The Kelowna Dirt Bike Club has re-scheduled the Fall opening of Bear Creek MX Track for September 12. Crews were delayed preparing the track by inclement weather but will have the track in top shape for the Fall season. See you then!

From CBC News…

 An Australian man photographed riding his motorcycle with a barbecue strapped to his body was fined $800 for careless driving.

Michael Wiles, 29, who pleaded guilty Wednesday in Melbourne Magistrates Court, said he was carrying the barbecue while riding on the freeway in January 2008 because he had found it at the side of the road and wanted to take it home, the Melbourne Herald-Sun reported.

Authorities said Wiles’s vision was partially obscured by the steel grate of the barbecue.

Besides the fine, Wiles had his license revoked for one month.

Roughly 20-thousand dollars worth of motorcycles and related gear were ripped off from a Kelowna business last weekend–and now, the business owner says he’ll pay a 3-thousand dollar reward, to anyone whose information helps solve those thefts.

Ken Plowman, who owns ‘Keep Ridin’ Motorsports’ at Gordon and Clement, says the late Saturday or early-Sunday break-in cost him four motorcycles and a lot of rare or valuable gear, like imported riding pants, helmets, jerseys and goggles.

Anyone with useful info is urged to call the Kelowna RCMP, or Crimestoppers.

MotorcyGalz are pleased to announce that retired race professional, Kathy Hubble, has joined our team. Kathy brings with her years of expertise, knowledge and instruction to MotorcyGalz. Check out Kathy’s full bio under ‘Who we are’ and stay tuned as MotorcyGalz news just got even better!

A biker has serious injuries after taking an unexpected ride on the back of a semi-trailer truck west of Calgary.

R-C-M-P say the 37-year-old man and the semi were eastbound on the Trans-Canada Highway last evening when the motorcycle ran into the back of the big rig.

The man was flipped onto the rear fender of the semi where he rode for about half a kilometre before a motorist alerted the truck driver that he was carrying some extra cargo.

The biker is in a Calgary hospital and his injuries are considered life-threatening.

A Saskatoon city councillor has been threatened for wanting to reduce motorcycle noise.

Bob Pringle says he has received at least three anonymous voice mails from someone threatening his own personal safety.

Pringle says if the threats persist he will go to police.

He says most people in Saskatoon are in favour of limiting motorbike noise.

THE CANADIAN PRESS
HAMILTON, Ont. — A Hamilton, Ont. man is facing several charges after taking an early-morning motorcycle ride wearing nothing but a T-shirt.
Police spotted the nearly-nude 40-year-old going down a city street dotted with shops and homes at around 4 a.m. on Sunday.
The man tried to get away once he saw an officer, momentarily losing control of his bike before steadying himself and speeding away.
Police caught up with the nearly nude man a short time later. He tried to flee on foot, but was arrested close to his home after a brief struggle.
Acting Staff Sgt. David Hennick said the man had been drinking, but was not impaired.
Despite his nudity, the pants-free rider was not charged with indecent exposure.
“No one else was around, it was just the officer and the accused,” said Hennick.
“It is kind of bizarre,” he chuckled.
The man faces several charges, including flight from police, dangerous driving and failing to wear a helmet.

Had a great weekend in the Okanagan Sunshine!

Managed to sneak out early Saturday morning for a burn to Penticton…holy crap…are there ever a lot of bikes on the roads these days.  Love riding between 8 and 10 in the morning during the hot summer days…it’s not so blazing in my all black (I know…what was I thinking?) gear…and definitely fewer vehicles on the road. 

Had been feeling a bit shakey on the bike last week.  Still having trouble pushing through those corners at higher speed.  Chatted with Kathy Hubble Friday night about that…she said “relax and loosen up your arms”  Kathy is a racer and stunt rider…I listen to that girl when it comes to riding tips.  Her words of wisdom and my burn Saturday morning definitely helped ease up the stress and I find when I lean forward over the tank and let my elbows drop…I much more comfy. 

Saw one of those riders that make us all look bad on Friday afternoon.  Tank top, shorts, supersport bike…he pulled up on 2 intersections in a row…at the first intersection on the right side of 2 lanes of traffic…then at the 2nd intersection in the left hand turn lane.  As both lights changed he jumped ahead of highway traffic.  Then on the 2nd intersection where he was in the left hand turn lane then jumped back in to the two highway lanes of traffic ahead of the vehicles…he pulled a huge wheelie and ran on his back tire for at least 100 feet.  Crazy and stupid!  Keep it on the track buddy…that kind of stupid then stunt riding on a major highway past at least 50 cars is why there’s so little sympathy when a rider crashes.  Grow up a$%^&*e!!!

Tomorrow we’re heading to Valley Moto Sport to take out 3 bikes for a ride.  Marissa, Kathy and I will take turns driving all three and let you know what we think.  Not sure what we’re taking out yet…but watch out for three crazy MotorcyGalz on the road tomorrow!!!

Jazz

 We can’t reiterate enough to pay attention to the wildlife signs you see on the road. These pictures were taken yesterday on Westside Road where the local herd seems to like to surprise you. I know it is challenging, but lower your speed because when you come around a corner, there they are. Twice we have ridden this road, and both times, the sheep have surprised us by being on the road. Take caution!

This is just one of the many road signs you are going to be seeing as you travel West. Believe it or not, it starts in Vernon with Highway 97 torn up right through the City.

It doesn’t get much better after that. Major road construction pretty much all the way through BC and even Banff and Calgary are getting a road overhaul. As for the Prairies, well, right through to Winnipeg you will have to be alert for road conditions.

Scenery on the other hand is spectacular and then so are the bugs at dusk! Travel safe

A weekend accident on a highway in Washington state has reportedly killed a Kelowna motorcycle rider.

59-year old Ralf Pfob of Kelowna apparently crossed the centre line Saturday on Washington’s State Highway-25 in Stevens County, and ran head on into an oncoming pickup truck and travel trailer.

The truck driver wasn’t hurt, but the Kelowna rider was declared dead at the scene.

—-

The Montana Highway Patrol says a 46-year-old Canadian man has died in a motorcycle crash in southeastern Montana.

The patrol says the man was in a group of three motorcyclists who were eastbound on U.S. 212 near Ashland at about 2 p.m. Sunday.

The man failed to negotiate a left hand curve and lost control of the motorcycle on the soft shoulder.

He was thrown from the bike and landed in the ditch.

The Coaldale, Alberta man was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.

 The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is celebrating its 70th anniversary in the U.S.

The six-day event officially kicks off today in western South Dakota.

It’s expected to attract as many as 750,000 people, likely making it home to the highest concentration ever of chrome, leather and tattoos.

But these days, you’re more apt to run into a hog-riding orthodontist than a motorcycle outlaw.

After seven decades, the rally has morphed from a small race to a rowdy gathering of biker gangs to a weeklong party of biking enthusiasts from around the globe.

Some come for the concerts, while others simply want to gawk at expensive toys.

The rally began in 1938 as a venue for racing and stunts. It continued every year except for two during World War II.

Just an FYI for riders heading East on the Trans Canada – the road seems to be under construction from Revelstoke to Banff. The sheep herd in Golden is hanging out with traffic on both ends of the city and you can expect at least a 30 minute or longer delay after Golden as only one way traffic travels at a time. Make sure you have water with you for this section because standing in that heat will shed a few pounds for sure. If you continue to the Prairies, the Pronhorn sheep are very close to the highway near dusk so head off the road as the sun goes down (not to mention that the mosquitos are rampant making it difficult to see). No rain yet. Ride safe!

(Motorcycle-Hits-Cruiser)

A motorcycle rider has suffered serious injuries after smashing into the back of an R-C-M-P cruiser.

Police say the cruiser was stopped Highway 22-X near Rockyview yesterday afternoon waiting behind another vehicle that was waiting to turn left.

The 51-year-old motorcycle rider was thrown from the bike but his injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening.

The officer in the cruiser was not injured.

Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Kelowna Man

On Tuesday July 20, 2010 at approximately 09:00 pm five friends riding motorcycles were returning to Kelowna along Highway 33.

Two of the riders lost control of their motorcycles and crashed approximately 10 km’s north of Beaverdell.

One rider, a 38 year old male, died at the scene while the other rider, a 44 year old male, was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Highway 33 was closed in both directions for four hours while the Central Okanagan Traffic Services and Traffic Re-constructionist performed their scene investigation.

The BC Coroner Service is also involved.

At this point contributing factors appear to be speed and alcohol however the investigation is continuing.

The name of the deceased male is not being released pending notification of all next of kin.

The Kelowna RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call Constable Chad LUCASH of the Central Okanagan Traffic Services (250) 980-5353.

Quebec-born, Hamilton-raised music producer Daniel Lanois says the motorcycle accident he endured last month in California nearly killed him.

Lanois tells The Canadian Press the crash left him with a fractured collarbone, pelvis and six broken ribs.

But he says the biggest problem he’s facing now is internal bleeding, with the threat of blood pooling around his lungs.

He says he’s been mobile again for the past 10 days, however, and has been overwhelmed by support from fans.

And even as he deals with a life-threatening injury, the Grammy winner has put himself back to work.

He says he’s been busy producing Neil Young’s next album, which he says might be some of the legendary Toronto-born rocker’s best work yet.

Aerosmith is expected to continue on with its scheduled concert dates — despite some bumps and bruises suffered by guitarist Joe Perry.

He was rear-ended by a car while riding his motorcycle in Massachusetts.

Police in Middleborough say Perry’s 2009 Ducati Monster 696 was hit from behind by a car driven by a 62-year-old woman.

Perry was taken to a hospital, and though the nature of his injures wasn’t disclosed, he was released a couple of hours later.

The woman who struck Perry’s bike wasn’t injured, but she was cited for following too closely.

Grand Debut of the Harley-Davidson® XR 1200® Motorcycle

The Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada supported Ruthless Racing Inc. Team came away from the fourth and fifth rounds of the Parts Canada Superbike series with some strong results.

Practice for the double-header weekend was held yesterday, with qualifying scheduled for today, but unfortunately a torrential downpour followed by steady rain caused the organizers to rate today as a practice day only and the dry track practice times were used to establish both the qualifying times and the National Championship grids.

In the Pro Sportbike class, Dave Estok, riding a BuellTM 1125RTM bike, had recorded fourth-fastest time and would start from the front row of the field of nineteen riders. Olivier Spilborghs rode the #77 BuellTM XB9R bike to the second-fastest position in K&N Filters Sport Twins qualifying – just 0.776 seconds behind BuellTM XB12R rider Robert Busby. Team owner Darren James debuted the new Harley-Davidson® XR 1200® motorcycle in competition and qualified the brand-new machine in eighth place in a group of fifteen competitors.

In the races, both Dave Estok and Darren James displayed their very experienced riding skills, and the sound of the BuellTM 1125RTM motorcycle contrasted with the high-revving Japanese brands. In Saturday’s race, Estok scored a fourth place and James followed in fifth. On Sunday, the team captured fifth and sixth, as Estok slipped one position in the finishing order, and once again James followed suit. Estok commented on both days: “Saturday was great. I wasn’t happy that I almost threw it away in turn ten, and I could’ve been closer to the leaders, but I’m real happy with the results. It’s the best race I’ve had here.” Estok was not so enthused after his fifth place in the Sunday final. “I feel like I owe the team an apology. I don’t know what happened, ’cause I’m usually really good on the start, but they caught me sleeping. My hat goes off to Rod Matechuk for doing such a great job on the bike. He and the team deserved better – I should have made it to the podium.”

Spilborghs placed second in both of the Canadian Sport Twins finals but was closer to the win on Saturday. “It was close,” Olivier confirmed. “I was strong in areas and could close on him, and then he [Busby] would pull me where his bike was strong. I had a chance at him in the final turns, but couldn’t get it done.” On Sunday, an inspired Spilborghs tried once more, but to no avail. “I passed Busby early, ’cause I didn’t want him to gap me, but then I screwed up down in Moss’ and he got by. Then I missed a shift and that was all he needed. I guess if I’m going to get beat, it’s okay to get beat by a BuellTM [bike],” he said laughing.

Ruthless Racing Inc.’s Darren James summed up his Sport Twins experience: “The bikes are really coming along, and I went faster on Sunday than I did on Saturday, so that’s good. It was actually a very good weekend for us. David is strong in the points and showing real well against the Japanese sport bikes, and Ov still has a real chance at the championship in the Twins class. I’m happy that we’re getting beat by a BuellTM [bike]; Busby is really riding well this year.”

James showed sadness as he reluctantly confirmed that race technician Dave Murphy would be leaving the team, after many years of service. A clearly emotional Murphy also confirmed the news and commented, “I’ve been doing this for half my life. You gotta hang it up sometime, and the time has come. I’ve worked with the greatest riders in Canada over the years, and I think that to end my career now, on a high note working for Deeley, is appropriate. I’ll miss it for sure. Like I said, half my life has been spent doing this. It’s time for some R&R.”

The Ruthless Racing Inc. team sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada will see action again at the final two rounds of the 2010 Parts Canada Superbike Series, to be held at Atlantic Motorsport Park near Halifax, Nova Scotia, from August 5 through August 8. For more information, please refer to www.cdnsuperbike.com.

A 57 year old Vancouver man is in serious condition as a result of a collision between the motorcycle he was riding and a semi tractor trailer.

The collision happened around 2:45 p.m. on July 7th when two bicyclists riding side by side, who were occupying the slow lane of  Hwy 97 northbound, were encountered by a Semi that was traveling in the same lane.

The semi was able to slow down to avoid hitting the cyclists from behind, however, a motorcycle rider who was traveling behind the semi was not so fortunate. The Motorcycle collided with the rear of the semi and burst into flames.

The rider, who was thrown from the motorcycle, was rushed to hospital with serious internal injuries but is expected to survive. His BMW touring bike was totally destroyed.

The semi was not damaged and neither of the occupants were injured. The bicyclists stopped for a short period of time but then left the scene.

The RCMP reminds cyclists to not occupy the traveled portion of the roadway that is meant for motor vehicles. Use the shoulder of the roadway and ride single file, not side by side.

Cst. Steve Holmes

Media Relations Officer

Kelowna  Detachment

MotorcyGalz has debuted in SNAP Okanagan this month! We will be out there ‘SNAP’ ing photos of riders for this new feature! Look for us each month on a different bike models with SNAPs of you! Pick up your copy today.

pic from X17online

Tori Spelling’s husband, Dean McDermott, has done it again.

He’s been hurt in a motorcycle accident. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

But right now he’s in intensive care with a punctured, collapsed lung.

Details of the crash haven’t been released.

If you followed “Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” this past season, you know how upset Spelling was when her husband got hurt and crashed his motorcycle on a track while practicing for a race.

She said he had an “obsession” with motorcycle racing.

That crash was in January.

Rene Cormier pictured with his BMW 650 GS

University of Gravel Roads author, Rene Cormier, has earned a bronze medal in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Category: Travel Essay

Cormier published his account of his four year adventure himself through his company Renedian Adventures Ltd. He made a pit stop in Kelowna a short while ago before a crowd of adventure enthusiasts to discuss his travels and sign his book. Copies are available at Chapters.

University of Gravel Roads

The awards program was first launched in 1996 as the first unaffiliated awards program open exclusively to independent, university, and self-published titles. This year’s awards were presented to winners at a gala celebration in New York City on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

This year’s awards attracted 3,890 entries, and the medalists represent 42 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, seven Canadian provinces, and six countries overseas.

The fourth annual Harley-Davidson raffle fundraiser held by the Kelowna & District Safety Council came to a close on Father’s Day.  On  June 20^th at 3 p.m., the winning ticket was chosen by random draw at the Boyd’s Father’s Day Auto Show in Kelowna City Park in front of dozens of hopeful ticket holders.

John Wright of Kelowna was the winner of the 2010 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe and a 2010 Learn to Ride course from the Kelowna & District Safety Council.  The total prize value is $24,765.78.

Mr. Wright purchased one $20 ticket from volunteers selling tickets at Rona.  Unsure of whether or not he’ll keep the bike, he plans on taking KDSC’s Learn to Ride course and getting his motorcycle license.

KDSC thanks everyone who purchased tickets for this fundraiser – visit www.kdsc.bc.ca.

From the RCMP:

A serious crash involving a lone motorcycle on Highway 97 near Cornwall Rd in Lake Country has one man in hospital.

At 4:20 am this morning, a truck driver came across a motorcycle off the road and in the ditch on the right hand side with the male rider on the ground.

Investigation reveals that the motorcycle rider drove off the road to the right and lost control.

It appears that there are no other vehicles involved as there is no debris or markings on the road.

The male driver was transported to Vernon Royal Jubilee Hospital and is in critical condition.

Police are not able to confirm the identity of the rider because he wasn’t carrying any identification.

The registered owner is an adult male from Kelowna.

Few details are known at this time and police are yet to determine if speed and or alcohol are contributing factors.

Police continue to investigate and are encouraging any witnesses to call Lake Country RCMP (250) 766-2288.

KELOWNA, B.C. — A motorcyclist riding with his teenage son on the back has been killed after a collision with a deer on Highway 33 in the southern B.C. Interior.
Police said the motorcyclist was about 10 kilometres north of Beaverdell, B.C., Saturday morning when a deer crossed the road and hit the motorbike.
The motorcyclist, who was a resident of Grand Forks, died of his injuries, and his male passenger was taken to Kelowna General Hospital, treated for minor injuries and released.
Police say that neither alcohol nor speed was determined to be a contributing factor in the accident.
Ed Desaulniers, who manages the Beaverdell store, said the pair had visited his shop minutes before the crash.
Kelowna RCMP remind motorists to always be vigilant on the roadway with regards to animals crossing the road, advice echoed by Desaulniers.
“This whole highway is a bad stretch for hitting deer,” he said.
“People need to slow down when deer come up on the shoulder. Go slow in case you have to stop quick.”
Desaulniers said he travels the highway three times a week and sees a lot of vehicle-deer collisions.
“They dart out and ram the side of the vehicle. It’s very seldom I see a vehicle hit a deer head-on, except if it’s a transport truck,” he said.

Online tributes are pouring in for a 29-year-old Castlegar, B.C., man considered to be one of the world’s top skateboarders.

Nelson City Police Inspector Hanry Paivarinta confirms the body of Joshua Evin was pulled out of the Kootenay canal in southeastern B.C., late Monday afternoon.

Evin and a 37-year-old passenger were hurled into the fast-moving water early Sunday morning when Evin missed a sharp curve as he drove his newly-purchased motorcycle along the road hugging the canal.

Paivarinta says speed appears to be a factor.

He says the passenger, formerly from Nelson but now living in Vancouver, was lucky to scramble out of the treacherous water.

Evin was a sponsored, professional skateboarder who also owned the Black Russian skateboard shop in Castlegar.

James

CONCORD, Ontario (June 14, 2010) – Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is proud to announce that Don James, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is one of the eight to be inducted into the 2010 Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This honourable recognition will be presented by the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) at the 5th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet & Reunion, to be held on November 6, 2010, at the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia.

“The combination of Don’s love for Canada, his true passion for the sport of motorcycling, and his unquestionable business acumen make him a central figure on the Canadian motorcycling scene – and an excellent candidate for the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” states Malcolm Hunter, President & Chief Operating Officer at Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada.

Founded by Bar and Hedy Hodgson in 1999, the Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation exists to preserve and protect Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was added to the Foundation operations in 2005, with the first inductions made in May of 2006 to include two other extraordinary members of the Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada family – Trev Deeley and Ray Gref.

During their demo days back in May, Honda collected $10 per demo rider and decided to give that to charity.

Their charity of choice is Power 104’s Kids Care.

Kid’s Cares purpose is, “to benefit children of the Central Okanagan by identifying their special needs and requirements and then developing plans and programs to meet them.”

Kids Care is operated as a public service with Power 104/Q-103.1 and area TD Canada Trust Bank branches. As a result there are no operating costs associated to the charity-the partners pay all costs. Every dollar raised for Kids Care goes directly to the designated project. A volunteer advisory council takes responsibility for the success of Kids Care.

Kids Care began operations on May 5, 1995. Since then, the organization has raised about $1.4 million in support of children in the Okanagan.

Kelowna Honda Powerhouse has generously passed along just under $400 to Kids Care.

Thank you Alan and Kristin and all the staff at Kelowna Honda Powerhouse!!!