PERCY A. MCBRIDE TO BE HONOURED AS AN HISTORICAL INDUCTEE AT THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET AND REUNION

Toronto ON – October 18, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce that Percy A. McBride will be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Percy A. McBride as an Historical Inductee, says Paul Germain, Chairman. Percy A. was one of the founding fathers of motorcycle business in Canada and a supporter of the early competition events. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in welcoming Percy A. to the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Congratulations.

Percy A. was born in 1882 and opened his first store in 1909 on Yonge Street in Toronto. He became the largest importer, distributor and retailer of many British and American motorcycles and their accessories with stores in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Percy A. travelled throughout North America and British Isles to find new product to sell in his stores. He founded a dealer network that was copied by many distributors. They wanted to ensure the health of the dealer network would survive by only selling in their territory. He was the first with a financing plan for dealerships. At this time the banks were not in the personal or business loan business but Percy A. was.

Percy A. was responsible for setting several people up in their own dealerships. At this time, he also had agents that would sell from the catalogue he had produced, thus becoming the first catalogue shopping business.

Percy A. was involved in Montreal rallies, hill climbs and racing at places like the CNE and beach races at Wasaga Beach. He was an avid sponsor and supporter of all aspects of motorcycle racing and the racers.

Tickets for the 14^th Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion are available at www.canmoto.ca.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca

The final inductee to be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is Michael Taylor.

Toronto ON – October 8, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce the Class of 2019.  The final inductee to be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is Michael Taylor.

It gives me great pride and pleasure to welcome Michael Taylor to the 2019 Class of Inductees, says Paul Germain, Chairman. Michael has excelled in competition, in spite of all his injuries and will now receive the respect and recognition he so rightly deserves in the Hall of Fame. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in welcoming Michael to the Class of 2019. Congratulations.

Two riders defined 1990s Superbike racing in Canada – 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Don Munroe and his arch-rival: Kawasaki team-mate and 2019 inductee Michael Taylor of Toronto.  Taylor earned the overall Superbike Championship and Canada Cup in 1994 and repeated in 1996.

53-year-old Taylor also took a host of other class National Championships between his Pro debut in 1990 and his retirement in 2016. During this period, Taylor won aboard a wide range of equipment, in almost every class in Canadian and American National competition.  He also earned a reputation as an iron man, returning from a variety of severe injuries that would likely have forced retirement for other racers.

Taylor rode Twins, Triples and four-cylinder machinery, working for most of the major manufacturers involved in modern road racing.  He competed in Endurance racing in the U.S. and at home in Canada when that was a major portion of National competition, including a win at Shannonville in a 1994 WERA-sanctioned six-hour National, sharing a Kawasaki with Munroe.

Taylor began racing at Mosport International, now Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, in 1986.  In typical Taylor fashion, he made his debut at a National Amateur round, on a Yamaha RZ500 that was so evil that officials suggested he should park his two-stroke – but Michael kept racing.

Tickets for the 14^th Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion are available at www.canmoto.ca.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca

HONDA CANADA TO RECEIVE THE BAR & HEDY HODGSON AWARD AT THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET AND REUNION

Toronto ON – October 25, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce Honda Canada will be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion.

It gives me great pleasure to see Honda Canada receive the Bar & Hedy Hodgson Award, says Paul Germain, Chairman. Honda has played a huge roll in our motorcycling history and been a supporter in many ways. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in congratulating Honda Canada.

Honda’s Canadian heritage began with motorcycles. When Honda Canada was founded in 1969, motorcycles were among the first products sold. But it goes back even further than that.

In 2019, Honda is celebrating 50 years in Canada, we could not have flourished without the support from motorcycle customers and enthusiasts who have ridden and currently ride our fantastic lineup as well as dealers and distributors like Trev Deeley of Vancouver, BC and the Northrup Family in Moncton, NB who were importing and selling Honda motorcycles in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, before the company established its half-century foothold.

Today, Honda motorcycles are among the most ridden and best-selling in Canada and we continue to promote them to future generations with programs like Honda Junior Red Rider where 30,000 kids aged 6 to 12 have been experiencing the fun two wheels can provide.

In our 50 years in Canada, Honda has made a commitment to investing in this country by giving back and building communities.

Purchase tickets for the 14^th Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion at www.canmoto.ca.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca

JOE ROCKET CANADA SPONSORS OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET AND REUNION

Toronto ON – October, 2019 –The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is proud to announce

Joe Rocket Canada as a Sponsor for the 14^th Annual Induction Banquet and Reunion which takes place November 2nd, 2019 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto.

“The Board of the Hall of Fame is very pleased to welcome Joe Rocket Canada back to this event,” said Paul Germain, Chair of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “We deeply appreciate their continued support over the past years for our effort to preserve and promote the long history of motorcycling in Canada.”

Joe Rocket started as a vision of a “common man’s” motorcycle gear; a way for motorcycle enthusiasts to buy motorcycle apparel made for North American riders. Since 1994, Joe Rocket has grown from a brand no-one knew to one of the most popular motorcycle gear manufacturers in North America.

Joe Rocket riders have won the Canadian Superbike Championship many years, and has sponsored some big names in the motorcycle world in Canada and the US.

Meet several of these CSBK Champions at the Hall of Fame banquet on November 2^nd.

Tickets for our 14^th annual event are available from the web site – canmoto.ca.

Eight legends and champions including one Historical Inductee will be honoured at the Fourteenth Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion. The Bar & Hedy Hodgson Award will also be presented.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established the Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, silent auction and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca.

FEDERATED INSURANCE SPONSORS OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET AND REUNION

Toronto, Ontario, October, 2019 –The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is proud to announce Federated Insurance as a sponsor for the 14^th Annual Induction Banquet and Reunion which takes place November 2, 2019 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel.

“The board of Directors of the Hall of Fame is extremely pleased to welcome Federated Insurance back as a sponsor to this event,” said Paul Germain, Chair of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “We have appreciated their support over the past years.”

The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame at our induction banquet and reunion, honours and recognizes those who have made their mark on Canadian motorcycling history both as competitors and contributors. Supporters, like Federated Insurance make it possible for us to continue to recognize and honour these individuals.

Tickets for our 14^th anniversary event are available from the web site – canmoto.ca.

Eight legends and champions including one Historical Inductee will be honoured at the Fourteenth Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion. The Bar and Hedy Hodgson Award will also be presented.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established the Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, silent auction and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca.

The sixth of the inductees to be honoured at the Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion is Vada Seeds.

Toronto ON – September, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce the Class of 2019.  The sixth of the inductees to be honoured at the Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is Vada Seeds.

It gives me great pride and pleasure to welcome Vada Seeds to the 2019 Class of Inductees, says Paul Germain, Chairman. Vada has been active as a contributor and made a positive impact though her passion for motorcycling history and will now receive the respect and recognition she so rightly deserves in the Hall of Fame. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in welcoming Vada to the Class of 2019. Congratulations.

Growing up in a keen Ontario motorcycling family, Vada Seeds has been deeply involved in our sport from her earliest years. Her depth of first-hand experience, historical knowledge and extensive record of accomplishment make her uniquely qualified for induction. The phrase “Making a significant contribution to the preservation of our Canadian motorcycling heritage” barely does justice to Vada’s achievements over many years. Few Canadian kids can boast that their dad was a national hillclimb champion, a dirt track racer and a daredevil stunt rider ready to charge his bike through a wooden wall engulfed in flames.

Vada’s greatest source of pride was in placing the historic plaque at the Daytona Memorial honouring all the Canadians who raced in the early 200-mile races on the public road and sands of Daytona Beach.

Vada’s other commitments to motorcycling have been relentless, such as setting up historic displays at races in Belleville and a rally at Wasaga Beach to commemorate the races organized on the sand by BEMC in the 1930 and ‘40s. She ensured that two-time Daytona winner Billy Mathews of Hamilton, Ont., was remembered in event displays at Daytona, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame and other shows in the Toronto area.

Tickets for the 14^th Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion are available at www.canmoto.ca.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

For information about past inductees, historic motorcycle collections, event sponsorship, and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca

Canadian Outdoor Recreation Trade Associations Form New Coalition

TORONTO, ON – [October 3, 2019], A group of Canadian outdoor industry leaders announced today the formation of the Canadian Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (CORR) to provide a strong voice for outdoor use across Canada. CORR will unite a wide range of Canada’s leading industry stakeholders behind policies and legislative reforms needed to grow the outdoor economy, promote and expand outdoor opportunities, reasonably and responsibly conserve public lands and waterways, and enhance infrastructure to improve the experience of outdoor users from coast to coast.

“Protecting, promoting and enhancing recreational experiences on Canada’s public lands and waterways are the core values for those of us who work in the outdoor recreation industry,” said Sara Anghel, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada.

“Outdoor recreation continues to rise in popularity and diversity, and it is important that we continue to support this industry and ensure Canadians can get outdoors and enjoy their favourite pastimes,” noted Dennis Burns, executive director of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations.

“Building on the solidarity of the outdoor recreation industry, CORR will foster cooperation and help bring partners together in order to grow outdoor opportunities.  It will strengthen the coordination of industry partners and formalizes the desire to work together to make outdoor recreation activities an important issue during the next federal election campaign,” said Bob Ramsay, President of COHV & MMIC.

CORR members represent thousands of businesses that produce vehicles, equipment, gear, apparel and services for the millions of Canadians who enjoy our national parks, waterways, byways, trails and outdoor spaces.  The collective outdoor recreation industry is conservatively estimated to produce $24.6 billion in economic activity for Canada each year, generating an estimated 472,713 direct jobs, $7.1 billion in taxes and $52.1 billion in total revenues.

“The outdoor recreation industry in Canada is a major economic driver providing billions of dollars per year for the Canadian economy, along with hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in total revenues,” said Eleonore Hamm. President of the RV Dealers Association of Canada.

Outdoor recreation provides high-quality Canadian jobs in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail to tourism. These jobs can be found from coast to coast and play a critical role in the economic health of local and provincial/territorial economies.

The Canadian Outdoor Recreation Roundtable strives to achieve the following:

• Ensure the primary drivers of the outdoor recreation economy across Canada are recognized;
• Foster federal collaboration that will enable the outdoor recreation economy to reach its full potential;
• Remove barriers that prevent private investment in public lands and waters to improve conservation and access for outdoor enthusiasts;
• Work with all levels of government to ensure that recreational access and high-quality visitor experiences are prioritized; and
• Promote sound conservation practices, since Canada’s outdoor recreation economy is dependent on responsible and sustained use of our public lands and waters

Trade associations include (please note this is not the entire recreation industry and membership will continue to expand):

• Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO)
• Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV)
• Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC)
• Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA)
• Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA)
• Canadian Ski Council
• Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) & Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF)
• Fur Institute of Canada
• International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
• Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC)
• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada
• Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA)
• Safari Club International Safari Club International – First For Hunters

For more information on members please CLICK HERE

For more information please contact Sara Anghel, President, National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada at 905-951-4048 or sanghel@nmma.org.

BMW MOTORRAD CANADA SPONSORSHIP OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET AND REUNION

Toronto ON – September, 2019 –The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is proud to announce BMW Motorrad Canada as a Sponsor for the 14^th Annual Induction Banquet and Reunion which takes place November 2nd, 2019 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto.

“BMW Motorrad Canada is a very proud sponsor of the CMHF. It is important to recognize our Canadian motorcycle heritage as it has a long history of milestones and successes,” said director Norm Wells of BMW Motorrad Canada.  “We congratulate all the 2019 inductees and look forward to many more years of partnership with the CMHF and the outstanding team that makes it happen every year.”

“The Board of the Hall of Fame is very pleased to welcome BMW Motorrad Canada back to this event,” said Paul Germain, Chair of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “We deeply appreciate their continued support over the past years for our effort to preserve and promote the long history of motorcycling in Canada.”

Tickets for our 14^th annual event are available from the web site – canmoto.ca.

Eight legends and champions including one Historical Inductee will be honoured at the Fourteenth Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion. The Bar & Hedy Hodgson Award will also be presented.

Bar and Hedy Hodgson established the Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation in 1999 and when Dave Lloyd came to them with the idea of a Motorcycle Hall of Fame, they gifted the Foundation to the people. In 2006, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame was created to preserve and promote Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public and since then, over 130 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit association with charitable status governed by an independent board of volunteer directors from across Canada. 

3rd of the inductees to be honoured at the Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion is the Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Club.

Toronto ON – August 20, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce the Class of 2019.  The 3rd of the inductees to be honoured at the Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is the Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Club.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the OCMC to the 2019 Class of Inductees, says Paul Germain, Chairman. This club has been active for many years and its members have been very successful in competition as well as serving of their time on many boards which further the motorcycle world and will now receive the respect and recognition so rightly deserved in the Hall of Fame. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in welcoming the Oshawa Motorcycle Club to the Class of 2019. Congratulations.

The OCMC (Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Club) was officially founded in Oshawa in 1964. Originally named the Oshawa Scramblers, the club consisted of a group of enthusiasts competing amongst themselves in all forms of riding from high speed flat track, scrambles, road racing and enduro.

For over fifty years OCMC has been the bright light which has attracted the moths and motorcycle competitors to the world of motorcycle racing. Members have achieved countless awards and accolades ranging from local to the international level. Currently seven HOF alumni are, or were, OCMC members. These include; Ron Keys, Jack Hunt, Blair Sharpless, Toni Sharpless, Kathleen Head (Coburn), Ted Wilkins and Warren Thaxter.

The members have sat on boards of CMA, both regional and national; Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada; Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Offroad Ontario; Ontario Federation of Trail Riders and many more.

Tickets for the 14^th Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Banquet and Reunion are available at www.canmoto.ca.

The 4th of the inductees to be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is Wade Williams.

Toronto ON – September 10, 2019 – The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce the Class of 2019.  The 4th of the inductees to be honoured at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, is Wade Williams

“It gives me great pride and pleasure to welcome Wade Williams to the 2019 Class of Inductees,” says Paul Germain, Chairman. “Wade has excelled as a competitor and will now receive the respect and recognition he so rightly deserves in the Hall of Fame. All the directors, contributors and volunteers of the CMHoF as well as myself, join together in welcoming Wade to the Class of 2019. Congratulations.”

Wade had a lot of opportunity to study hill climbing growing up as his father, John, spent 35 years of his life dedicated to the sport.

Wade started his Professional Hillclimb career in 1983 at Elkhart, Indiana in the 750cc class. His hillclimber was based on a CB750F series engine from the 70’s, outfitted by Nick Kemp of Keswick, to run on 100% Nitro. Nick’s mechanical genius provided Wade all the horsepower that was needed to be competitive in the top class at the time.

At Elkhart, Wade was the first person to successfully jump the first breaker which earned him a second place finish at his first climb. This set a precedent on how the hill was to be ridden and in order to have a shot at winning, you had to jump the breaker. He completed the season with a 2nd place at Devils Staircase, Oregonia, Ohio. Wade earned 5th place overall with 76 points his first season.

Wade combined for 22 top finishes (11 first and 11 second place) over his 10 year career, finished in the top 10 in each year and top 5 in six of those years; runner up in 1984 and 1991, 3rd overall in 1990 and 1992.

He also won – 1986 American National Champion at Muskegon Michigan, 1991 American National Champion at York Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Champion 1984, 1988, 1990, 1991 and Michigan State Champion 1986.

Tickets for the 14^th Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion are available at www.canmoto.ca.