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Today we have to post the sad news that our old friend Pete Smith died on September 5th ( my birthday) at age 78. – We got the call from his wife Sandra, who said he requested no funeral or any fuss – ( typical of Pete.)
Pete was of course a brilliant Trials rider and Canadian champ, back in the day and we have told the stories of how he used to come to our Alberta Trials in the 70’s and always won. – Although it’s been quite some time since we last saw Pete, we did talk on the phone earlier this year. – Many will recall that he built some amazing sidecar outfits when he had his business in Kamloops. He also competed in Sidecar Trials in the UK.
An accomplished musician, Pete loved to play the Guitar and also the Piano – I remember we had a great time at my surprise 60th birthday, when we had a wonderful sing-a long at our place in Kelowna, with Pete on the Piano.
I’m sure many Trials riders from that era will remember Pete, a great rider, and a good friend, who had a wonderful sense of humor. RIP.
Below is a pic of Pete in his familiar Bultaco shirt at a Calgary Club Trial .
And below on a tricky section at McLean creek.
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While we mourn the friends we’ve lost, many way too soon, we can also cherish the memories, of really good times spent together often around the campfire. ( it is still really hard)
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Yesterday I had a shipment of Betas come in, and as usual, I had nobody to help me uncrate them – Now for those that don’t know – this does take quite a lot of physical effort – something that I find very hard to find these days. – Anyway, I finally managed, but at age 88 it was a struggle – the reward is of course. when you get to see the new bikes and “fettle” them for that very first time. – here is a pic of one –
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