Growing up on a large dairy farm, there wasn’t much time for anything else but milking cows, driving tractors and shovelling manure. That all changed following the summer of ’69 when Chris went away to University and promptly found a used 100cc Yamaha Twin-Jet. Freedom was at hand.

Since then a variety of two-wheelers have come and gone (some have stayed…) and at this point he cannot imagine life without motorcycles. Yes, riding is a big part of the passion, but he’s sure you’ll agree, it runs much deeper than that.

The first “restoration project” found him in 1980. A few years later he discovered the CVMG and the membership privileges it offers. What a fabulous fraternity of which to be a part. As a volunteer he has learned that the more you put in, the more you get out. That in itself is a wonderful thing.

The road ahead will offer peaks and valleys, twists and turns, smooth and bumpy surfaces. He looks forward to continued work with those members already in his life and those yet to be discovered along that road.

John has been a CVMG member since 1995.  During this time John has previously assumed roles as Regalia Sales Coordinator and in most recent years as a member of the Paris Rally Committee. John and his wife, Lilian, live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where their two children, their spouses and 3 grandchildren also live.  John’s love for riding motorcycles came to an abrupt end in 2012 when his vision was compromised but that same love is the drive keeping him involved with CVMG.
 

I seem to have circled back into the CVMG National Executive team, although still being the current past President, maybe I never really left.  I was born, raised and I am still working and farming right here in Central Alberta.  My love of motorcycles hit me at an early age and has never left.  I seem to still own almost all the motorcycles I have ever acquired over the years and love them all equally.
I’m here to serve members.  My belief is one of supporting grass roots functions and activities within Sections throughout Canada.  National must exist for its members and for member reasons and without their interest and enthusiasm for old or important motorcycles the cause is lost.  You have a voice in this group, I urge you to get involved in any small way possible.
Most memorable motorcycle viewed:  Lawrence of Arabia’s 1929 SS-100 Brough Superior in England; amazing story about the man and the machine.
Most memorable motorcycle visit:  Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan; again more about the vision of one man.
Most memorable ride:  Cross Canada ride in 2007 with Mr. Skinny Labine; doesn’t get any better than this. Just do it!
Next memorable ride:  Stay tuned!

Members of the CVMG come from all walks of life and bring to the group a variety of experiences, talents and skills. The common denominator being interest and enthusiasm of and around vintage motorcycles.
Individually we participate in a way that moves us. I think it’s safe to say that for regular members that’s riding, racing or collecting.

Many associate members like myself love the fringe benefits of having seasonal opportunities to get together at rallies and racetracks to share good times with good friends.
Over the years I have spent countless hours teaching children in school and directing both youth and adults in community theatre. This year has turned over a bit of a new leaf for me. With my retirement from teaching and the impossibility to create theatrical performances at this time I am left, thankfully, with my connection to the CVMG.

So here I am to help in the best way I know how.

Eager to contribute my time and experience I look forward to my new found involvement as Membership Secretary. I will renew your memberships, (and take your money), and keep your file up to date!

I am confident I will also work well with the current National Executive to make cooperative decisions that favour the well-being and interests of the CVMG and its members.

Nice to meet all of you!

My first experience riding was on the back of a 1967 BSA Lightning when I was fifteen.  I was content and enjoyed riding on the back with Michael in control.  We took a break from riding while our children were small but once our youngest was about eight Michael got the urge to get another bike.  Problem was I didn’t want to sit on the back any more so for my 45th birthday/Mother’s Day I attended a woman’s only motorcycle course through Canadore College in North Bay.  My first solo bike was a Suzuki Intruder (can’t remember the year) which was okay because at least my feet could touch the ground.  Being vertically challenged proved to be a problem finding a bike that “felt right”.  Finally we found my baby in Mississauga, a 1983 Suzuki GS750ES and we fit perfectly together.

Unfortunately, now due to issues with my vision, I am now relegated to the back of the bike I am still very much involved with my home group, Nipissing Section, as Secretary/Treasurer and now as Treasurer with the NEC.  It is great coming together in one place with so many, we all come from different places and have different bikes, but we all have a common interest in preserving the beauty of older bikes and their history.

Brock Hansler has been around since 1951, confirming his place in the “vintage community”.  Growing up on 'The Danforth', he began riding at the age of 15 and has been collecting and riding motorcycles ever since. His favourites include the Bultaco Metralla Mk2, BSA Rocket III and BMW RT 1100. Proudly graduating from Danforth Tech, he has been employed in printing, the courts, a trade (elevator service), custom painting, service management, software design, and business weasel. Today his hobbies are motorcycle restoration, photography, cabinetry, and of course, riding (over 330K on his RT now).

Photo and bio coming soon!

When I was fourteen I read an article in Teen Magazine – everything you needed to know about getting into a sports car gracefully while wearing a miniskirt”.  I practiced this “skill” until I was confident that when I met my boyfriend I would have no issues with the skirt /sports car.  Unfortunately, there were two things I never considered:

•  My mother was not going to let me wear a miniskirt, and
•  My future husband rode up on a Yamaha 650 Maxim.

Here we are years later and since then I've traded the miniskirt for chaps.  Still no sports car but I do own a 1985 Yamaha Virago and sometimes it’s not that graceful.

I have been a committee member for many years and have been fortunate enough to work with many great people.  As the Paris Rally Chairperson, I look forward to another wonderful year and am especially looking forward to meeting friends - both old and new!

From the age of 11, after my first ride on the pillion of my brother’s ex-army G3L Matchless, I’ve been hooked on motorcycles.  I began riding legally as soon as I turned 16 on a BSA Bantam.  After I passed my driving test, I bought a Velocette MAC, on which I rode about 100,000 miles in various guises during the 1970s in England.

My competition career started with a season of sidecar racing in 1975 on an uncompetitive Triumph outfit.  I was the one ‘in the chair’.  In 1978 I took up vintage racing with the VMCC and had a lot of fun over the next five years at the various circuits around England on a 1938 Velocette MSS.  

Soon after arriving in Canada in October 1982, I discovered the fledgling CVMG and started attending the monthly meetings of the Ottawa section.  I am also an active member of the sister organization, the VRRA (Vintage Road Racing Association).  I’ve even had a go at trials riding at some of the Eastern Ontario events.  In recent years I have bought three ‘cammy’ Velos, the earliest of which I have rebuilt as a replica of the bike Alec Bennett rode to win the 1928 Junior TT in the Isle of Man.

I joined the CVMG OFY Section back around 1985, shortly after I purchased my brand new 1984 Honda Goldwing Interstate 1200 from McBride's Cycle.

Since we used to live in Mississauga, joining the OFY Section was the natural choice. We forged great friendships there, our Sunday breakfasts would count close to or over 20 members in a regular basis, and we had great rides afterwards. Spring weekend rides to the Haliburton area, freezing February pub crawls in the Lucas Push events, all beautiful memories we will never forget.

In 2001 I volunteered for president of OFY, and not having had enough punishment, I accepted a nomination for National president in 2002 and 2003.

This time around I am facing an even greater challenge as Website Administrator. Mark Melcher's shoes will not be easier to fill, he is a real pro. I will try my best, that's all I can promise at this point.

This position is currently vacant.

Are you an experienced concours judge able to lend your expertise at various events?
If so, please get in touch!

Volunteer as Chief Judge