The roar of the mighty motorcycle is very commonplace on our highways and bi-ways nowadays, but these magnificent and often noisy machines have also enjoyed a very long and colorful history throughout the world. Likely, the first appearance of the powered cycles was an 1860s steam powered model, followed by the initial self-propelled three-wheeled Butler Velocyle in England in 1884, and then finally a powerful internal combustion petroleum fuelled motorcycle, which was designed in Germany in 1885.
At the turn of the century, the first commercial motorcycles came rolling off the production lines in great numbers and models under the company names of Royal Enfield, BMW, Triumph and on and on. Triumph got into the motorcycle business in 1902 producing a bicycle fitted with a Belgium engine, and then the famous Indian appeared on the scene in 1907 and became so popular it would be selling 32,000 bikes a year by 1913. The Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company, which hit the road in 1903, became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1920, and would go on to break the land speed record of 183 miles per hour in 1937. By the 1930s, 80 different models of motorcycles were available throughout the world, many of which were used extensively during the wars as well as by police departments.
As the years progressed, Japanese giants such as Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki were making a tremendous impression on the very lucrative international market, while the industry continues to be frantic today with countless flashy two-, three- and four-wheel models that come with many extra perks and amazing power.
Preserving the classy vintage motorcycles
The Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) was formed in 1968 by Peter Gagan and a group of other enthusiasts who were interested in sharing their interest in old bikes as well as being dedicated to the ongoing preservation, maintenance, restoration, and keeping records. Of course, they were also having lots of fun cruising and pampering those unique and magnificent models, many of which have been on the road for well over a century. From the first 13 who attended that initial meeting, the CVMG now has more than 2100 members in 31 active clubs across Canada, who own over 7000 motorcycles covering 200 different makes.
Central Vintage Club to host 18th rally in Ponoka
The Central Alberta Vintage Motorcycle Group is very excited about hosting their 18th annual Ponoka Vintage Summer Rally at the Ponoka Stampede grounds on Friday-Saturday and Sunday-July 25-26 and 27, 2014. This year’s theme is ‘Saluting the Single Cylinder’, and, as usual, a whole bunch of rambunctious men, women, and their families from the four western provinces and locally will ride into town and show off their flashy ‘wheels’ on the grounds and around town for three great days. This gala weekend of fun also includes free camping on the grounds, showers, a motorcycle parade around town, and much more for the whole family.
All of these vintage bike owners of all ages are real friendly characters who take a whole lot of pride in their motorcycles and the activities of the club, and love to share that free spirit with everyone else, including other biking buddies and rally spectators. Glen Turple, 86, of Red Deer, has been riding motorcycles since the 1930s, logging more than a million miles, and will likely be back in Ponoka next weekend to join in on the keen fun and camaraderie.
Some of the many events planned at the Ponoka show, rain or shine, will be a chili cook-off and meet and greet on Friday; rides, displays, bike games and skills, poker run, show-n-shine (3 to 6 p.m.), and a steak supper, which will also feature Men’s and Women’s Motorcycle Jeopardy; and then on Sunday there will be a pan-cake breakfast and the annual award presentations.
The Central Vintage Motorcycle Club also comes together to take part in many year-round activities, including ice-racing, and tailgate swap meets in April (Red Deer) and October, which feature over 170 tables of memorabilia, displays, and souvenirs, with a portion of the funds raised going towards special community causes.
Spectators are always welcome to stroll through the grounds, enjoy all the action, as well as chat with the participants and see their amazing vintage machines, toys, and accessories up close and personal. Those wishing to enter their motorcycle into the rally weekend or sign up for the chili-cook-off or steak supper can visit the registration booth on the grounds on Friday and Saturday, or contact Bill Hoar at Phone 403-396-9915 (bill.hoar@cciwireless.ca) or Skinny at phone 403-783-4686 (skinnys@telusplanet.net)