcycle and asked people to be socially respectful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image 3 - 1962 Honda Owners Manual</td></tr>
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One of the most successful marketing campaigns in history started in the US. Honda had suffered a number of recalls, and the owner of the first Honda store in California, Kihachiro Kawashima, had to take back every bike he had sold. He had a bunch of 50cc scooters in the back of the shop and decided to get them out on the sales floor. </div>
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His ad campaign “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” saved the American market and paved the way for the Canadian market to have a successful launch. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image 4 - Honda's Ad campaign in the 60's</td></tr>
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Although Honda has a varied stable of machines, the CBR and the Goldwing, two very different machines, are probably the best known of all of Honda's motorcycles.<br />
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The CBR is dubbed by Honda as the ultimate handling machine and many a CBR rider will tell you that is so, however GSXR riders will tell you something quite different!<br />
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Today, Honda Canada plays a big roll in all manners of racing and their motorcycles are well respected for their reliability, their socially responsible exhaust systems, their power and fuel economy.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed the brief look into Honda Canada, next up we look at Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki!<br />

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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Research for
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Wikipedia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Honda Canada<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Honda Canada Foundation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Petrolicious Productions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/history-honda-motorcycle.html">http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/history-honda-motorcycle.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.obxmotorcycle.com/hondacyclehistory.html">http://www.obxmotorcycle.com/hondacyclehistory.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Honda%27s+first+prototype+motorcycle..&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=847&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI4cWP56jpxwIV0o-OCh26ggfV&dpr=0.9#imgrc=qJCF2ObJ8oA4AM%3A" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Honda%27s+first+prototype+motorcycle..&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=847&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI4cWP56jpxwIV0o-OCh26ggfV&dpr=0.9#imgrc=qJCF2ObJ8oA4AM%3A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> – image  1 of 1</span><sup style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">st</sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> prototype motorcycle</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Honda%27s+first+motorcycle,+a+1949+Model+D+(Dream)&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=798&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIisjVkazpxwIVzlCOCh1PGw4F&dpr=0.9#imgrc=U851AG23OxVxbM%3A">https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Honda%27s+first+motorcycle,+a+1949+Model+D+(Dream)&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=798&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIisjVkazpxwIVzlCOCh1PGw4F&dpr=0.9#imgrc=U851AG23OxVxbM%3A</a>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">image 2- a 1949 Model D (Dream)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">Image 3 - 1962 Honda Owners Manual</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman";">http://www.petrolicious.com - Image 4</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><i>Disclaimer:</i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"></span><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Belt Drive Betty Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.</span></div>
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