As bike enthusiasts the spouse and I find the winter long.  Living in Prince Edward Island can mean six months or more of too-cold-to-motor weather.  One way to feed the enthusiasm is to attend a bike show.  This year we left the Atlantic coast winter to spend three weeks in Ontario, followed by three months in British Columbia so were able to take in two major shows in one month.  Co-enthusiast Debbie Gamble-Arsenault who edits www.motorcyclepei.com its blog and writes for this and many motorcycle magazines attended two shows in Atlantic Canada.
 
There are many shows to choose from across the country and we are happy to tell you about just four of them. The idea is to inspire you to plan a vacation, or a mini-vacation, around a show or two next winter.
 
I must say it is wonderful to see the new bikes and accessories, but for me the best part is the people you talk to.  Coffee areas are always a great spot to talk mechanics, and that perpetual favourite, the near misses and wow! moments. You also learn how small the world is for people who truly love to tour.  At the Vancouver show we met one chap, wearing an Arctic Circle Yukon hat who says he loves biking in PEI best.  We on the other hand are dreaming of touring the Yukon.  Another fellow, this one from Ontario, seated nearby pipes up, “Say, did you go up those singing sands, past Montague on the Island?” and so the conversation goes. 
 
There is a definite buzz in the air which intensifies as the day goes on.  Talk of trips taken, or being planned, chrome or striping being considered, new bikes..........
 
The new year begins with what is billed as the continent’s largest and most comprehensive motorcycle show, the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW in Toronto, usually held the first weekend of the year.  Being 33 years old in 2009 this show has built a solid reputation.  In 2008, they had more than 50,000 folks go through over three days.  It is spread out so the crowds didn’t seem overwhelming. With 400 exhibitors, four “Accessory Superstores” and staged events spread over seven halls themed  to Touring & Cruisers, Industry Showcases, Racing & Performance,  Classics & Vintage, a Chopper & Custom Bike Showcase and special activities and competitions there was room to move and enjoy.
 
We gals liked 2008’s ‘Fast Women’ theme which provided inspiration through people like; Trillium Muir, world’s fastest woman on a motorcycle; Vicki Gray, founder of Motoress and advocate to women riders; Iron Butt rider Jean Copas, the first Canadian Woman to complete the US Iron Butt Rally; Helen TwoWheels, long distance rider and packing expert from the US; as well as women’s riding clubs like the Chrome Divas, Motor Maids and Iron Cowgirlz. The guys took notice as well!
 
The Canada Cup Championships saw more than 150 showbikes competing for a jackpot of $50,000.
 
Milestone’s at the SUPERSHOW included over 25 manufacturer brands being represented, and a record‑breaking 80 motorcycle riding clubs, user groups and motorcycle associations participating with displays of members’ bikes, from touring and cruising to racing and offroad riding, vintage and marque clubs, and everything in between.  Five separate military groups exhibited including motorcycle veterans’ units and the launch of new rides and rallies in support of our troops.
 
Show dates for 2009 are January 2nd – 4th at the Toronto International Centre.  Further information is available at www.supershowevents.com. I recommend any enthusiast think in terms of a winter break in Toronto to take in the show.  We checked into the Royal York in downtown TO, and enjoyed some night life and shopping during our visit. In fact, to avoid winter driving and related stress, we recommend VIA rail, then a taxi or shuttle to the show.
 
AND ON TO VANCOUVER - CRUISE TO JANUARY SHOW
 
After a totally relaxing and super enjoyable trip across Canada in VIA Rails great passenger train we were amazed to find ourselves in biking weather when we arrived in Vancouver in January.  Far cry from the snow, sleet and ice of the East.  In mid-January we headed out to Abbotsford to take in the Vancouver Motorcycle Show.  One of the big attractions was the sheer number of new bikes on view, but running a close second was the focus on the lifestyle that is proving so popular with those who love to tour.
 
Excitement was high about hosting the first ever Endurocross race in Canada on a specially prepared off-road course outside and inside the TRADEX Centre. This and the fact that a number of exhibitors who couldn’t get booth space indoors set up tents on the lawn outside was a real welcome to Canada’s prime winter destination. 
 
This show too put a focus on women with a “She Rides Nite” and Harley-Davidson Garage Party opening night event for women who want to learn more about motorcycles and the riding lifestyle.  Of course there were fashion shows which to my delight featured the guys from the Firefighters Calendar and pets among the models.
 
One thing that really impressed me at this show was the presence of resorts, campgrounds and tourism folks eager to welcome bikers.  One, the Valhalla Inn in New Denver, BC has put together a number of packages which include tours of various lengths with accommodation.  Reps from the North, as well as communities like Revelstoke just made us long to hit the road.  That feeling intensified when we hit the Ural display with sidecars just beckoning.  My soon-to-be-operated on knee is positive it could rest quite comfortably in a side car.
 
All in all, this is a great show made ever more special by the glorious mountains forming a backdrop for green fields in January.  Ya Gotta Love It!
 
 

MONCTON MOTORCYCLE AND ATV SHOW CHROME & LEATHER HEAVEN

The doldrums of February didn’t have a chance against the chrome and leather heaven which took over Moncton Coliseum in mid‑February.

Our representatives were there to take part in what was one of the biggest showsin Atlantic Canada to date.  Thousands of people streamed through the gates to view the offerings from most of the major manufacturers (Honda, H‑D, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Buell, Ducati, Triumph, Victory), as well as the over 90 booths and displays from M/C organizations, rallies, rides, M/C supply companies, and big names like Orange County Choppers.

In addition, folks could put their name in a draw for one of the following: a Kodiak 450 ATV, a FZ6 or a V‑Star Silverado.  Wow!

The Yamaha Riding Academy for kids was present, and what a blast it was, watching the little gaffers get their first taste of riding, coached along by the attendants, around the indoor track.  From the popularity of the Academy, there are a lot of new riders coming into the ranks in the future!

Of course, there were bikes galore to admire and drool over, from the more traditional models to show bikes, to the 7XJ Trike, a 3‑wheeled, 6‑speed automatic speedster.  Street bikes, dirt bikes, touring bikes, show bikes, even mini‑bikes; you name it, and it was there!  Lots of opportunities for photos, too, and the cameras were flashing almost non‑stop.

If you didn’t get to the show this year, keep it in mind, and DON’T miss it next year!

SHOW AT CHARLOTTETOWN’S CIVIC CENTRE A MARCH BLAST

March came in like a lamb, and went out with a blast as the inaugeral PEI Motorcycle Show blew into the Charlottetown Civic Centre.

Mike Hill, President of PEI Sportbikes.com, was thrilled with the turn‑out at the show.  “I was hoping for attendance of 600,” Hill said, “But at the end of the show, over 1800 people had come through the gates.  We also sold over 100 tickets on our sportbike raffle for the IWK.” The lucky winner of the 2008 charity bike raffle was Lowell Webb.

A welcome presence at this show was the presence of a number of Island motorcycle association booths and displays, such as the GWRRA, the Red Knights (for current or retired firefighters), the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers, Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Association, the Christian Bikers Association, etc.  It gave the show a real sense of “community” which is sometimes missed at other shows.

Of course, there was a large number of bikes on display: the Island dealers were all in attendance, with over 15 bikes per dealer, and there was lots of chromed eye‑candy to view, with over 50 specialty and vintage bikes, including the O.C.C. chopper.  (There were even inflatable rides for the kids, provided by G & G Amusements.)

One of the most popular bikes was the “Canadian Proud” bike owned by Danny Birt of Stratford.  This eye‑catching ride displays military motifs and war scenes to remind people of the sacrifices that their forefathers have made towards their freedom. The way the bike was displayed was inventive, also: mounted on a turntable, lit by lots of spotlights, and with camouflage netting behind and on the floor. Awesome!

All in all, the show was a huge success, and one can only hope that next year will see a repeat of this fabulous event, only even bigger and better!