Archive for December, 2022

Saturday December 31st 2022 New Year’s Eve.

Saturday, December 31st, 2022

I saw this posted on the Social media - as an old guy - it sort of rang a bell !! Perhaps because I remember having some of these thoughts.

AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is… the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is…my friends are retired and getting grey…they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me…but, I see the great change….Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant…but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.
Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will… I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so…now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!
But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last…this I know, that when it’s over on this earth…it’s NOT over. A new adventure will begin!
Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done…things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.
So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!
Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!
“Life” is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
REMEMBER:….
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.
“LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!
LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you…….
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names…. But it’s OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!
~You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep”.
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an “ON” and “OFF” switch..
~You tend to use more 4 letter words … “what?”…”when?”… “what?” . ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless”?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet…. 2 of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!
Stay well, “OLD FRIEND!” Send this on to other “Old Friends!” and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!
It’s Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.
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Babs and myself were chatting about the New Year - and how we celebrated it when we were young - usually by going to a local Dance-hall - they always had a big live band, and would do the count down to midnight, similar to what they do at Times Square New York. - It was always a happy time, with promise of better things to come  in the year ahead.
We would sing “Auld Lang Syne” - the Scottish song that was derived from the poem by Robert Burns.
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Of course the Scottish make a really big deal out of this - and call it Hogmanay - I remember Harry McKay would sometimes phone me in the  wee early hours of New Years Day - after a huge party - which made his accent even harder to understand.  - But the message was clear and a time to thank old friends for things shared.
Also perhaps a time to remember my own Ancestry with my Dads Mum - my Grandmother, being Scottish from the Fraser Clan. - She died when my Father was only 3 years old and he was raised in the Central part of England-  then later married my mother who was Welsh, so we have a mix of Celtic blood in our veins.
May be an image of text that says 'My2023 New Year's Wishes for YOU 12 months of Happiness 52 weeks of Laughter 365 days of Success 8,760 hours of Good Health 525600 minutes Blessings and.... 31,536,000 seconds of Joy Amen Happy New Year!'
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Finally as we close the book on 2022 - I would like to thank all those who chose to buy bikes and supplies  from us this past year. - We are living in challenging times -But we hope to continue to help everybody who has an interest in the sport - We don’t care what you ride - as long as you ride !!!
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Also to those who click onto our daily blog for up to date info from both home and abroad, and of course our regulars who compete every day that we post a quiz pic!! You know who you are!!  All the best for 2023.
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Friday December 30th 2022

Friday, December 30th, 2022

Well ! we didn’t get any answers to the Thursday quiz - the Group of Yamaha Team riders at the 1983 ISDE in Wales  were –Walter Short- Pat Horan Trophy Team - Bronze medal -( Young Lady)  Outlaw Dave - Bernie Graffunder - Junior Trophy Team -Bronze Medal - Chris Castles  Club Team - Bronze medal - Tony Allen Junior Trophy Team - Bronze medal -

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As mentioned before this was a huge achievement  for the Canadian Team who finished second in the Junior Trophy or Silver Vase as it used to be called. - other members on that team were Blair Sharpless (CanAm) and Craig Kennedy (Husky)  - Plus  the team won the rarely presented Watling Trophy for the most improved Nation. -

Not to forget the other Canadian riders  who rode their hearts out Cam Whiffing- Phil Wiebe - and Tom Irwin  - yes there were other riders as well who deserve a mention Warren Thaxter and a couple of other young guys from Eastern Canada - Gerry Nielson from Alberta (rip) -  Sorry I forget their names. - ( it is a long time ago and I’ve mislaid my program)

Suffice to say that this was one of the biggest Motorcycle events that it has been my privilege   to attend - I was glad that I could help out by arranging our Yamaha Transporter and of course as this event was in my home Country we did get some help, - but not from Yamaha Canada which was unfortunate.

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-As anybody that has been involved with this type of organization will tell you - you start a long time ahead - planning is crucial, - We have been blessed with so many enthusiasts spending their own money to represent  Canada and wave the flag. -

At the 1983 event we teamed up with the Australian team   as they did not have enough support people - but - did you know that their Government pays their expenses to compete  at this level. Hello! Canada !!
Obviously this topic could become quite long and raise a lot of questions about any possible grants if indeed they were/are available

. All I can say is that our lads paid their own way and finished second in the World. I take my hat off to them and sadly remember some who are no longer with us-  Bert Irwin Team Captain, Jim  Kelly  - Gerry Nielson
.Quote of that week by Bernie Graffunder on the Wednesday morning at breakfast - “Dave now I know why you told us to practice riding Muskeg !!!
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On to Trials stuff - not that anything is happening in the interior - but maybe the better weather  will entice some of our OK Valley riders out to Ioco - or maybe to Ross Rathbone’s Indoor  set up ??

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Looking back at the 2022 year - It was really not that bad  in spite of all the covid restrictions - the two Shuswap events were well attended  ( Christy even came out to Martin & Julies Trial)

Looking ahead   to 2023 - It’s anybody’s guess !!  - we do have some new blood  in our Valley who want to help out - so watch  out for news on this.

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Thursday December 29th 2023

Thursday, December 29th, 2022

OK - The answer to the quiz pics from yesterday !!

#1 the gadget on the front mudguard is for collecting horse shoe nails that had dropped by the horses that used the old “Bridle-paths”  - some of which were used in the Scottish !!!( the paths - not the horses)  NOBODY guessed this ( surprise surprise) info came from John Moffat

#2 This is a tire pump - a standard fitting on  many bikes in the old days  ( also a regular item carried in the Scottish)

#3 The pic was taken at a trial we had at Dave Griffin’s place in Fruitvale -BC  lots of familiar faces - most of which Brett Clark got.

Jimmy Corkle a couple of local guys - plus Kevin Couves, Barry Van As - myself - Mike Seto - Graeme Manning and his lad - It was an extremely hot day +40 - I remember because I had heat stroke & passed out while riding a big rock section. Had to lie down in the creek to cool off. Oh yes I remember Barry also got a speeding ticket on the way home to Kelowna!!!

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Results from the Yorkshire Boxing Day Trial - Clean sweep for Beta at the sharp end .

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We have not heard if any Cannucks are entered for the 2023 Scottish  - This pic shows Stan working on his Scorpa at the 2022 event.
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Memories from 1983 in Wales - The Transporter was supplied by Yamaha UK - I planned all this a long time ahead.

But who can name the riders ??
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Wednesday December 28th 2022

Wednesday, December 28th, 2022

Quiz for today - What is the strange metal bracket fitted to the front mudguard of Gordon Jackson’s Factory AJS ??
May be an image of 4 people, motorcycle and text that says '118 MJW 764'

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A flashback to an exciting time in Canadian Trials - This was when  Stan had his Traveling  Stunt show and featured what were pretty extreme obstacles for that era. ( Some would be even today)  - Of course the new all conquering Yamaha TY 250 mono had just arrived on the market, and encouraged by his appearances on shows like the English Kickstart - Stan built some awesome sections, which required great skill and also courage to try.

This one shows Steve Day on the back board - which required precise timing   doing the “flick” turn - a cloe up of Steve’s eyes shows a hint of fear and impending disaster - but I think he survived OK. The large spectators loved these shows which were held all across Canada. - Local ones were held in Kelowna at the Home Show and also the Regatta. where hundreds of spectators enjoyed them.

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This was 1890 not far from where we grew up in Wales - it’s the River Seven - first time this happened and maybe the last - but then again in these crazy weather patterns who knows.
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Could be Quiz #2  What is that thing below the gas tank of the Norton?
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As we look ahead to 2023 - it’s nice to look back at a time when Trials riding was very popular in both the Okanagan and the Kootenays, - see how many old friends you can spot, at this Fruitvale  BC  Trial.
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Yesterday we had a really nice three way link via facetime  with some of my family in the UK - it was nice to chat to one of my brothers who I have not seen for twenty years. - ‘aint modern technology wonderful!!

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Finally ! Big thanks to the brave customer who drove up on icy roads from Kelowna yesterday to purchase one of our new style Wulf Trials helmets for his son, who lives in Pincher Creek AB - He needed to park at the top of our driveway as it was like a skating rink!!
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Tuesday December 27th 2022

Tuesday, December 27th, 2022

The pic below I took over ten years ago at Bear Ridge on Boxing Day - we had a visit from an Alberta customer  so Barry & myself took him out for a ride - as you can see, some snow, but quite mild. - Barry is looking up at an Eagle who kept circling above watching us.
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We spent  a quiet Boxing day, but as it had warmed up to +2 - I did go out to the shop and fired up the TRS demo we have left over - Although it had sat in the unheated shop for about a month in temperatures that dipped down to -32 - after a couple of kicks to loosen everything up ( including my stiff old bones) it only took a touch on the starter button to bring it to life.  - pretty amazing.

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I wonder how many motorcycle enthusiasts watched The Great Escape - over the holiday - always a favorite.
The Great Escape?1963? - MainTitle Music

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Perhaps the best “invention for Trials bikes - The TRS magic button !! - This proved to be  very popular. - especially with the older brigade or people with leg/knee issues.
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Roger Boothroyd took this pic a couple of years ago of John “Boomer” Gronow on his 90th birthday - sadly he left us on Christmas day this year our condolences to his family ( they all rode Trials) and to the Victoria Motorcycle Club - Boomer was their oldest and long time original member.
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December 26th 2022 - Boxing Day.

Monday, December 26th, 2022

Mick says - Merry Christmas!!
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Santa left this under our tree - Glenfiddich - but seems a funny shape for a bottle!!!
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In the UK Boxing day is often a time to Clear the head”  by riding in a Trial or as seen here watching the Scrambles on TV -  Good old days, when just getting around the muddy track was an achievement!!
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A few people guessed the quiz pic yesterday as being an Ariel 500 HT5 - The bike made famous by Sammy Miller - but I’m not so sure it is - if you study the tank logo - it could be an Italian Gilera as the post was from Europe. - A very good copy if this is the case.

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We hope everybody enjoyed   Christmas day a time for Family gatherings, and perhaps a toast both to absent friends and to those suffering in the Ukraine.

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Sad News - we just heard that John “Boomer” Gronow died on Christmas day - he was the longest lasting member of the Victoria Club. - What a “Character” he was  - Godspeed Boomer

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Sunday December 25th 2022 - Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 25th, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.
This pic is not from this year - we have way more snow today - but the same nice view .
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I think this makes a perfect Christmas Trials pic - Santa on a big thumper - but what bike is it?
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Saturday December 24th 2023 Christmas Eve.

Saturday, December 24th, 2022

Not sure why my previous posts were inter-spaced  with - A - Hmm strange things happen in Winter time. or maybe just a Canadian thing!!  “A”
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The TRS Factory got together for this shot - wishing us all a Merry Christmas.
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As most of you know Dave Fair is the main Trials guy on the Island - and does a great job promoting the sport - but he also has an extensive background in Flat Track racing - In the meantime he is showing off his Hodaka Super Rat - likely the only bike he could get started in the frigid weather ?? or maybe it was the lightest to push out for the pic !! Merry Christmas Dave.
May be an image of motorcycle and outdoors

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Yesterday was a “Stay home ” kind of day - with the driveway  plugged with snow and our Plow guy having trouble starting his tractor !!  - Momma Bear did get out later with our Son in Law in his 4×4 truck. - Not sure what we will see when we check outside today ( still dark)  HO HO HO!!!

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Friday December 23rd 2022

Friday, December 23rd, 2022

I mentioned yesterday that it was Bob Clark’s birthday - yes he is 65 years old !!  - I just thought it might be a good time as it’s Christmas - to mention what a great business relationship we have had with the Clark family, ever since Bob’s Dad,  Don (rip) phoned me in October 1993, suggesting that I might like to be a dealer for him. - or to be precise his words before that were “Dave it’s Don Clark - how are you getting along with that Yamaha?”  - My answer was “Don you know bloody well how I’m getting along with that TYZ”  - Anyway - I said I’ll be out tomorrow - a decision that I have never regretted.

The pic of me is at the 1992 Scottish - standing by the Factory Yamaha TYZ Prototype - which a Japanese rider competed on to test the bike - Note the Outlaw   Xbar pad - that Mick Andrews put on it. - Unfortunately none of the changes that Mick suggested were ever done, and that is why the production bike was a disappointment .
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Looking back - I think maybe the reason that I still have a lot of Yamaha Dealers as friends - is because like Don Clark and now Bob - I always tried to do as good old Walt used to say “Always say it as it is”   - ( sometimes this got me into trouble)

Over the years since we started Outlaw in 1987 - we have dealt with quite a lot of companies, and also discontinued   with  some of them, when we decided we did not like their ethics. ( No I’m not going to name them)

Another great Company who have supported me since late 1987 - is Interlube USA - the people who supply us with Opti Oil   - while there is no doubt that  we sold a ton of oil for them over a few decades - when old age stopped me traveling and an obvious down turn in sales - Interlube have still got me as their Distributor. - In fact they sent a Rep up to the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame back in 2018 - We often talk about our Motorcycle Sport as being “Family” - Yes - At this time of the year - we ( Babs and myself) would hope that everybody has a great Christmas.
Merry Christmas Bob

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A memory from 2016 - and to think it all started when a young Sammy emailed me from Australia  !!
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Answer to the Thursday Quiz - The section is Laggan Locks rider Mike Rapley - John Kitchener was the only one with the correct spelling, and also mentioned  that this section was not used in the 2022 event - after being a regular for over 45 years.

Brett and Pete Varey were also quick with the answer

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Thursday December 22nd 2022

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

Brrrrrrr it’s -32 in the Valley today - not much of an incentive for Christmas shopping. -even if the vehicles will start!!   -

Birthday greetings to Bob Clark  TRS Importer, who has  made another trip around the sun.

Oh ! And the Boxing day Trial at Ioco - has been postponed !!!! I wonder why ( Ha Ha)
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Below is a 1980’s pic of a World round section with Jordi Tarres heading upstream.
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Quiz for today - We don’t know who this rider is, but can anybody name this famous Scottish Section????
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I see another World Trials rider has called it quits - one of the Gelebert brothers - he was usually in the top 5-6.

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Another sign of Global warming !!  A frozen waterfall a couple of days ago - this is in WALES>

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