2014 Kootenay Rat Raid Recap
Well, that's another Raid in the books! I would have to say that the 12th annual went off without a hitch. We had no major incidents with the exception of one Mitchell windshield and one last minute rewire on the old BSA. We had no speeding tickets or bikes impounded with the exception of a speeding ticket to the Calgary Rockers chase vehicle of all things on their way down. No one got hit by a tree. Weather was more than fantastic. So all in all, SUCCESS!
This year's charitable donation of $500 went to the Nelson Community Services Center, specifically in support of the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House. To read up more on this very deserving charity, please click here.
The planned events were all a hit for those who participated. There was a perfect sized group that went up to the Nelson Brewing Company for a tour of the facilities, this year orchestrated by Mike, the brew master. High compliments from all! Saturday was the Expedition and although attendance was low, and there were some rain delays, those who went on it, had a blast. There is so much to learn and see in the Kootenays that we don't know about and you can through this unique experience. The package you get, has all these hidden treasures to find and see. Perhaps we will try this one more year and I hope that more will step up to partake to help raise even more money for charities based in Nelson. It's the least we can do for the city letting us be hooligans for a weekend! It is also an event that I'd love to do but since I see the package months in advance, it's hardly fair as it still is a competition for trophies!
The Show 'n Shine was a huge success. Some really classic bikes won awards. Here's the list with some of the judges comments.
This year we had a very special moment in welcoming David and Pamela Hyde to our event. I received and email from a couple Aussies making their way from LA to Fairbanks, Alaska then returning back down to South America. They had run into Dallas from the Mountain Hound and he told them about the Raid. So they asked if we still had room and of course I said yes! Took their info and told them I looked forward to meeting them. They were a hit. They told their story of their planned 18 month long trip at the banquet to be then greeted with a standing ovation. Truly envy from everyone that they are making their way around on a Tiger and a Bonne. To follow their story, click here for their blog.
Now, another thing at the banquet that brought me to tears was the shenanigans to recognize me for my efforts. I think, and anyone who knows me can attest, I am usually not at a loss for words but I was very overwhelmed and didn't know what to say about the generosity from all of you to thank me so here it goes. When Paul England asked me in 2012 if I was willing to take this over, I put a lot of thought into it and talked to my close friends. What I came to realize is this is something I really enjoy doing and I was honored that in the discussion Paul had with his confidants, I was the one they felt they could trust. I took this on not only because someone had to, but because I truly love doing it. Now that I have year 2 under my belt, I really have fallen into a scheduled system of putting it all together. What makes me happy is that all of you have a great time, always have smiles on your faces and someone you can turn to for answers to your questions. As long as that happens, and as long as you will have me, I will continue to take the lead. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generosity you have shown me and the many compliments, hugs and thank yous that you give me.
I also wanted to once again take a moment to thank the Blue Meanies for their efforts in bringing up some vintage motorcycles to display. We had a couple Nortons, a BSA, a Honda and some classic Triumphs including the much talked about Hurricane. Happy to hear you had a great ride on Saturday. Rumor has it you might do it again! Let me know and we will make sure that arrangements will be made to accommodate.
We all need to thank our partners and sponsors in this event. Without their support, the Raid as a whole would be very scaled back. So in no particular order:
Website is now updated with next year’s dates and the new registration form. The new 2014 gallery of pictures will be up soon so please check back.
Until next year, ride safe!
Cheers,
Liane
Raid Captain
This year's charitable donation of $500 went to the Nelson Community Services Center, specifically in support of the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House. To read up more on this very deserving charity, please click here.
The planned events were all a hit for those who participated. There was a perfect sized group that went up to the Nelson Brewing Company for a tour of the facilities, this year orchestrated by Mike, the brew master. High compliments from all! Saturday was the Expedition and although attendance was low, and there were some rain delays, those who went on it, had a blast. There is so much to learn and see in the Kootenays that we don't know about and you can through this unique experience. The package you get, has all these hidden treasures to find and see. Perhaps we will try this one more year and I hope that more will step up to partake to help raise even more money for charities based in Nelson. It's the least we can do for the city letting us be hooligans for a weekend! It is also an event that I'd love to do but since I see the package months in advance, it's hardly fair as it still is a competition for trophies!
The Show 'n Shine was a huge success. Some really classic bikes won awards. Here's the list with some of the judges comments.
- Best Sport/Sport Touring - Bryan Noble - Daytona - you can tell this bike is loved. It was super clean and super well taken care of.
- Best Dual - Chris Hilton - Scrambler - the dirtier the better with some unique upgrades and touches
- Best Modern Cruiser - Brett Fergusson - America - very well polished, bright white walls, custom paint, custom seat, lots of great upgrades
- Best Modern Classic - Renee Dupree - Bonneville - meticulously clean, very loved and a lot of little touches made this one stand out
- Best Overall - Mike Sadler - Bonneville - a ton of upgrades, British racing green, custom seat, a lot of work went in to this one.
- Furthest Travelled - the Hydes - see below for their story and a link to their blog.
- Oldest Triumph - Tall Bill - Triumph Hurricane - part of the Blue Meanies display, was the oldest of the registered Triumphs onsite.
This year we had a very special moment in welcoming David and Pamela Hyde to our event. I received and email from a couple Aussies making their way from LA to Fairbanks, Alaska then returning back down to South America. They had run into Dallas from the Mountain Hound and he told them about the Raid. So they asked if we still had room and of course I said yes! Took their info and told them I looked forward to meeting them. They were a hit. They told their story of their planned 18 month long trip at the banquet to be then greeted with a standing ovation. Truly envy from everyone that they are making their way around on a Tiger and a Bonne. To follow their story, click here for their blog.
Now, another thing at the banquet that brought me to tears was the shenanigans to recognize me for my efforts. I think, and anyone who knows me can attest, I am usually not at a loss for words but I was very overwhelmed and didn't know what to say about the generosity from all of you to thank me so here it goes. When Paul England asked me in 2012 if I was willing to take this over, I put a lot of thought into it and talked to my close friends. What I came to realize is this is something I really enjoy doing and I was honored that in the discussion Paul had with his confidants, I was the one they felt they could trust. I took this on not only because someone had to, but because I truly love doing it. Now that I have year 2 under my belt, I really have fallen into a scheduled system of putting it all together. What makes me happy is that all of you have a great time, always have smiles on your faces and someone you can turn to for answers to your questions. As long as that happens, and as long as you will have me, I will continue to take the lead. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generosity you have shown me and the many compliments, hugs and thank yous that you give me.
I also wanted to once again take a moment to thank the Blue Meanies for their efforts in bringing up some vintage motorcycles to display. We had a couple Nortons, a BSA, a Honda and some classic Triumphs including the much talked about Hurricane. Happy to hear you had a great ride on Saturday. Rumor has it you might do it again! Let me know and we will make sure that arrangements will be made to accommodate.
We all need to thank our partners and sponsors in this event. Without their support, the Raid as a whole would be very scaled back. So in no particular order:
- The Adventure Hotel - for your 12th year in supporting and helping to host this event. Danny, Rob, Graham, Rhonda and all the staff at the Adventure, you go above and beyond every year with help and stellar service for our group.
- Triumph Canada - Chris Ellis, thank you for your continued support and sending us so much stuff to give away! We all more than appreciate the support from the brand we all love.
- Echo Cycle - Jolene was a huge hit out at the Raid this year. She networked her way around the event and met a lot of great people. The help at registration was so appreciated and thank you for hauling out all that stuff that needed to get there as well as all the stuff you donated to give away.
- Blackfoot - Joe organized a few Adventure rides on the way there, while there and on the way back. Looks like all those adventure bikes were as dirty as they should be! Thank you as well for all the stuff you donated to give away. Special thanks to Travis as well for the photography. I'm looking forward to getting all the great shots to update our website.
- Bentley Motorrad - Never ceases to amaze me that when I send out the sponsor letters, Dave is the first to respond. Your continued support of this event has not gone unnoticed and is so much appreciated.
- British Customs - year two for these guys! A pleasure as always to work with Vanessa with respect to our event. Thank you for all you donated to give away!
- Bill's Snohomish Cycle - Although Bill and Denita are first time sponsors of this event, they are long time attendees. Anyone in the Puget Sound area should pop in and support these guys. Truly one of a kind and appreciate all your help and your donations.
- The Hume Hotel - not just a favorite breakfast stop for our attendees, but also a great place to stay. Ryan, we appreciate your continued support of our event in your second year of sponsoring.
- The Mountain Hound - just around the corner from our headquarters, Dallas welcomes all of our attendees who are looking for a place to stay. Not only do we thank you for sponsoring our event, we thank you especially this year for bringing us the Hydes,
- Nelson Brewing Company - thank you Chad and Mike for again putting on a tour of this fantastic old brewery in the heart of Nelson. Appreciate the shirts you threw our way to give away.
- Rick Sauter - We would not have such a great innovative Saturday event if not for Rick Sauter. He organizes an Expedition for his group and then helps us out with this for our event. So thank you for all your help with this unique experience in the Kootenays.
- Volunteers - Big thanks from me to all who stepped forward to help with the event. Again, Jolene, Kyle, Denita and David for their help at registration. David for getting people up to and back from the brewery tour. Pav for offering any help at any time. Everyone who hauled boxes and water in and out of the storage room. Gina for helping set up the banquet. My Boggers for putting up and taking down the tents. Jen and Richelle for selling tickets...two best girls to take your money for a good cause! Jen, Rick, Keith and Brad for their efforts in the Show 'n Shine judging. Kevin for his design of this year's logo! And anyone I missed and I am so sorry if I did.
Website is now updated with next year’s dates and the new registration form. The new 2014 gallery of pictures will be up soon so please check back.
Until next year, ride safe!
Cheers,
Liane
Raid Captain
