The weatherman had called for rain for August 2, 3, and 4, but as the weekend drew nearer the forecast changed to sunny and very hot. This was great weather for the 32nd annual Expo Moto Rally held at the Pritchard farm on Gore Road in Hinchinbrooke.
On the Friday, the buzz of motorcycles increased as visitors to the rally filed in. “There were over 900 through the gate,” says Eric Pritchard. Ten acres of Pritchard’s farm were sectioned off to display motorcycles of all kinds. The Concours d’Elegance divided motorcycles into decades ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. “They are judged by the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) members, then prizes are given out,” adds Pritchard. This year there were some changes to the rally. “We added more square footage to the Concours and motorcycle space,” says Pritchard. There were also six additional prizes given for different reasons. A “flea market” enticed visitors to find that vintage spare part that they had been looking for. “The flea market did really well,” says Pritchard.
Friends and other groups
Pritchard, along with his CVMG friends, start planning for this annual event in October. Friday and Saturday are busy days at the rally as motorcyclists from many different clubs visit with old friends. Pritchard points out that “Sometimes the friends only see each other once a year at the rally.” The loudspeaker blasts rock-and-roll music over the field and pauses only for a shout-out for friends who are missing and have passed; “Every year goes by and there are more and more,” remarks Pritchard sadly.
Once again, the rally welcomed a group of 30 motorcyclists from A.R.M. (Association of Recovering Motorcyclists) which describes itself as “The world’s largest clean and sober motorcycle association.” Etched across the leather vests worn by members of this group is the word “Independent.” The group is quick to point out that this is so that they are not identified as “being organized along the lines of an outlaw motorcycle club.” Thus, they avoid conflict as to territory or membership. Members must be a part of a 12-step program and own a motorcycle. This group will return on August 16 and 17 to Pritchard’s farm to host a picnic weekend for 80 members of A.R.M
Volunteers
The rally is run by an army of volunteers. At the gate, locals Ian Gill, Lorne McNaughton, and Kenny Elder greet visitors. “There was animated car parking to start off!” laughs Pritchard. “There is an enthusiastic involvement of the 20 to 30 volunteers. Some are members of the club but some not. We couldn’t do this without them,” he says. These people give their time because they support the rally’s charities. Early accounts say this year’s rally raised at least $5000. Last year the money raised was given to The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, the CHU Sainte-Justine, the Barrie Memorial Hospital Foundation, Chum Foundation, Lucky Harvest Project, La Bouffe Additionnelle, and the Old Brewery Mission.
Family and Friends Day
Sunday was Family and Friends Day. The day opened with “Field Games” followed by a BBQ, and the final event was the Road Run or “History Run.” Twenty motorcyclists drove to Trout River where they stopped to hear a speech given by Ron Dawson, whose ancestor fought in the Fenian Raid at Trout River. The raid took place on May 27 in 1870 when the Fenians crossed the border near Malone N.Y. to build several positions on Canadian soil. The Fenians were Irish patriots who had emigrated to the United States. Their continuing raids were an attempt to take Canadian territories and then give them to the British in exchange for Irish independence. On that date the Fenians were greeted by 240 soldiers of the 50th Battalion (Huntingdon Borders), 275 to 300 soldiers of the Montreal Garrison Artillery,70 to 80 members of the Montreal Engineers, and 500 soldiers of the 69th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot British Regulars. The raid was short-lived and the Fenians quickly retreated back across the border.
The rally came to an end and friends wished each other a safe trip home. Pritchard was happy with the outcome, as the weather held throughout the rally. “There was a thunderstorm to end all thunderstorms after everyone left!” he laughs.