Motorcycling in Canada - A Ride Through Our History - Part 5

Motorcycling in Canada - A Ride Through Our History - Part 5

Ontario has had a very interesting relationship with the motorcycle!

In 1834, Toronto became the new name for York.  The name was officially changed because of the number of communities in the region named York, not to mention the county that the town was located in! In 1879, manufacturing in Ontario began to boom largely due to the high tariffs placed on American made goods.  The great fire of 1904 set things back a little in Toronto, but the opening of the Canadian Pacific Railway further spurred on the economic growth of the region.
By 1912, Hendee Manufacturing had opened a plant on 12 Mercer Street in Toronto.

Yes, for a short period of time in history, Indians were produced in Canada!

But let's step back to 1910 - a year that saw two of Canada's best racers hit the scene.

Ted Sturgess

In 1910, the oldest motor cycle dealership in Canada, Sturgess & Sons Motor Cycles opened in Hamilton ON.

Young Ted Sturgess became one of Canada's most successful dirt and road race riders.

Invited in 1939 to race in the English National League, Ted returned home at the outbreak of World War II.

He served for four and a half years in the RCAF and then went on to win many more Canadian titles on his motorcycle.

Sturgess & Sons Motor Cycles

Harold Cole - Canmoto.ca

Also in 1910, a young man named Harold Cole bought his first motorcycle, a 500 CC Yale.

His very first action was to take the bike to the racetrack, a dirt oval in Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.

He was 15 years old and none of the other racers would let him compete at either Exhibition Place or Scarborough Beach, but he made the best of it by practising, a lot.

1911 was a big year for the 16 year old Cole. His first race in Waterloo, he won the heat and the three mile final, then, on a loaned Indian a week later, he won at Exhibition Place. During the Canadian National Exhibition in late August  of 1911, he set a five mile record then he won a 25 mile event winning the Commeford Cup and the Dominion Championship!

By 1913, Harold Cole had become a dominant figure in racing in eastern Canada and having beaten Joe Baribeau paved the way for him to be paid $500 by the Toronto Motorcycle Club to race exclusively in their events. It didn't hurt that he ended up winning a similar amount in prize money!

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 put an end to the racing career of Harold Cole.

As with British Columbia, Vancouver and Vancouver Island in particular, where shipping made motorcycles easier to obtain than in the prairies, Ontario became a hotbed for the motorcycle rapidly. Manufacturers began seeing the value in forming motorcycle clubs to promote their brands and the first of these types of motorcycle clubs to open in Ontario was the British Empire Motorcycle Club in 1928.

Graham Oates was the first elected president of the British Empire Motorcycle Club.

Graham Oates with his Ariel and Sturgess built sidecar modified to ride the rails.

Born to John Oates and Mary Graham, on January 18, 1897 in Douglas, Isle of Man England, James Walter Oates, or Graham as he was called, was born to promote motorcycle racing.

He moved to Canada in 1927. and served as the vice president for a company called Overseas Motors on Danforth Ave. in Toronto. They imported Rudge-Whitworth, Ariel, Coventry Eagle and Matchless Motorcycles.

Graham rode despatch in both World War I and II. (During World War I on a horse and in World War II on a motorcycle.) In fact, he created a training program for despatch riders during World War II.

He is also the same man who not only rode an Ariel with a side car built by Sturgess & Sons Motor Cycles, right across Canada setting a number of firsts, but he is also the first person credited with riding a motorcycle and sidecar to Fort Churchill (the place of my birth). That trip also made him the only person to ever reach the Hudson's Bay with a motorized, rubber tired vehicle of any kind.

Graham's illustrious career included him being a medalist of the International Six Day Trials from 1933 to 1939.

Toronto and Hamilton are not the only communities from this era who produced or housed famous riders of the day.

From Newcastle Speedway

Belleville Ontario is home to one of Canada's preeminent racers of all time. George Pepper was elected as the president of the Quinte Motorcycle Club in 1933 at 18 years of age.  He had after all competed in the AMA's very first 200 Mile road race in Savannah Georgia in 1932 and competed in the Ontario Tourist Trophy earlier in the year.

In 1936, Belleville sited the Canadian Championship 200 road race. It drew over 20,000 spectators and 35 of the top racers of the day. Starting in 8th position, George rode his single cylinder Norton to first place, 3 laps and was nearly 10 minutes ahead of the Harley factory rider, Babe Tancrede who had started in first.

After a disappointing series of races on the Isle of Mann in 1937, he ended up being invited to compete in the English Speedway Races where crowds could swell to 60,000 and winnings could reach $400 a week.

During World War II, George became a commissioned pilot with the RAF in 1941 and like on the track, he did it with the highest possible scores a pilot could receive. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1942. He and his crewman had shot down 18 enemy bombers, (3 of them in one night raid) in 12 months. George died in November of 1942 during a test flight. His ashes were returned to Canada and he is buried in Belleville cemetery.

Interesting Historical Tidbits:

1894 - Toronto Police Service is the first in North America to use bicycles for patrols

In 1901 - Newmarket ON, seeing a gas powered motorcycle was an oddity that people felt the need to gawk at.

1904 - Walkerville Ontario,  Henry Ford establishes Ford of Canada. This was a completely independent company from the American company although it relied on the American company for engineering and design.

1911 - Toronto Police Service is the first to use motorcycles in Canada.

1916 - The Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings is destroyed by fire. 

1922 - With over 180,000 vehicles on the roads in Ontario, the OPP which were formed in 1909, were already using motorcycles to patrol the highways. Motorcycle officers had to supply and maintain their own bikes!

1927 - The Peace Tower opens alongside the fully rebuilt Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings. This is also the year that Canada celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Confederation.

1939 - The National War Memorial is unveiled by King George the VI and Queen Elizabeth.

1946 - The first drive in theatre in Canada opens in Stoney Creek Ontario and could hold 750 cars.

1949 - Newfoundland becomes the 10th province of Canada.

Today 13.5 million people call Ontario home. there are over 223,000 registered for highway use motorcycles in Ontario.

I hope you will join me next time as we look at Quebec's history with the motorcycle.

If you are blessed to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

And don't forget - Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest - we are on the hunt for that one community that really welcomes riders...where is it? Help us find out....

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider



































Research for this article:
Toronto Police
Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame
OPP Museum
In Search of the Canadian Car
"Isle of Man Births and Baptisms, 1607-1910," database, FamilySearch

Allen Johnson CVMG

Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame

Archives Canada

Newcastle Speedway
Sturgess & Sons Motorcycles



Disclaimer:
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.

Run to the Hills Fallen Riders Memorial Work Bee is Sept 19th!

Starts at 10:00 am. Food and Camping Available

Contact Bob Ross for more info

runtothehillsrally@yahoo.cauntothehillsrally@yahoo.ca

http://www.runtothehillsbikerally.com 

http://beltdrivebetty.com/head-shave

Bob Ross of the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally in Two Hills Alberta and I speak about the Rally, the Memorial Monument and the Park that is meant as a place of reflection for the riding community to go to to remember their loved ones who have been lost. I have agreed to get my head shaved when we reach our target of a total of $10,000 - $1,200 that was already raised at the rally and a further $8,800 that will bring us to the total of $10K - these funds are needed so that Bob can apply for some of the grants that are available. If you ride and you would like to see a monument that you can go to, to reflect on the life/lives of those in our community that have left this world, please consider donating to the headshave so that we can have a special place of reflection. runtothehillsrally@yahoo.ca is the PayPal address for donations and it is also the email address where you can volunteer your services and time to do some work at the Wayside Park...

Is Two Hills Alberta Canada's Most Rider Friendly Community? How about Grindrod BC? Port Dover ON?

Canada’s Most Rider Friendly Community Contest is a Rural Tourism Initiative of the Rider Friendly Business Association®, a non registered mutual benefits society, and a division of Belt Drive Betty Media®.

The contest is geared towards communities with populations of 125,000 or under. (At some point in the future we will consider hosting a contest for major cities.)

From the mountains to the prairies, the ocean coasts and the islands of this fair country, there are many, many wonderful communities to discover and explore. Communities you’ll seldom hear about like Two Hills AB, Mabou, Cape Breton NS, La Scie NL, Morden MB, Indian Head SK, Grindrod BC, well you get the idea. 

There is something…a connection.
These communities cater to and invite the rider. 

There are communities, steeped in the history of the motorcycle like Cereal AB, hometown of motorcycling icon Glenn Turple.

There are communities like Port Dover with a population of 6,300+ people that host motorcycle events, REALLY big ones and have for years and still many don’t know of it!

Whether it is their pubs, restaurants, ice cream stands, roadside attractions, motorcycle events and non motorcycle specific festivals and attractions, the small businesses, hotels, motels and Beds and Breakfasts…these communities offer something special to the rider…acceptance as human beings, tourists and explorers.

These communities are the very fabric and essence of what it is to be Canadian and every rider should discover them!

This contest is meant to inspire:
Pride of community both as citizens and riders
The sharing of great places to eat, sleep, play, explore and yes – ride!

This contest is meant to showcase:
Rural Canada and all of its unique offerings
The Communities that are nominated!
The Sponsors who support the contest
The businesses that are members of the Rider Friendly Business Association® & The Road Trip Rewards Program™

Let's get some good old-fashioned Canadian Community competition going eh? 

Submit your entry today! riderfriendlycontest.ca

The Eighth Edition of the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally

Two Hills, Alberta is a small north-eastern community of around 1,500 people.

There is a motel, gas station, grocery store, pharmacy and a number of restaurants and convenience stores. They have a hospital, an active fire department, an RCMP detachment and pretty much any other amenity you could ask for.

Two of those amenities are Geleta Park and the Ag Society fair grounds, the home of the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally.

Campers started showing up 6 days early for the rally as they wanted to stake their claim to the campsite they wanted, nestled in among the trees! When I arrived on Thursday night before the rally, I was amazed to see over 100 people already there, all anticipating the fun and memories they would be making.

Friday was brutal, high winds and rain, but true to form the die hards just kept rolling in and over 200 people bellied up to the table for an incredible pig roast. Porky’s BBQ from Ashmont Alberta cooked those pigs to absolute perfection!

The beer gardens was filled with people enjoying the music from Black Crimson and The Marshall Lawrence Band and the beverages being served by a group of local ladies with wonderful senses of humour.

There was an unusual scavenger hunt that took place as well and those who took part had to do some crazy things like kissing Bob Ross’s arse! It was all a part of the stag and stag-ette for a couple who had met at the rally the year before.

Laughter and smiles filled the arena.

Scott Mackenzie

Saturday morning dawned with beautiful sunshine and the riders just kept coming in. The show ‘n’ shine was a marvel with lots of motorcycles and antique vehicles for people to ogle, but one motorcycle and rider stole the hearts and minds of every rider there. 10-year-old Scott Mackenzie and his Honda 50! This little man was the first one entered in the show ‘n’ shine and the pride he exhibited in that handed down motorcycle was palpable. He spent about 20 minutes cleaning and shining it up and then he talked to other riders about their motorcycles. Not one rider present wasn’t impressed with this young man as he rode his motorcycle out of the show ‘n’ shine taking away three trophies!

After the Show ‘n’ Shine, Pastor Wes took the pulpit and said a prayer over the riders and their machines that were going to be participating in the poker run. He also delivered the roll call of 17 names of riders who had fallen in the last year be it to motorcycle crashes or medical issues. Out of those 17 names, 4 of them were friends of mine.

Pastor Wes soberly reminded the riders as to why we were gathered for this rally, to build a monument to all riders who have lost their lives. So many riders have their ashes scattered to the wind and there is no marker of their lives other than the memories we carry in our hearts. The monument and fallen riders is why this rally is held and he wanted to ensure that fact was not lost in amongst the good times and laughs.

The poker run takes people throughout the county of Two Hills and the small businesses that support the poker run were appreciative of the 75 or so riders who participated.

When everyone returned to the grounds, the bike rodeo started and the fun began in earnest with riders and their passengers showing off their skills in competitions like the slow race, the keg push, honey I’m home, the pantyhose race and the burn out pit. The stands were filled with spectators and the howls of laughter and cheers of support were loud and raucous.

Casey Werney and Laurie Ellison

After the rodeo, Casey Werney and Laurie Ellison became man and wife in the first wedding to ever be held at the rally. What a hoot that was! Casey was delivered to the ceremony site via a hearse supplied by the Forsaken Souls RC and yes; he was in a coffin! Laurie was delivered to the ceremony site on the back of Shawn Hamel’s motorcycle. During the exchanging of rings, everyone noted the little balls and chains that were attached to the rings and that brought a lot of giggles from the crowd.

The maid of honour, Josee Milroy had cooked up a fabulous turkey dinner that cost $10 a plate with the proceeds being donated to the memorial.

When I found out how much money was still needed to be raised to get the memorial built, I offered to have my head shaved if we could raise the $10K needed to make a serious dent in the construction of the memorial and getting the park ready for visitors. I had told everyone the minimum I would shave my head for was $2,000. We were all slated to be on stage for 11 pm. At 7 pm, after that big turkey dinner, I went and laid down in the camper I was staying in, supplied by Robbie and Ian of the Dark Horse Café in Dewberry. I had had too much sun and was sick to my stomach. No one came and got me and so I missed seeing Ted from the Protection for the Unprotected get his head shaved for kids with cancer.

I had only raised just shy of $1,200 because of having to lie down. When I woke up to a quiet campground around 1 in the morning, I grabbed the bag of cash and beetled down to the arena with a pounding headache. The band on stage when I got there was that Wayne Allchin band, sadly I missed the Tom Hammered band.

I donated the cash I raised to the memorial but did not shave my head. I took some flack for that but at the end of the day, I had set a goal and did not meet it. I will be hosting an online fundraiser where I will shave my head and donate my hair once again to Locks of Love. The last time I shaved my head, 5 years ago at the Grande Prairie Toy Run I raised over $2,000 and donated enough hair to make three wigs for little girls. I intend to donate it again – but, the goal truly is to help see this memorial and the gardens get built and so after Bob Ross figures out how much more he needs to get the job done; that will be the goal I set. I personally have over 25 names I want to see on the memorial, friends who are no longer with us. I want a place where I can go and reflect on their lives, the memories and the meaning their loves brought to mine. I am determined to help Bob reach his goal.

It will be filmed for airing on YouTube so that people will be able to see that the hair really did go!

Sunday was a day of mixed emotions. Unlike previous years where people packed up and were gone from the campsite by 10 am, this year many campers stayed until well into the afternoon, no one wanted to have to say goodbye.

I stayed on in Two Hills as Bob and I had meeting with Community Futures and a few other stakeholders in the region that also want to do what they can to see the memorial become a reality. You see the first 5 years of the rally, Bob lost money; money he had to put in from his own pocket to ensure all of the bills got paid. It took 4 years to negotiate the lease for the Wayside Park on the edge of town. It’s been a long road.

In the last two years, new roofs were put on the outhouses and the old cook shack that is being converted into a chapel and the buildings have gotten a coat of paint.

Bob has amassed a ton of sidewalk paving bricks, the concrete culvert that will serve as the base of the monument, the arch for the gate and a number of other items that will be used like folding chairs and tables, but there is a ton of work to do to the grounds.

Bob wants the landscaping done, flowers and trees planted, a deck on the chapel where people will be able to host BBQ’s and meals to support memorial services and then of course there is all of the brickwork for walk ways and the paving of the driveway to be done.

The last big ticket item is the metal sculpture for the top of the monument that needs to be done and the bronze plaque to commemorate the park.

I was so proud of the people who attended the rally – they left their campsites immaculate and the only clean up that needed to be done was picking up garbage that the high winds from Friday had scattered along the fences and to have all of the equipment put away and the concessions scrubbed down. I also helped Bob clean up at the arena. Did you guys and dolls realize this man is literally a committee of 1?

Did you realize that he has NO help to do the cleaning and putting away of equipment? Neither did I, so I am glad I was able to stay and help him over two days to get everything whipped back into shape.

This rally has become one of the best rallies in Alberta with close to 400 people attending a far cry from its humble start 8 years ago when 40 people came out.

It’s well run with events taking place on a reasonably tight schedule that ensures no one is bored!

It’s a true riders event, one that is pure in its intent and purpose: To see riders have a place of reflection!

The Run to the Hills Memorial Rally is a MUST attend event that gives back to the riding community, a community that is too often wrapped up in helping everyone else but themselves.

Plans are already well underway for the 9^th Annual event and it is my hopes that the numbers swell to 800 or a thousand so that the memorial can become a reality and the riding community can celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor and Rider

www.beltdrivebetty.com

www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Car maintenance considerations

Cars cost a lot of money. Even a used car is a major financial investment for most people. This is why it is so vitally important for you to take care of your car, if you are lucky enough to own one. While caring for your car will cost you some money initially, that is nothing compared to the massive amount of money that major repairs will cost you if you decide to neglect routine maintenance. Your car is essential for living your daily life. You need it to function properly. Otherwise, you will have problems going to work and other places. Here are some examples of how properly maintaining your car will save you money.

1. Change your oil

An oil change is one of the most basic and essential maintenance tasks that your car requires to stay in proper working order. You can get a Pennsylvania oil change from your local western PA Toyota dealer. If you are not able to change your own oil, you will need to pay to have this task done. The small price of an oil change is worth it to ensure that your engine is going to continue running smoothly. However, if you do not change your oil at the recommended intervals, you may eventually develop various problems with your engine that are quite expensive to have fixed. Do not put yourself in this situation. Keep track of how much mileage was on your car the last time you had the oil changed. This will allow you to know the right time to schedule your next oil change. There is no good excuse to ignore this important task.

2. Tires balanced and rotated

If you have ever needed to buy a new set of tires, you know how incredibly expensive they can be. This is why you need to do whatever you can to make your tires last as long as possible. In order to do this, you will need to have them balanced and rotated according to the manufacturer specifications. If you fail to do this, your tires will wear unevenly, resulting in them needing to be replaced.

3. Get a tune-up

Doctors recommend that people get a physical once every year. It is also a good idea to have a professional mechanic inspect your car, just to make sure everything is in working order. Being proactive can save you a bundle.

Setting the Record Straight About Shaving my Head for the Run to the Hills Rally Fallen Rider Monument

Last weekend I attended the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally, a rally that my company, Belt Drive Betty Media has sponsored since day one.

When I found out that Bob was short on money to truly get things cranking for the Fallen Riders Memorial, I told him that I don't have much for money but I have a lot of hair so I would solicit donations and when we hit the target of $10,000 I would shave my head.

$10,000 was the goal I had set from the beginning, because if Bob is going to apply for grants, he needs some matching money.

Right from the beginning I said I would NOT shave my head AT the rally unless I raised a minimum of $2,000.

Saturday night, after being in the sun all day, I went to lay down for a while. I had asked to be woken up, but no one came to get me.  I woke up around 1 am to a very quiet campground, I had a pounding headache from getting too much sun but I grabbed the bag of money, just shy of $1,200 and beetled down to the beer gardens.

I donated the money to Bob on stage and told him, I didn't hit the mark, but that we'd continue working at raising the $10K that was needed, that this was not over.
You see, if I had shaved my head for so little, we'd have nothing to work with to hit our mark so....

Bob and I met with Community Futures and they have agreed to help him fill out the grant applications and include letters of endorsement for the monument and park.

Bob didn't have a Pay Pal account for the Rally, so I helped him get it set up and now we are ready to raise the other $8,800 that is needed for Bob to have the funds to apply for the matching grants that are available to see the monument get completed.

Today we officially launch our Run to the Hills Memorial Headshave Fundraiser to finish raising the money I had set out to raise for the memorial and park.

That's the goal, $8,800 - once that is reached, I will go to my hairdresser in Grande Prairie with video camera in hand and have her shave my head so that the hair can be donated to Locks of Love to make wigs for little girls with cancer.

If it takes us 2 weeks or 6 months, I don't care, I will shave my head when we reach the target.

Here is a video from Bob from the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally and myself that explains what the rally is all about and why the Memorial Monument and Park need the funds to be completed:

Donations to the memorial can be made directly to Bob Ross of the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally via Pay Pal: runtothehillsbikerally@yahoo.ca

When Bob tells me we have hit the mark, I will get my head shaved.

So come on folk, lets help him get this memorial built - our community needs and deserves this place of reflection.

Oh and don't forget that Bob needs volunteers to help do the work - the first work bee is slated for the weekend of September 19th - there will be pulled pork sandwiches, beverages and camping for all who can help out. We need carpenters, bricklayers, landscapers, and hands to help the trades people get the job done!

You can email Bob at runtothehillsrally@yahoo.ca to let him know how you can help!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider





Disclaimer:
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.

Motorcycling in Canada - A Ride Through Our History - Part 4

Motorcycling in Canada - A Ride Through Our History - Part 4

Manitoba's early history with the motorcycle is as interesting and fascinating as British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan's. In fact, the Manitoba Motorcycle Club is recognized officially as Canada's oldest motorcycle club. They were founded in 1911. In 2010 they amalgamated with the Antique Motorcycle Club of Manitoba.


During the early 1900's Manitoba had a bustling motorcycle community.

Photo located on the Antique Motorcycle Club of Manitoba Web Site

The Manitoba Motorcycle Club, and the Winnipeg RoughRiders Motorcycle Club are amongst the best documented of all of the clubs in Manitoba at the time.

The Manitoba Motorcycle Club had some pretty talented racers.

In October of 1911, Joe Baribeau of the Manitoba Motorcycle Club set the world record for 100 miles on a dirt track at 1:40:14 & 3/5 second. He shaved almost 2 minutes off the previous record! Not only that he set the pace at and average speed of 60 mph.

Joe was only a part of the Manitoba Motorcycle Club for two years, but his numerous victories and his huge love of the sport made a huge impact in those two short years.

Scranton Truth, Oct. 16, 1911

Baribeau went on the be a principle racer for the Hendee Manufacturing Co. (Indian).
His racing career only lasted until 1913 when he wrecked in Toledo Ohio. He only ever raced once after that, in Toronto in 1915.

There is one more first that goes to Joe Baribeau - his is the first recorded motorcycle wedding in Canada.

Winnipeg Tribune,  Nov. 5, 1913

The clubs of the day in Manitoba were very active. There were lots of hill races, TT races, dirt track races, socials and more. The motorcycle community of Manitoba was also very civic minded.

The Manitoba Motorcycle Club and the Winnipeg RoughRiders Motorcycle Club collectively offered up 100 motorcycles and the manpower to form a motorcycle unit for the war in 1940.

Winnipeg Tribune, July 19, 1940

Winnipeg Tribune 1940

Many Manitoba riders played roles in the way the motorcycle was used to impact our history and culture.

By the end of 1910, there were approximately 10 dealerships in and around Winnipeg and all were looking to fill the demand for the motorcycle.

One of the best documented was the Northwest Cycle & Motor company. 

Opened in 1912, over the course of their history they would sell everything from Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Lambretta and everything in between. In 1978 the dealership was bought by Harley-Davidson of Winnipeg.

Back in the day, the Northwest Cycle & Motor Company was not just a place for riders to congregate or drool over new machines. It was also a place for innovation.

In 1948 a gent by the name of Ben Benson worked at this motorcycle shop and he filed and received the patent for the Hydra Glide front end!

See his Patent here.

It is believed that he struck a deal with the Harley-Davidson Motor Corp. in late 1948 before his patent was approved in 1950.


Meet another interesting Manitoba rider; Albert E Bennett (1906-1968)

First Row, second from the left

Born in Rossburn Manitoba, he and his family moved to Winnipeg in 1909.

After a stint prospecting for gold in the Williams Lake BC region, he returned to Winnipeg where he held the position of superintendent for the Winnipeg Electric Company of 14 years.

He had also worked as an assistant engineer during the construction of the Norwood Bridge and held the position of executive director for Met-Wood Industries. Heavily involved with civic politics he served on city council for 5 years from 1955 to 1960.

Mr. Bennett is probably best known in our history books as the founder of the first air cadet corps in Canada (1938) and for his role in the second world war as the commanding officer of Winnipeg's motorcycle training unit.

I hope you enjoyed our ride through early motorcycle history in Manitoba....So far this ride through our history has had some colourful and talented characters involved!

Ontario is up next!

Here are a couple of videos from the Antique Motorcycle Club of Manitoba's YouTube Channel that I thought you might enjoy:

Interesting Historical tidbits:

1906: Quebec, it is believed that there were 3 motorcycles registered in the province 

1911: Ontario issues motorcycle license plates

1911: New Brunswick includes motorcycle plates as part of their first run of licence plates

1912: Manitoba issues motorcycle plates that are miniature in size and revert to large plates with no provincial emblems for motorcycles in 1914.

1912: The Titanic sinks off the coast of Newfoundland

1912: Saskatchewan issues miniature motorcycle plates with provincial crests

1913: British Columbia introduces motorcycle license plates that are miniature in size, in 1914 the

plate changed to the size of a regular plate but had additional mounting holes.

1914: Britain declares war on Germany, Canada as a colony is at war.

1914: Winnipeg MB, the Fort Garry Horse was founded and was Manitoba's only cavalry regiment

1929: Canada is the second largest manufacture of automobiles. By the end of 1929 there were 1.9 million registered automobiles in Canada.

1930: The average cost of a car was $600

1939: Prince Edward Island - this is the earliest known motorcycle plate for PEI

1938 - 1945: Canada stops producing civilian products such as cars, appliances and clothing, and focuses on military production.

I hope you enjoyed our ride through early motorcycle history in Manitoba....
Ontario is up next!

I hope you will help us find Canada's MOST rider Friendly Community

Visit www.riderfriendlycontest.ca


If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider





Research for this article:

Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Greg Williams
Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba Motorcycle Club Archives
Antique Motorcycle Club of Manitoba
Canadian Car
Memorable Manitobans
Google: Patents
Eric's Plates
Winnipeg 100 Years
Winnipeg.ca
Winnipeg Tribune
Scranton Truth



Disclaimer:
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.