Cranbrook, British Columbia
Rumble strip
HOG call for Harley riders
The bike parade: Cranbrook’s main street was graced by these impressive machines —Kris Lindblad photo
Anyone who owns an iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle will tell you that it is more than a brand—it’s a lifestyle. There’s a mystique about a Harley, a reverence, and even those who don’t know the difference between a dirt bike and a street bike can identify a chopper just by looking at it or hearing the distinctive growl.
The Harley Owners Group (HOG) members are devoted to the bike, to riding and to making a difference in the communities in which they live. And they are equally committed to nurturing the worldwide community of over 1.1 million HOG members in 135 countries.
Caring for the community
“HOG is a family-oriented motorcycle club—the largest company-sponsored motorcycle club in the world,” said Guy Liboiron, the media relations co-ordinator for the HOG chapter in Cranbrook, B.C. “We do a lot of volunteering and (raise) donations for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, for children in families who have medical needs…and for the Salvation Army.”
Club treasurer Don Simpson said the club also does what it can to increase safety and rider awareness for all motorcyclists.
“When we organize longer rides, we go to all the other dealerships in town and invite their memberships to join us on longer rides,” said Simpson. “We’re looking to support safe riding and riding camaraderie. When you’re on a motorcycle, you’re a pretty small, insignificant speck on the highway, so the more people you have riding, the more visibility you have as a group.”
The Cranbrook HOGs have been making a difference to charities and riders in the East Kootenay area for a quarter of a century; the club celebrated its 25th year in 2008. This year it is marking the milestone by inviting HOG members from around the world to the 10th Western Regional HOG Rally taking place July 16 to 18. The gathering will bring together more than 600 riders, who will share ideas on community fundraising, take part in a poker run and enjoy some of the best riding in Canada.
Liboiron said the rally is generating a lot of excitement among HOG riders across North America. They’ve been receiving inquiries about the weekend from Wisconsin, Colorado and New Jersey as well as from clubs in Eastern Canada.
“Some of the best riding in North America is right here in our backyard,” said Cranbrook HOG Chapter director Jona-than Salken.
Riding is, of course, the most important part of being a HOG member, and Liboi-ron said there is no finer bike on the highway.
“We like to say there are two types of riders: those who are Harley riders and those who want to be,” said Liboiron.
“There is no feeling like riding a Harley,” agreed Simpson. “There’s a balance and a feel that you don’t get with any other motorcycle. They’re so finely tuned and they just become a part of you.”
There is an undeniable prestige associated with a Harley, and Simpson said any stop en route will always bring passersby who want look at the bike.
Wayne Schell, the rally co-ordinator, said the mystery surrounding Harleys can protect them from petty thieves.
“You can leave your stuff on a Harley—your helmet, your gloves—and people come around and look but nobody will touch,” said Schell.
Although the Western Regional HOG Rally is only open to HOG members, anyone can attend the show-and-shine and skill-testing events to see some of the visiting bikes and their owners up close.
Events:
July 16 » Meet and greet
Pre-registration for the 10th Western Regional HOG Rally takes place at the Heritage Inn in Cranbrook.
July 17 » Opening ceremonies
The Cranbrook Curling Rink will be the site of most of the events, including the opening ceremonies.
July 17 » Observation run
Riders will see why the Kootenay region is ranked as one of the best riding areas in North America as they visit points of interest such as Fort Steele Heritage Town, Marysville Falls, Kimberley’s Platzl and the Kootenay River Trout Hatchery.
July 17 » Show and shine
The public will get a chance to see some of these prestigious bikes at the Cranbrook Curling Rink.
July 18 » HOG parade
The streets of Cranbrook will rumble when 600 Harleys fire to life and roll through the city.
July 18 » Poker run
This is sure to be a memorable event for HOG riders and observers.
July 18 » Skills and games
HOG riders get the chance to show off their skills.
July 18 » Closing ceremonies
The night will include a banquet, awards ceremony and live music to end the rally.
Info:
British Columbia key contacts
HOW DOES SNOWMOBILING AFFECT CARIBOU?
As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.
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Kootenay Rockies
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