Well, as you might expect, the new size of Motorcycle Mojo has been a huge hit with our readers. Many emails later, the general consensus is that many loved the digest size but enjoy the larger size much more. I want to thank all those who took the time to pass along a comment either by snail mail, email, phone or in person. I value and appreciate your input in order to make Motorcycle Mojo the Canadian rider’s magazine of choice. The magazine will continue to evolve with your input.
One new section that has emerged in this issue is called ‘Destination’. These Destination pages will generally describe motorcycle type events, or places of interest that might include a tour across the country or just a day trip in the middle of summer to a famous ice cream shack in rural Canada. There is a saying I’m sure you have all heard, ‘It’s the ride, not the destination’. A saying that rings true to the biker in all of us. Regardless of where ‘Destination’ takes you, we’re sure you will enjoy the ride.
We have three Destinations for you in this issue. Starting on the east coast in Nova Scotia we have an article sent in by Wendy Nesbitt on a rally that in only three short years has seen enormous growth. Held in the quaint fishing village of Digby, NS, the Wharf Rat Rally was a resounding success for its third year.
Another eastern Destination worth marking your calendar for next year is the Dutch Mason Blues Festival and Motorcycle Lifestyle Show. This year the show found a new home and the new digs mean a long-term commitment with lots of room to grow. If this year’s talent is any indication, they will need that room. Show promoter, David DeWolfe is going to have a hard time to top this year’s performance schedule, but after he let me in on some of the names he is working on for next year’s festival, you will definitely not want to miss it.
The third Destination in this issue moves west to Ontario. The third annual Canadian Biker Build-Off took place in Welland at the end of July this year, a location that proved to be an excellent venue and, as it turns out, the location for the next five years. This event needed stability and I believe they have now found it. Another excellent weekend worthy of marking on your calendar for the 2008 riding season.
And in Western Canada, Misti Hurst and Lesley Gering come through with some day trips worthy of a ride, both on Vancouver Island and the mainland.
Winter Destinations
Speaking of things to see and do, how about the upcoming bike shows across the country? The first of many occurs in Toronto, December 7-9 at the Metro Convention Centre, South Building. The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the first MMIC industry show and the perfect place to see what’s new in motorcycles. All the manufacturers will be in attendance with their 2008 models for you to compare, all under one roof. Friday night, in the Race Café, be sure to catch Johnny Rev and The Pushrods, a Rockabilly trio that heats up the stage with high-energy 50’s and 60’s tunes of various genres. Saturday night, Shovelhead takes to the stage for a round of Classic Rock tunes.
The next two shows, in Toronto and Calgary, play out on the same weekend, January 4-6, 2008. The North American International Motorcycle Supershow is the largest motorcycle retail show in North America. This show expanded last year to cover 425,000 square feet in seven halls at the International Centre on Airport Road in Toronto. This show features various segments of the industry in different halls like Touring and Cruisers, the Industry Showcase Halls, Racing and Performance, Vintage and Classic and the Chopper and Custom Bike Hall. Better plan to spend a whole day at this show because you’ll need it to see it all.
The Calgary Motorcycle Show is the second MMIC industry show of the season taking place in the Roundup Centre, Stampede Park. Much like the Toronto show, if you plan on looking at all the new bikes for the 2008 season, this, and the Edmonton show are the ones to attend in Alberta. Edmonton’s MMIC Show is January 11-13, at the Northlands, Agricom.
Then, moving a little south is the Red Deer Motorcycle Show taking place January 18-20. Lucas Oil sponsors this show and motorcycle legend, Arlen Ness will be the guest builder in attendance for the weekend.
Then it’s off to Abbotsford, BC for the MMIC Vancouver Motorcycle Show January 24-27 at the Tradex Exhibition Centre. This show is always well attended and you can wander the halls for a total of four days straight.
Heading east after Vancouver, the Québec City Motorcycle Show takes place February 8-10 at the Centre de foires de Québec, which is also the same weekend as the London, Ontairio Motorcycle Show, held at the Western Fairgrounds. Following these shows is a brand new show for our Maritime friends in Moncton, NB, February 15-17 at the Moncton Coliseum. Then off to Montreal February 22-24 at the Montreal Convention Centre.
In the spring the National Motorcycle Show at Exhibition Place and the Spring Motorcycle Show at the International Centre, are both in Toronto. When the schedule is almost complete we head to Halifax, NS to once again for the Biker Bash.
Although, for the most part you cannot ride your bike to these shows, they are still destinations to spend some time with like-minded people and to find some deals for the upcoming riding season.
In the end, it is about the ride, but it’s the destination that helps set the mood for the whole riding experience.
