Had a great visit with my friends at Valley Moto Sport yesterday.

Sending Yvonne big hugs – she wrecked her knee dirtbiking Sunday but you’ll still see her around the shop – hobbling around.

Barry says they have the new Kawasaki Ninja 400 in both locations now.  One has been built in the Kelowna store…and next week another should be put together in the West Kelowna store.

Looking forward to taking it for a spin…along with a bunch of others sometime next week.

Aggressive Ninja image blended with the fashion sense and chic sophistication of a modern street bike

Full-fairing bodywork adds a measure of wind protection

High attention to the smallest details results in the same high quality and finish as our Ninja 650R

MotoGP inspired multi-function display includes fuel gauge, digital speedometer and bar-style digital tachometer.

Built-in front turn signals

Under-engine muffler

LED tail lamp

Rear inner fender

Sculpted swingarm

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

Bernie Ryan offers a pleasant, relaxed 4 hour course, where he shows you what you should and need to know about maintaining your modern motorcycle.

All the questions you were too afraid or embarrassed to ask the service manager!

Some of what he will cover;

Basic maintenance of your tires, chain and sprockets, battery, cables, carburetors, etc.

Adjustment of drive chain, cables, levers, suspension and foot controls.

How to ‘boost’ a battery safely, change bulbs, check your oil, and change your oil, etc.

How to store your bike to avoid the springtime nightmare.

And much more.

He will go from the tires to the brake lever, and everything in between.

It is a basic course, for those who aren’t sure how to care for their motorcycles, or would just like to learn more.

He doesn’t teach you how to do a tune-up, but you will find it interesting.

Bernie has been teaching this course for 12 years, riding for 28 years, a licensed mechanic for 20 years, and involved in racing for 25 years.

The class is relaxed, fun, and informative.

The students are allowed to laugh at him, but not each other!

The cost is a donation to Power 104’s Kids Care.

Kid’s Care 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 by radio station Power 104 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.

The class is limited to just 10 women at a time…so register ASAP.

To reserve your spot, call Kathy, Sean or Kent at

Innovative Motorsports

#12 727 Stremel Rd

Kelowna, BC V1X 5E6

Phone: 250-765-9457

P.S. You don’t need a bike, be an expert with a wrench, and there’s no test!

Tuesday August 24th

5:30 to 9:30 pm

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!

Kelowna Daily Courier – July 30 PDF

Kelowna Daily Courier – July23

Rotarians, Riders, Friends – you are invited by your friends at the Kelowna Capri and the Lake Country Rotary Clubs to join fellow Riders from across Western Canada and the U-S.

They will be rallying in Kelowna, B-C on August 21st to Ride the Rock – treating motorcycle riders to a journey through the volcanic formed, glacier carved Okanagan Valley.

Hosted in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, the Ride to the Rock will provide a day long journey that twists through sub-alpine hills, along vineyard and orchard vistas skirting the beautiful valley bottom lakes.

This Year’s Ride to the Rock will start Saturday morning at 9 AM for registration at the Kelowna Curling Club (coffee will be available) – afterward riders will saddle-up for a staggered start.

At day’s end, riders and friends will finish back at the Kelowna Curling Club to relax to an informal dinner and an evening of fellowship.

Join them for a fun filled weekend.

Registration Fee:

$25 single / $50 rider w. passenger.

$25 – dinner only

Proceeds from Ride to the Rock will support Rotary’s End Polio Now – the last hurdle campaign

Registration Fee includes: Ride to the Rock kit and a BBQ dinner on Saturday evening.

(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.

The 10th Anniversary Motorcycle Ride for Dad’s Celebration Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime national event that links the Military Families Fund and Motorcycle Ride for Dad, a grass-roots national movement of people who have a shared passion for motorcycling and prostate cancer awareness.

Starting in windswept St. John’s Newfoundland on August 1st and finishing in Victoria on August 29th, an Army of Chrome and leather will weave its way through the Canadian heartland spreading the twin messages of Prostate Cancer awareness and Support for our Troops.

Some riders will be doing the whole trip, some will join for the local segment.

The Mountain Stage is the seventh and final stage of the Tour across Canada to celebrate the Motorcycle Ride for Dad’s ten year fight against prostate cancer.

A Tour that also highlighted the support of all Canadians for our troops.

It begins in Edmonton.

Before they tackle the mountains, they will leave Edmonton, the City of Champions and head straight south to the Stampede City, Calgary.

They will meet with our Calgary Chapter before heading on to Banff for the night.

The Mountain Stage is 8 days of what arguably could be the most beautiful scenery in Canada.

They head into the foothills from Calgary, and swing north west through Banff and the famous Lake Louise before heading west into the Rogers Pass through the Selkirk Mountains to Revelstoke.

They turn south and follow the course of the beautiful Columbia River, crossing Upper Arrow Lake on a ferry and swinging south east across the Central Kootneys to the Slocan River valley and on to Nelson.

They travel further south and west across the top of the US border before swing back north up the West Kettle River valley to Kelowna and a meet with the Okanagan Chapter.

They travel north up the Okanagan valley to rejoin Hwy.#1 at Salmon Arm and a swing west into Kamloops.

Leaving Kamloops traveling west they swing south down the Thompson & Fraser River Valleys to Hope, and then south west to Chilliwack for a lunchtime meet with the Westcoast Chapter.

They continue west from there to Delta.

On the last day they head north from Delta through Vancouver to the ferry at Horseshoe Bay, and crossing to Vancouver Island at Nanaimo.

Finally they travel south down the island on Hwy.#1 Langford and a parade into CFB Esquimalt for the End of Tour Celebration.

Hockey ikon Don Cherry and retired General Rick Hillier are co-chairs of the ride.

Donate at www.ridefordadcanada.org

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.

Kelowna Daily Courier – July 16

Thanks to Wendy Dyck for sending us these photos.

Next event is Sept 12th at Becker Mountain in Vernon.

Directions to the race site will be posted two weeks prior to the race on their website.

www.ohssracing.com

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.

From July 20th to 24th, 2010 the British Motorcycle Owners Association (BMOC) Okanagan Chapter, along with the Vancouver Chapter, is hosting the International Norton Owners Association (INOA) annual motorcycle rally in Lumby.  The public is invited on Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m. in Lumby City Park. Come and participate in vintage Norton motorcyle games and then take in a Norton vintage bike show.

The new 2010 Norton 961 Sport will be on hand for viewing. This is the first production Norton motorcyle since the 1970’s. Check it out online at www.nortoncanada.ca

Peter Howes, president of Norton Canada, says the new Norton 961 arrives in Toronto July 14 and he will personally transport it directly for unveiling at the Nortoroius Rally in Lumby before touring BC and Alberta with the new machine.

There are currently 150 registered from all over the globe and at least 300 participants are expected.

Visit the event site at www.bmoc.ca/Nortorious or click nortonSchedule for a schedule of events.

July9 – Suzuki

July2 – Ducati

John DeHoop took his last ride on a Harley.

The Minnesota biker loved all things Harley, from his tattoo to his motorcycle.

So, his widow, Kathy, says she complied with John’s wish for a Harley hearse.

About 75 bikers followed the hearse after DeHoop’s funeral May 28th.

The Harley hearse is operated by the Ride In Peace Motorcycle Hearse Company.

The owners say their 475-dollar fee is about the same as for a more conventional final ride.

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

CBF600 background; CBR600RR foreground

So what is the difference between a CBF and CBR? That was my first question. When you stand before them side by side, you don’t really notice the differences, other than the obvious colour,  until they are pointed out to you. However, take each one for a ride and the differences will present themselves.

The CBF seating position is pretty much a 90 degree ride with feet on pegs with straight legs. The CBR is a super sport designed for the track so seating position is more like a 45 degree, one with the bike, with foot pegs and controls placed behind so that your legs are hugging the frame of the bike as you ride. That is the difference you will notice without ever leaving the parking lot. But I couldn’t leave it at that. “Whose got the keys?”

Both models offer the liquid cooled inline-four cylinder 599 cc engine. Both are fuel injected so no throttle required when using the push button start. ABS brakes are another commonality as is the six speed transmission.

2010 Honda CBF 600 - photo by Marissa Baecker

On the road, the CBF is easy to operate. Visual bar displays are easy to see and read, seating position is very comfortable which makes this a great bike for every day use. Ease of acceleration through the gears and enough compression that when you let off the throttle you will slow down but not with a jerk that will cause you whiplash. Rapid acceleration makes the transition from city to highway speed effortlessly. When on the highway, the bike is very lightweight so expect some shimmy when trucks pass by or you come to an open area where wind gusts are free to flow.

Mount a CBR600RR and your adrenaline just gets pumping. Head out on the road and you’re in for some fun. Suspension on this model has a completely different feel while riding compared to the CBF600 even though both models have an adjustable rear suspension. CBF offers single shock with adjustable preload and 4.9″ of travel while CBR has a Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with full adjustability and 5.1″ travel. The difference is a smooth ride versus a bit more ruggedness over bumps and pavement flaws.

Full fairing on the CBR has you cutting through any wind and maintaining speed without body stress that you will face with the CBF. Both models boast ABS brakes and dual seating in case you ride with a passenger. Three colour options with the CBR and black only for the CBF.

The only challenge I had while riding was the angle on my wrists while riding the CBR. Due to the layout of the bike, your wrists take the weight of your body and the angle tests your endurance. However, compared to the smile on your face, the wrist pain becomes forgotten.

If you are looking for an entry level bike that will give you room to grow and develop your skills, I would highly recommend either of these two models. For first time riders, go with the CBF, for riders upgrading from the CBR125, go with the CBR.

Suggested retail price for these bikes is approximately $10K for the CBF and around $13K for the CBR. In the Kelowna go visit Kelowna Honda Powerhouse and tell them the Galz sent you.

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.

Saturday, July 10^th and Sunday July 11th O’Keefe Ranch will be welcoming back the Vintage Motorcycle Rally  Since their last appearance in 2006,  a new race track has been put to good use in preparation for the event.

The Okanagan Flattrackers Group has been working hard towards putting on this popular event.  Art Gavel, a motorcycle veteran who has been riding since 1947, says “We are happy to be back at O’Keefe Ranch, and encouraged that the new management saw the benefit of this event and pursued the new track and also brought back the Rally.  We hope the public will come out and support this event.”

The weekend will be filled with Vintage Bikes on display throughout Saturday and Sunday.  From 10 a.m. to noon there will be racing practices with time trials from 1 – 3 p.m.  At 5 p.m. there will be Vintage Flat Track Racing with the flaming board wall crash to follow, a crowd favourite.  The weekend will continue on Sunday with a memorial ride to Armstrong at 9:30 a.m., and more vintage bikes on display with the awards taking place at 2 p.m.

Free tractor rides for the entire family, as well as the Ranch will be offering family friendly rates for the day of only $20.00 per family (school aged children) and $6.00 per adult.

For more information about entering your bike for the event, please contact Art Gavel at 250-545-0163 or for general information please call O’Keefe Ranch 250-542-7868 or visit okeeferanch.ca.

C2C4ALS – cross-Canada ride for ALS.

Thursday, June 1, 2010 marks day three of the C2C4ALS ride, Doug Oakley’s second motorcycle tour to raise funds for those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS.

Eighteen months ago Doug was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It was at that moment that he knew he could no longer put off his dreams of riding the 4 Corners Tour – an epic motorcycle trip that took him to the four corners of the US, and a brief tour through Canada. Now he’s at it again.

Doug’s last trip spurred his desire to ride across Canada. However, since that ride Doug has lost the use of his hand and has to compensate by modifying the clutch on his bike. With that done, he is ready to begin the 18-day ride.

C2C4ALS will take Doug across Canada from June 29 – July 17, 2010 with stops in communities from Vancouver, British Columbia to Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. C2C4ALS will help Doug to raise awareness of ALS and raise funds for those who live with the life altering disease.

Kreater in Kelowna will kick start day three of the tour tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. The ALS Society of BC, community members and fellow riders will join Kreater in supporting Doug as he heads toward Cranbrook where he will be welcomed by family and community supporters.

Gloria Taylor of West Kelowna is looking forward to attending tomorrow’s event. In addition to founding the Kelowna Association of Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) in 1988, Gloria was diagnosed with ALS this past December.

“Through this ride Doug is providing inspiration and hope to others living with ALS,” says Gloria. “Modifying your bike to allow you to keep riding is simply amazing! I wish that I was able to join him – if I could ride with Doug you wouldn’t be able to keep me away – but some days its hard enough to just open a pop can.“

The Kelowna AIM Chapter was founded in 1988 after a friend of Gloria’s lost his daughter in a motorcycle accident and Gloria herself was hit by a car while attending the Sturgis, South Dakota, Motorcycle Classic in 1987. When the accident happened, a Vancouver AIM Lawyer, and member, was quick to contact fellow AIM members attending Sturgis who were able to secure and ship Gloria’s bike back to Vancouver. AIM then flew Gloria home to Kelowna and had her bike delivered to her doorstep a few weeks later.

As Doug touches down in communities across the country, events similar to the one Kreater will be hosting will be held at local motorcycle dealerships to bring together community members like Gloria, supporters, media and riders. While in Toronto, Doug will be sure to take in a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre as they are set to face Doug’s hometown team the Boston Red Sox.

Kelowna Schedule

Date:        July 1, 2010
Time:       9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Kreater, 2759 Hwy 97, Kelowna
        
To support Doug and to find out where he will be next, follow Doug on www.doug-oakley.com or Twitter.com/dougoakley.

About Doug Oakley
Doug is a 47-year old mortgage broker, which may only be slightly more exciting than an accountant. He’s owned a Harley for 11 years, and has recently been challenged to live many of his dreams as quickly as possible. From Weymouth, Massachusetts, Doug has been involved with Compassionate Care ALS, a US based charity organization that supports patients and caregivers by providing a holistic approach to patient and caregiver support. More information on C2C4ALS and Doug can be found on www.doug-oakley.com or Twitter.com/dougoakley.

Kelowna Daily Courier June 25- 2011 Yamaha FZ8

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.