Bob Stewart has been riding a motorcycle since 1979 and bestriding the roads ever since. The freedom of riding down windy roads with wind at his back, alone or with a group of fellow motorcyclists, is all part of the fun, but Stewart said wants the next big ride to have a goal.
The qathet region has many folks who ride on two wheels, and although there isn't a formal meetup group of motorcyclists here, there is a healthy number who frequently ride to Saltery Bay and back.
"There are several groups of riders in Powell River but no official motorcycle club or association," said Stewart. "There's a bunch of guys who ride out to the Saltery Bay picnic grounds. I thought it would be nice to do something as a group."
Stewart wants to get the word out to fellow motorcyclists and friends to join him on Saturday, June 8, for a Show n' Shine at the Lordco parking lot, located at 4296 Joyce Avenue, beginning at 9 am, to raise money for Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.
The plan is coming together for Stewart, with the help of the community, and at least 50 bikers have signed up already. From 9 to 11 am, motorcycles will be on display, coffee served and pizza on offer, with all proceeds going to the food bank.
At 11 am, what Stewart calls a “high roller tour,” will begin. He said kickstands will go up, beginning at Craig Road, heading to Black Point and then Saltery Bay. Dice will be rolled at each stop as a kind of game for riders to play in order to raise more money.
Stewart said although he already has commitments, he wants to invite others who ride in the qathet region to help raise money, and at the same time, meet fellow motorcyclists.
"I want to get the word out to other bikers to come down for a Show n' Shine fundraiser and ride for a good cause," said Stewart. "People like motorcycles; they always draw a crowd no matter where they go."
Food bank manager Savanna Dee said the organization has good buying power, so donating with cash, cheque or online is ideal, although they will never turn away food donations.
Stewart said he doesn't want this fundraiser to be a one-off, but possibly a regular occurrence throughout the year.
"This is just the first step of getting as many bikes out as we can," added Stewart. "Then we can create a list of who's who and get contact numbers, and then we can move it forward for the next time."
He said he doesn't want to give people the wrong impression about the ride. It won't be a parade of bikers hogging the road, but more of a relaxed, fun ride for a good cause and social gathering. The event at Lordco will also include some motorcycle awareness and safety tips for seasoned and novice riders.
To find out how to support or attend the Show N' Shine event, contact Stewart at 604.223.7488 or [email protected].
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