Motorcycle rally hits the Horsethief this weekend
July 9, 2009 by Bram Rossman
Filed under Columbia Valley, Coming events, Invermere, Recreation
Bram found a sheltered spot under a tree to hide out from the rain with his motorcycle during a recent ride to Brisco. (Photo by Bram Rossman)
July 10-12, Invermere –
Until about two months ago the world of motorcycles was entirely foreign to me — aside from the fact that I knew I wanted one. I’d ridden on the back of a friend’s father’s motorbike when I was a kid and once I rode a dirt bike around the suburban back yard of another friend. Other than that, my experience with these two-wheeled machines was limited.
But somewhere deep inside my psyche I’ve always known I wanted a motorcycle. I envied the freedom of two wheels and the open air on hot summer days. I craved the power.
Honestly though, I never really thought it would happen.
Nobody in my family has ever had a motorcycle and I vividly remember my grandfather joking that in England, where he lived, motorcycles had been dubbed “donorcycles” because their riders inevitably end up as organ donors after they’ve crashed. That pretty much scared me off until recently.
My world changed dramatically about two months ago when I purchased my first motorbike.
At 10 years old, with (now) over 20,000 km’s on it, my enduro-style Suzuki DR350 has been around the block a few times, but she’s a strong and road-worthy machine. Now I’m slowly learning about a world I always knew existed, but knew nothing about.
I’ve got my introductory license, which means I can’t ride at night nor carry passengers, but I think my first real introduction into the world of motorcycles will come this weekend at the Horsethief Hideout. The ranch, located about 4 km’s past Wilmer on Westside Road, will play host to the fifth annual Horsethief Hideout Memorial Rally.
More like a festival then a rally, the weekend-long event honours a long-time valley resident and motorcyclist, Hughie MacLean. Described by many as a “larger than life” character who was loved by many, MacLean died after crashing his prized Harley Davidson on Westside Road, south of Invermere.
Featuring an on-site tattoo parlour, live music, food, vendors, bike games and other entertainment, the event is open to motorcycle riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. That means, aside from minors and dogs, everyone is welcome whether they come on two wheels or four.
For more information, check out the event website at www.horsethiefhideout.ca
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