2017 Kootenay Rat Raid Recap
The 15th annual Kootenay Rat Raid was likely one of the more emotional events we have had. In January of this year, we lost Danny Rickaby, owner of the Adventure Hotel, partner of this event and friend to all. We were blessed to have Joanne and the boys, Chase, Addison and Clay, at the banquet as we toasted Danny and honoured his memory. He will most definitely be missed.
In sticking with the theme of celebrating Danny, this year's sizeable charitable donation went to the bursary that the Rickaby boys have set up in Danny's name. Danny came from meager means and build himself an empire as one of the most respected business men and the unofficial mayor of Nelson, BC. The boys are hoping to help someone of the same circumstance get a leg up and a chance to succeed. We are more than honoured to donate to this cause.
The planned events were all a hit for those who participated. We had 2 planned lead group rides; one for the adventure riders with some trail riding and the Slocan loop which includes the 31A. We brought back the photography on the Friday group ride including the 31A and the Slocan Loop. About 30 riders went through this but as we gathered at Fish Lake to wait for everyone to catch up, and due to some major construction on the Slocan pass, the majority decided to head back the same way we came up. The Saturday adventure group ride were taken out by local businessman and avid trail rider, Clive Jackson of Jackson's Hole. Those who were daring enough to go all said they had an amazing time! Clive looks forward to doing another ride next year.
The Show 'n Shine was a huge success. Some really classic bikes won awards.
The banquet, dinner as usual was fantastic. The Adventure always does such a great job with everything they do for us. Once everyone had had enough, we were off to give away a bunch of swag sent to us by Triumph Canada and a few goodies from British Customs, Bill's Snohomish Cycle, Blackfoot, Echo Cycle, and Montgomery Distillery. The room was full of laughs, fun and such positive energy. We recognized our "every year" attendees which we are down to 5, we thanked our "first timers" for coming out which seemed to be our largest first timers yet! Although Gordie didn't technically win a ladies shirt this year, Graham found one from Uptown Tavern and therefore he obliged and put it on with the support from his son-in-law who won a ladies shirt and put it on to follow tradition! In all my years attending, I have not had such an emotional banquet that ended up with everyone in tears from laughter. Once we finished handing out the Show 'n Shine trophies, we drew for the 50/50 which was almost $600 to the winner, won by Linda Spencer who quickly donated half back to the charity this year.
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 2017 gallery of pictures will be up soon so please check back.
Until next year, ride safe!
Cheers,
Liane
Raid Captain
In sticking with the theme of celebrating Danny, this year's sizeable charitable donation went to the bursary that the Rickaby boys have set up in Danny's name. Danny came from meager means and build himself an empire as one of the most respected business men and the unofficial mayor of Nelson, BC. The boys are hoping to help someone of the same circumstance get a leg up and a chance to succeed. We are more than honoured to donate to this cause.
The planned events were all a hit for those who participated. We had 2 planned lead group rides; one for the adventure riders with some trail riding and the Slocan loop which includes the 31A. We brought back the photography on the Friday group ride including the 31A and the Slocan Loop. About 30 riders went through this but as we gathered at Fish Lake to wait for everyone to catch up, and due to some major construction on the Slocan pass, the majority decided to head back the same way we came up. The Saturday adventure group ride were taken out by local businessman and avid trail rider, Clive Jackson of Jackson's Hole. Those who were daring enough to go all said they had an amazing time! Clive looks forward to doing another ride next year.
The Show 'n Shine was a huge success. Some really classic bikes won awards.
- Best Sport/Sport Touring - James Baldo - Trophy
- Best Dual - Graham Barrows - Tiger
- Best Modern Cruiser - Lance Pare - Rocket III
- Best Modern Classic - Albert Cheing - Bonneville
- Best Overall - David Mitchell - Bonneville
- Adventure Staff Choice (new this year) - Shaun Fielding - Bonneville -
- Furthest Travelled - Tallas Hertzog - travelled from Regina on the back of a Daytona so she more than deserved the kudos!
- Oldest Triumph - Wild Bill
The banquet, dinner as usual was fantastic. The Adventure always does such a great job with everything they do for us. Once everyone had had enough, we were off to give away a bunch of swag sent to us by Triumph Canada and a few goodies from British Customs, Bill's Snohomish Cycle, Blackfoot, Echo Cycle, and Montgomery Distillery. The room was full of laughs, fun and such positive energy. We recognized our "every year" attendees which we are down to 5, we thanked our "first timers" for coming out which seemed to be our largest first timers yet! Although Gordie didn't technically win a ladies shirt this year, Graham found one from Uptown Tavern and therefore he obliged and put it on with the support from his son-in-law who won a ladies shirt and put it on to follow tradition! In all my years attending, I have not had such an emotional banquet that ended up with everyone in tears from laughter. Once we finished handing out the Show 'n Shine trophies, we drew for the 50/50 which was almost $600 to the winner, won by Linda Spencer who quickly donated half back to the charity this year.
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 (Nelson, BC) - for your 15th year in supporting and helping to host this event. Rob, Robbie, Graham, Glenn, Chef, 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 (Edmotnon, AB) - We were happy to see Aaron back at the Raid! He is always a joy to have around.
- Blackfoot - Mike and Kelly were out and participating in the activities in and around Nelson with the group. Blackfoot has always stepped up and we thank them for their continued support!
- Bentley Motorrad (Kelowna, BC) - Never ceases to amaze me that when I send out the sponsor letters, Dave is usually the first to respond. Your continued support of this event has not gone unnoticed and is so much appreciated. We hope to see you back out at the Raid in the future!
- British Customs (California) - Big thanks to the folks at BC for sending up some great giveaways and their continued support for our event. Matt was a pleasure to coordinate with and it is my hopes that perhaps someone can come up one year to check it out first hand!
- Bill's Snohomish Cycle (Snohomish, WA) - Bill and Denita are salt of the earth people and came on board as sponsors 3 years ago after many years as 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. Special thanks to Denita for her enormous help at registration. No words for how much that helps me out.
- The Hume Hotel (Nelson, BC) - 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 (Nelson, BC) - just around the corner from our headquarters, even under new owners Tom made sure they stayed on board and welcomes all of our attendees who are looking for a place to stay. We thank you for sponsoring our event.
- Montgomery Distillery (Missoula, MT) - Ryan, god bless you for coming on board and bringing a bottle to give away! That was even more anticipated than the jackets!
- Black Coffee Roasting Co. (Missoula, MT) - Matt, thank you for stepping up all the way from Missoula to support this event. Have you there was so much fun!
- Tribute Boardshop (Nelson, BC) - At the very last minute Shane emailed asking to support! We gladly welcomed them on board. Next year we are hoping we will see Shane there!
- Liam Rathgeber (Calgary, AB) - Your continued support of this event through photography does not go unnoticed. You are the reason so many of us have great memories to hold on to. The idea to shoot on the 31A has remained a success. The time lapse footage from the Thursday was pure genius and so fun to watch! I look forward to working with you next year on making this event even better.
- Volunteers - Big thanks from me to all who stepped forward to help with the event. Again, Denita and Vicky for all their help at registration! Clive for the Saturday trail group ride! Everyone who helped set up and tear down the tent and hauled boxes and water in and out of the storage room. Gina for her help setting up the banquet. Denita for helping me sell 50/50 tickets. Marty, Pat and Mark for their efforts in the Show 'n Shine judging. Edwin for his design of this year's logo which was a huge success and fan favorite! 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 2017 gallery of pictures will be up soon so please check back.
Until next year, ride safe!
Cheers,
Liane
Raid Captain
