Just Another Road Trip memorial ride - the story

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Category: ON Motorcycle Events

Published on Saturday, 28 January 2012 13:11

Written by Bruno Gauweiler

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Just Another Road Trip – a Memorial Ride
the FINAL excursion…

Years ago, our son Jason and I discussed plans for this ride. We knew a memorial ride
would be the type of ride we wanted to implement. But which charity should we choose?
There are so many charities. At that time, we had already been riding and collecting
donations for so many events every year.

We need to have a theme and give the ride a name.

On the return of a fishing trip, Jason took in Nova Scotia; he came up with the
theme, “Just Another Road Trip”. The theme was not for the ride, but for his funeral.
You see, Jason was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a bone cancer. After battling this
cancer for a few years, he realized his time with us was limited and began making all
kinds of preparations. That’s when we discussed the idea for this ride in earnest.

We chose to make this a non-charity ride. This ride would be for the riders, to remember
someone they have loved or known and lost. This ride should be an enjoyable ride
with lovely scenery, a few twisties here and there and a picturesque destination where
the riders can reflect and remember. Such a place is Lake-on-the-Mountain in Prince
Edward County between Trenton and Kingston just south of Belleville, Ontario.

When Jason passed away, that theme was etched into Jason’s marker stone at his
request, next to the etching of a motorcycle.

In planning this ride, we chose the same theme to reflect on Jason’s life, and the
memories we all have of our loved ones.

Jason passed away April 9, 2005.

The inaugural ride was held in 2009 with about 25 motorcycles attending. Everyone
liked the idea on a non-charity ride that presented no registration fee to the riders.

Last year, on the day of the 2011 Just Another Road Trip ride, riders came at 9 am to
Clarington Honda Powerhouse in Bowmanville where they were greeted with free hot
coffee.

Once registered, each bike received a static cling Logo sticker commemorating the
ride. One of the volunteers helped to place them on inside of the rider’s motorcycle
windshield. They also received printed directions for a self guided tour to and around
Prince Edward County along with a tourist brochure from the Prince Edward County
travel bureau.

The riders were given six hours to travel, enjoy and explore the route, which would
normally take about four hours at a leisurely pace. This allowed everyone to enjoy the
area’s wineries, shops, restaurants and boutiques.

They were then asked to meet at our final destination at Lake-on-the-Mountain at 4 pm.

This would give everyone enough time to enjoy the scenery and still get home in time
after the presentations, or find a motel to stay in the area.

After all riders had left the starting point, their next rest stop would be at Tim Horton’s
in Cobourg. During this rest stop, most riders decided to have lunch. Friendships were
made and rides discussed.

They then continued on the route. There would be time for snacks along the way, and
a few of us later also did a detour, marked on the map, to the Black River local cheese
factory for ice cream.

About 3:30 pm, riders reached our destination and met riders relaxing on the grass,
checking out the view overlooking the bay and the ferry to the other side of the
provincial highway or walking along the higher lake known as Lake-on-the-Mountain.
Some even went for a swim.

Once we all got together as a group, the reason for, and how the ride came about was
explained. Then we read the names of the people we wanted to have remembered and
had a moment to reflect.

Next we did the draws for the gift certificates and donations provided.

Our sponsors were mentioned and appreciated; Clarington Honda Powerhouse for use
of their shop and supplying coffee and help at the starting location. Clarington Cycle,
Eagle Eye Customs, Bennett Power Sport, Royal Distributing, GP Bikes, Belt Drive
Betty, Asselstine Country, Spoiled Sports and Markham Power Sport for donating gift
certificates and/or prizes.

Each person that participated in the ride was given a ticket at registration for these
draws.

We thanked the volunteers for helping out at registration.

Then, slowly… we got on our rides and headed for home or other destinations.

It was a good day, a great ride, good fellowship and a well remembered occasion.

This year, will you join us for our final excursion? Who will you ride for?

by Bruno Gauweiler

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