CAV Webmaster's Blog: 2010

Friday June 26th
Its been a Fast Paced Week of Riding Hard.. Heading Eastward towards our 2nd CAV Formation Familys...

The 2009 Patrol Started out with a Farewell Ride alongside Many Different 1st CAV Comrades, from many different Units -attending the 'John Flagg Memorial Ride' in Bancroft Ontario...John was a True Motorcycle Enthusiast-Who I had the Honour of meeting at Roadside, Just weeks before he was killed in the Line of Duty, as a An OPP Police Officer..
[And No-I didnt even have my Registration and License in Hand-he was More interested in the 1938 Knuckle Head I was Riding!]

This year we Rode for A Local Bancroft Charity-Keeping alive his 'Service to Others Til Death' Life Mission... It was Especially Clear to all of us attending this Powerful Event in keeping Johns Memory alive, that the Sunshine-Good Food and Fantastic Fellowship kept his Energy Roaring along the Winding Roads,always along some Rivers Edge, for many many happy miles.

Our Own President 'Highway' and his Lady from Sudbury, who always show thier Support at this Annual Event-Related how they were riding and keeping at thier sides-The Memory of a CAV Member of thier Unit-Who had succumbed to Brain Cancer, just this winter..Pain was etched on thier faces as they related his last wish to 'Ride for John Flagg'-Before falling to his disease..

Its Important for us to Always remember-A Lesson We affirmed at this years John Flagg Ride-that not only do we ride for ourselves,But we Also Always ride for those who cannot attend every Event or Proud Moment, especially those who have Fallen-On the line of Duty, or From Lifes Trauma's..

We Will Always Carry them at Our Sides!

Ive now also spent a Great Set of Meetings in Oromocto NB, these past few days-Remeeting those Eastern Family CAV Members we last saw at Our National Spring meetings-Today we're riding hard to Moncton New Brunswick for ''Atlanticade's'' Sparkling Motorcyle Event and Show..

''Trappers Patrol 2009'' has just begun-and already time is roaring by too fast-as always,As I ride alongside our CAV Comrades,Riding, Having Fun and Helping Others-Surrounded by our CAV/VAC Strength and Honour..

I Wish Everyone of our CAV Family could Ride as I do, Every Day- For those Who Cannot-Or Those who Never will again Ride.

I Look Forward proudly to always doing just that-As my Patrol takes me across our Great Country and Into Your Homes and Riding Energy. Ill keep making installments 'here'-Telling Everyone of the Powerful Success's I find as I repeat for the 3rd Year Nation wide,This Opportunity to Share the Freedoms of the Road-Our Fellow Warrior Citizens have Secured for us!

Bright Sunshine Today-My Ride gear is finally Dry after Torrential Rains so far..The Future Looks Bright and Crystal Clear !!!

June 3oth

In the last Furious Paced Days Ive attended Crucial Meetings in 2nd CAV's Development, and watched our Eastern Familys Great Success at the 2009 Atlanticade Festival....

2nd CAV President Mark P ,heading towards a Future with the New Brunswick Conservative Party-will step aside August 1st as 2nd CAV lead-With 'Roly'- presently 2nd CAV Vice Pres,'Assuming Command'at that time.
Marks Leadership expanded Greatly our CAV Mission of ''Ride and Have Fun Helping Others'' in the east of Canada, Initially Launched by Colin S-Who now holds an Old Guard's Position on the 'right flank'..

Congratulations Mark P on making Historic Strides on our CAV Influence !! Best of Luck in the Political Battlegrounds you now face of Ottawa's Federal Scene, We'll all watch your Career Closely-With Great Pride!!

New 2nd CAV President Rolly will be ably assisted by 'Weaz' from PEI As his Formation Vice President, 'Scammer' from Gagetown as Sgt at Arms-as always drawing Great support from Poppy of Newfoundland..

Congratulations all Meeting Attendee's-Your Gathered Strength and Honour was Impressive, setting in Place a Transition to a Positive Future-Based on a Very Solid Foundation!

Atlanticade then started off with a ''CAV Bang''-Our Riders gathering from All over the eastern seaboard-Including 1st CAV Riders from afar.. As we first met over 'Frosty Beverages', I was told by many 2009 Laconia Returnee's-Of impromptu Rendevous of 2nd CAV Partiers-Meeting Proud 1st CAV Riders in New Hampshire USA in the days before..

Saturday's CAV Riders roared into the Moncton '4 Rink Complex' renewing aquintances with many comrades-4000 to 5000 Riders from everywhere,All together, seeing many many Custom Bikes, Antiques and even our Own ''Ortona Units T Shirt Lady Pam''-She selling her Great Products at Atlanticade and teaching the Organizers how to better set in motion a National Level show..Well Done Pam!!

If any of You have yet to visit the east-I Highly reccomend Monctons Atlanticade-Especially the Saturday Night Street Party-When the ENTIRE Downtown Mainstreet of Moncton is Blocked off to allow Only Bikes and Party Goer's-THOUSANDS Looked at the Unbelievable bikes and smoke show's, Bands and crowds-ALL United for a Down east Great Time!

Sunday though was a very Proud CAV /Veteran Support Moment in Time For all Riders and Citizens of the East..

Hundreds and Hundreds of Bikes of the ''2009 Atlanticade Iron Horse Parade of Motorcycles'' roared miles through Town-Lead by Your Very Own CAV Family -ending at the Moncton Veterans Home, a Facilty with Rows and Rows of wheelchair Mounted Veterans and Family Members-eagerly watching us Roar onto thier Grounds!

For Hours we met and spoke with Every Veteran,Proudly shaking everyones Hand and reaffirming our Recognition of the Great Debt we owe them for thier service.. It was a Powerful Meeting-Our Riders and these Heroes-ALL Having a Ball-Listening to the Loud Pipes and Band's-Playing in front of Military Collector vehicles and Our Beloved Bikes...

Heather Ireland of Biker TV, a Proud Fan of your CAV Organiation alongside her Producer Tom-as well as 'Motorcycle Mojo Magazine' Editor Glenn Roberts, another Big Fan of CAV's-Both Spent hours with us, meeting these Fellow Bike Enthusiasts, many in thier 80's and older,All who look forward to a 2010 repeat of this years Great Atlanticade event...

3 of these Vet's where WW2 Despatch Riders..the Pride on thier faces of ''Thier Own CAV Family''-was Immense!!

Ive just now arrived safely in Newfoundland,after a rough Ferry Passage, and been Greeted by our Newfoundland CAV Family in Argentia Landing.. This after a Brutal rainy Nova Scotia Run-Lead by 'Ranger', who now heads to Yellowknife..[Many Thanks Brother on a Job Well Done, under the Absolute Worst of Conditions!], we now ride south to St Johns..

Im well prepositioned for July 1st's Beaumont Hamel Commemoration-held near the Harbour's Caribou Statue to the Newfoundland Regiments Heroism.. My 3rd Attendance at this Emotional ceremony...

This year, as in Years past,as I lay Your CAV Wreath in St Johns -a similar wreath will be layed at the WW1 Battlefield oversea's by our Comrades of the Eastern Command, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Commemorating a Battle, Sacrifice and Service- Place's and Moment's in time never Forgotten by Our CAV Organization- Especially by the Citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador...

We Will Never Forget!!!

July 1st

It was My Honour to Stand in Front of Hundreds of Proud Riders on 2 Emotional Occasions today, Congratulating them all for Doing daily, as the CAV always will-Commemorating and Paying Tribute to Service and Sacrifice of the Past-The Present, and the Future..

Today-All gathered to do just that in Proud Newfoundland/Labrador Style!

First- Beaumont Hamel Unit, Ly's Unit Members and 2nd CAV Hq Riders Roared en mass-To Spaniards Bay Memorial. Tommy Ricketts of the Newfoundland Regiment who won the Victoria Cross in World War 1 often visited here, reliving the war and the sacrifices of the 'Blue Putttee's'-as his close friend and Witness to his VC Action's-Lived out his life in Spaniards Bay..The Legion here carry's his name..''Mathew Brazil''..[This Legion has adopted our ''Lys Unit'' of the CAV-Who enjoy thier own meeting room looking out over the Ocean and Harbour-'Beaumont Hamel Unit in St Johns has thier own meeting room in Legion # 1-'Beaumont Hamel Branch-Of Course!]

I Had the Honour, alongside a Young Child of the Community - surrounded by Bikers of CAV and Representatives of the Dozens of Riding Club's of Newfoundland-assisted by the Royal Canadian Legion Members and Executives from the nearby branch-to lay a wreath on Your Behalf-Showing all gathered that we will NEVER Forget the sacrifice of the Baymen of The Province who gave all-in service to others..

We heard many storys of the Veterans who survived the war-All who never walked past this Very Monument-Without stopping and Bowing, remembering the Hundreds of Comrades who never returned..

After much energy and CAV Strength and Honour-Showing Respect to the residents who rode in -or who Simply Stood Proudly by, we then rode Hard and Fast to the Best Fish and Chips Ive Ever tasted-All at Holyroods NFLD's shoreside-Sailboats passing closeby, Massive Granite Cliffs surrounding us, a 100 foot high Silver Cross atop the highest cliff,waves crashing into the mile wide harbour region,Sun Shining Down -Sea Gulls Doing thier best to coax us out of a treat or 2...They Got NONE Of My 'Scoff'!!

Next we Rode onto St John's City Topsail Road nearest the Transcanada Highway-Gathered Hundreds of riders-CAV Leading the way,and escorted by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary-Sirens and Lights-CAV Flags flying. Miles and Miles past Proud onlooking Citizens,downtown to the Bowring Park Beaumont Hamel Commemoration ceremonys.

As in past years-We Rode straight into the Park-Bikes roaring, stopping directly in front of the Caribou Statue -The exact Duplicate of the Caribou Monuments in Far away Battlefields-Where the History of the Island and its familys-changed forever.

This year was a milestone-as the Park setting, made by the survivors of WW1- Has today had the addition of a Wall of Honour,Listing by name and Rank Every Single Casualty of the Great sacrifice of WW1.
Cast in Bronze-It was our Honour to meet the Artists of this powerful work, and great numbers of the Public- all United with CAV and The Provinces Riders,To lay our Wreath and Respect at this Alter to The Past. Once again, accompanied by a youth of Newfoundland...

Carefully We lay the Wreath on your Behalf, and I Had the Further Honour to Address the Crowd-Telling them the History of the Somme Battle, reminding one and all of that Generations sacrifice, and the Sacrifices STILL Being made by Our Soldiers, Sailors and Aircrews-Many from Newfoundland/Labrador-Even today...

Everyone Was Humbled to gather together in this Sacred Grove-Surrounded by many Descendants of the 'Blue Puttee's'-Our Motorcycles Standing at our Sides, Our CAV Strength and Honour In Full Measure-All the while underneath the Gaze of the Life Size Caribou Statue perched high on a granite ridge, a waterfall tumbling past us-the names of the Heroe's of the Past in Front of us...

If Youve never Ridden to see the Natural Beauty,learn the Proud History or meet the People of this Unbelievable Region-Then ''Come on Home'' and Join Us! Ive Clearly seen your Proud 2nd CAV Family show everyone of Your CAV Heart's and Mission of 'Ride and Have Fun Helping Others',Let me assure you that you have MANY MANY Freinds and Family Members here in Newfoundland's St John's Region waiting to ride at Your Side!

Tommorow we ride to say farewell to 'Ranger'-He off to Join 'Scheldt Unit' and the Military Ranger Mission in Yellowknife.. I Know Ill again see many Happy Comrades,Hear Many Proud Storys, and this Only my 'Patrols day 2'-In Newfoundland /Labrador..Later this week we hold a Party/Barbeque ride, then head north to Botwood-A Powerful Youth Support Ride and Veterans Home Visit..

Come on CAV/VAC Brothers and Sister's-You Can't let us have all the East Coast Fun-
--Join Us !!

July 5th

It was My Honour to Represent our National Membership's Support-Of Beaumont Hamel Unit, and Ly's Unit of 2nd CAV,Who rode directly onto the Track and Feild Grounds Saturday in Mount Pearl ,assisting the Royal Canadian Legion/CAV Youth Athletic Program.

Youth Athletes representing all of Newfoundland, have for 3 years now-Been donating funds from 2nd CAV's Newfoundland Units-Allowing disadvantaged but highly competitive Youth-To attend the National Sports Programs-Representing Newfoundland.

Wayne Gretsky and Doug Gilmour-are Examples of 2 who, when youth, in thier moment of need in Athletic endeavors-Had Direct Financial Support from the Royal Canadian Legion across Canada.

Newfoundlands Youth gathered Yesterday, accepting Proudly Our CAV Strength and Honour and Due to The Newfoundland CAV Units hard work-Charity riding Moneys,-Allowing 18 Newfoundland Competitors-To be able to Go to Sherbrook Quebec for the National Youth Program this summer.

Many Future Olympic Athletes, Later to follow careers in Youth support or Sports-Began thier lives with this type of Crucial Energy.

Beaumont Hamel Unit , Ly's Unit Members and Guest's,our Buddy and Comrade Bill Tetford of Spaniards Bay legion, and Legionaire Jim Kennedy-Provincial Legion Sports Cordinator, Proudly Stood by Our Sides as Your 2nd CAV Comrades Fully supported -then watched, the Provincial level Competition, to finalize which athletes will go on to Quebec ..The Runners Stretched-Then ran, Jumped, Hurdled or Threw thier way to Victory..

It was My Honour to address the Assembled Athletes, thier Proud family Members and Legion /Cav Family - Reminding one and all of the Freedoms We enjoy across our Country-Paid for by Sacrifice of self-By those who secured our Nation for the Future..

Saturday in Mount Pearl Newfounland we Literally 'past on the torch' to the next generation.

These Youth Athletes-Represent clearly our Countrys Great Positive Future, Each youth determined to win,To better themselves in every way-Proudly Now Supported by CAV, 2nd CAV Newfoundland Units Directly..

Next we roared on to the Topsail road Motorcycle Display of a 2010 Honda Fury being raffled off by 2nd CAV-4000 Tickets, 10 dollars a shot- ALL Proceeds going to the CBS Monument of Honour-Being erected Locally..

Last year it was my Honour to be at the launch of this effort near Holyrood NFLD , to Show Great Respect to ALL Uniform Sacrifice-The names of Soldiers, Sailors ,Aircrew, Police Or Firefighter's -Who have laid thier lives down on the Line of Duty.

The Custom Built Honda Fury Chopper has a Massive 1300 VTX Powerplant, Chrome Bulging out of every Corner-An 'Orange County/West Coast Chopper' Look-Style and Speed/Power screaming at you-Even as it sits still!
The winner of the Bike [Only 1000 tickets left-and likely not many after this coming weekends 2nd CAV Botwood Fundraiser and Party..] will be able to have it transported for free As far West as Toronto..

Strong Rumour already -an Alberta Rider has made it clear,That if whoever win's the Draw Bike wants to sell this limited edition Honda Chopper-He will Gladdly purchase it for his collection, for $30,000..
Someone will ride away this fall on a Great Bike-Costing only $10 dollars, then having to decide whether $30,000 could smooth over the pain of riding it only Once!

We Next Roared off to St Phillips, across the ocean from majestic Bell Isle, sitting on a sunny dockside Home Restaurant, with a Million Dollar View-2nd CAV Riders laughing and Meeting in True CAV Fashion,
Me getting to eat even better tasting Fish-Than even the ''Best Fish I ever had'', the day before!..Looks like every meal will be like this!
Ive had Inch thick Moose Steaks, Moose Pate', Caribou Steaks and Fresh caught Crab Legs..Lobsters by the Score have given thier all for the CAV..

Itll be Awful Hard to ride off the Rock later this Summer!!

This week I ride Proudly by the sides of Our Easternmost CAV Comrades-Roaring along the Irish Loop today, next Bacculieu Trial as last year[A Repeat ride Ill again enjoy]-then soon off to Botwood and Gander Region for the Largest Newfoundland 2nd CAV 'Biker fundraiser'-The Youth Athletic Charity's Final Gathering-including a Massive Party, Parade of Bikes through Town, and a Heartfelt Visit to the Local Veterans Home for a Meet and Greet CAV Style!

Last Night-I Sat in front of a Roaring Fire, After Many Many Miles of Smooth UNBELIEVABLE Riding Beauty and Powerful Companionship.. at fireside we listened to Great Storys-some so wild they must be True!, and the guitar Entertainment of Harbour Grace's Own ''Singing Cobbler''- Bill Luffman,a VERY Proud past guest on Our Very Own CAV/VAC National Rider in Chief for Veteran Supporters Wayne Rostad's CBC TV Show ..

Tom Mercer, another gifted Area Musician backed the 74 year 'old/Young' Singing Cobbler Bill -He PROUDLY Wearing his white Treasured ''On The Road Again'' CBC T shirt-Like a soldier wears his Best Uniform-
Singing Newfoundlands Historic Songs-as well as Several about Ocean Side Sex and Viagra that had all of us spitting Beer out of our Nose's as The Singing Cobbler reminded us that lifes too short to be serious all the time!

Off to the Sunny Roads Of Newfoundland again!!
Ill 'Suffer along'-Enjoying Every Second of this Years 2009 Patrol across Newfoundland!

July 11th

We're just hours away from the Large CAV Rendevous at Botwood Newfoundland, a Gathering of Island Bikers -hosted by the 2nd CAV Riders and Royal Canadian Legion..All to raise money for the Provinces Youth Athletic Association-sending Kids to The Nationals , in Quebec this year...

The last week has been spent roaring around the Northern Arm of Newfoundlands Gros Morn Park, a UNESCO World heritage area, and conducting CAV Style Viking raids along the way!!

At L'anse aux Meadows National Historic site we met the reenactors dressed as the 'meadow's early citizens would have been-Fur wrapped around them, weapons slung..much as our present day CAV Riders today!

This site is the only authenticated Norse villiage in North America, the sod houses, Viking lifestyle all recreated fully, alongside the actual ruin's of Lief Erickson's life's work in establishing an outpost thousands of Km's away from thier native Lands.. As we ride around our continent, its awe inspiring to see the evidence of a people who left Norway, Populated Iceland and Greenland as stepping stones on the way to Our Region-all with a simple sail, crew and mission to keep moving forward,Conquering all challenge's ...

We've ridden past Hundreds of miles of Ocean, Hundreds of thousands of Lobster traps and Crab pot's, Iceburgs as far as the eye can see-Whales seen in St Anthony and many many Km's of our Convoy of CAV Bikes rolling steadily forward-Every turn another Million Dollar View.

The Northern Penninsula peoples are Very Warm, Welcoming and Greet you at every moment with helpful tips on 'Must see's', and directions to the best food stops ever! Dotted along every Kilometre are family garden plot's-guarded against moose and Caribou, Wood piles every now and then-All untended and protected by generations of understanding and Newfoundlander Strength and Honour..

Fishing net's are laid out to dry, Iceburgs pushed up to shore-Often ten's of thousands of pounds of pure white ice-Used by all to cool the Screech abundant at every stop.. Small 'salt box' square houses in every cove- Boats in the yard being tended,Cloths drying on the line in every yard-Children waving everywhere-watching us roll by-Wishing they where sharing the ride...

Well the bikes outside are rumbling once again-Its 'off south' to Botwood and the Youth athlete's of Newfoundland and Labrador-In less than a weeks time Ill be roaring westward-Trying not to turn back to this Beautiful Province and its Fantastic People!

July 13th

Ive seen it all-Or so I thought on our CAV/VAC's mission of Ride and Have Fun While Helping others..

This past weekend in Botwood was an eye opener for sure!

A High Standard has been set! If each province that the CAV Rides in, could set in place a commitee combining ''CAV and Royal Canadian Legion Sports Reps', and acheive the success that I Witnessed in Newfoundland this past weekend- then our countrys future could be secured!

0ver $11,000.00 dollars was raised by 2nd CAV's Newfoundland Labrador riders towards the goal and now success-of sending 18 youth from the Island-to Quebec for the Canadian Finals with the Royal Canadian Legion this year..

The Creed Clubhouse was the finish line, all Riders from the Island and with CAV Leading the way- we rode into Botwood, on the largest Motorcycle parade ever seen, stopping breifly at the birthplace of World War 2 Amphibous Aircrafts hanger and airdrome, then rolled onward to the regions Veteran retirement residence, greeting all residents and even attending a 93 year young Vet's birthday!!

Afterwards we listened to the Great Music of Newfoundlands ''Young at Heart'' band, Danced and Partied into the wee hours,Vendors, Custom Bikes-Wind worn and proud Riders all stood United in Seeing the Youth of The Island fully supported-with Coach's,escorts and athletes now headed to Quebec, due to this weekend and 2 other great rides -one in Labrador city and the last in Goose Bay..

All Provinces could learn a powerful lesson from these record setting riders-The CAV and Royal Canadian legion united with the Riders of a province-DIRECTLY SUPPORTING The young athletes of your region-Affecting for a lifetime thier future, and our country-In the best way possible..
ALL Uniting in our Youths Health and Competitive Spirit and Energy!!

Please Contact Poppy of 2nd CAV's HQ-For a Package explaining all lessons learned-YOU TOO CAN BE A HEROE TO THE YOUTH OF YOUR PROVINCE!

After this powerful Event, I Rode hard to Gros Morn Parks Trout River Community-along roUte 431, a breathtaking twisting and winding ride-Unbelievable vistas laid out for you and your bikes travels-a little known secret jewel of the Park!
-It was my Honour to lay a wreath in Honour of the Dozens of Citizens who died in all conflicts-they leaving behind this hidden paradice-In order to allow us the freedom's we enjoy today...
I Walked the boardwalk and slept in the Parks Canada Campground,earlier a Shoreside restaurant offering GREAT Seafood, Cliffs and surf all around-Caribou along the road in,Moose along the road out!

Im now at Port aux Basques Ferry side-headed west to Our Other eastern CAV Comrades-Then racing onward to Ontario's Tony Stacey Centre Ride..

I Look Forward to each Kilometer of the Patrol Ahead-
Its REAL Hard to leave Newfoundland-Only the opportunity of seeing CAV/VAC Comrades to the west could beckon me away till next year!

Many Thanks to Every CAV Brother and Sister who made thier homes and Province a part of our Adventure-'Sloop' and bride, a special thanks for hitting 3 harbours till you found Cod Tongues for a mainlander, Bushwacker and Bride for being my Family, Dog-Poppy, And ALL others -YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!-for your Great hearts, Your Strength and Honour...

July 17th

Ive had to roar westward earlier than expected-PEI and Halifax/Greenwood Units are my next points of contact..

After the news of a Death in my Family, and then the Tragic New's of our Own 'T-Shirt Lady Pam', from CAV Unit Ortona's Mother's Passing-[Id just held her in my arms during Atlanticade-She telling me of her Pride and Love for Daughter Pam...], Now Pam and Family-as are we all-Shocked to learn of her death...

Padre Lisa of Paaschendeale has also been bravely taking care of her Mom's Passing..Lisa-A Great Help to everyone else, has stoicly taken on this last need of her mom's without fanfare or assistance..

Pam Stood tall at her mom's service, as Did Lisa-Being the Strong Point's and Strong Hearts for all the Mourners attending..I and Everyone are proud of You Ladys!
Now Ill stand beside our Trenton Repat Group once again-Toronto Repat group just down the road doing the same-Kandahar just emailing me that thier latest Ramp ceremony is complete.... A Vandoo Heroe on his way home to His Family and Country..

Once again, as We ALL Do-
Standing Silently Proudly by, as our Death/Loss Support Network carrys on Stoicly Nation Wide..

We Ride for Those who Cannot-Nor Ever will again..

WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM!!

July 19th

I Literally Roared into 1st CAV's formation area, quickly attended several Important DND/DVA/Legion Meetings, setting in motion some Powerful upcoming Events for our Organization's Energy-then had the opportunity,[saddly without even being able to wash the 'Rode Hard and put away Wet 'Green Phoenix'] to attend the ''Highway of Heroes' Wounded Warrior Support Ride yesterday...

Gathering in 'Packets' from many communitys-my Home town Cobourg being our final staging area, hundreds of us Roared down the Highway of Heroe's-To CFB Trenton Airbases museum and ceremony...

Our Own Little Lady Dakota was the Guest of Honour, She gleefully racing around launching herself into the Arms of all her CAV Brothers and Sisters..[Dakota has been having serious Heart Test results lately from her recent open heart surgery-Our Prayers and Strength go to her Parents and scared Family Members].. Over 500 Bikes and Riders-a Large CAV Presence, with CAV Unit Juno Proudly being the Parade Marshall's at CFB Trenton..

I, Recently back from witnessing First hand 2nd CAV's Great Strength and Honour-Was Honoured Once again by 1st CAV's Equal powerful energy-seen in full measure at this Highway of Heroes Event, as well as as getting Hourly updates on Plumbers Heart and Stroke ride energy's to our immediate west -AND Getting Steady updates on 3rd CAV's Gathering of Eagles in our 'Far West'!

Im Proud of Everyone of You !!!

I Look Forward to this coming weekends Tony Stacey Ride and our United Strength and Honour Supporting This Great Veterans Home-
as Ive also proudly seen and participated, as our National Riders Org has the same Great ''Ride and have Fun while helping Others'' Mission-Across our Country!

Today I ride back to Trenton, to Stand Tall beside our Repatriation Group as once again we support the Family and Comrades of a Fallen Heroe..We Will Never Forget!

July 26th

It was My honour to Keep the Green Phoenix's Tires Rolling Hard-During the last few Days since my return to 1st CAV's Formation Area..

I Attended the 'Rosies Beer and Chili Fest' -supporting a Local Biker Bash-Seeing many CAV Riders supporting the Vendors-One Being Our Own 'T-Shirt Lady Pam' from Londons Ortona Unit,sharing great ride memorys and listening to great Bands...

This past weekend has also been a Blast-Attending a Korean War Monument Commemoration ride-Ending in my being asked to present Honorary CAV Memberships to Tom and Dot-2 Korean War Veteran's-Clients at Tony Stacey Centre but Great Comrades of CAV.

The Korean War Monument in Toronto is a Breathtaking Display of the True Sacrifices the Korean Conflict Brought out. To this day-CAV Riders, Citizens and Veteran's-Gather at the Base of the 200 Yard long Wall- Brass Plaques Set in Concrete-Individually listing the Names, Date of Death Rank and Regiment of Every Single Casualty of the War.

Many 2nd World War Veterans answered once again the call to arms-and paid the Ultimate Sacrifice-This in evidense by the many Names with Long Service, High Age's or Rank's and Bravery Decoration's-Emblazoned by each name... A Large Number of VERY Young Soldiers names , many also with Bravery Decorations by thier names-are Also Forever placed by thier Sides...
To this day-Korean Canadian's and Korean Veterans come to kneel and Pray at the Base of this Monument-They never forgetting that this 'Forgotten War''-is STILL Taking Place in a far away land-and the Final Resting Place of all the Canadians Honoured on this Toronto Wall.

Our CAV Family Members Tom and Dot each walked at our Sides-Pointing out the names of Comrades-Sometimes we'd hear a death or Life Story-Often only tears.

The next Day was a Whirlwind of Energy-With CAV Riders from a Dozen 1st CAV Units gathering in Bolton Ontario-To Attend the Tony Stacey Centre Support Ride. We Rode over Fantastic Scenery-A Set of 3 seperate Mile Long Groups of Riders roaring along the Paths of this Beautiful Region,Ending At the Tony Stacey Centre.
It never rained directly on our Energy during the Entire Ride-But in the last moments before Riding up to greet the Veterans and Spouses with a Full police Escort-Mother Nature added her own special Greeting with torrential Rain.

Luckily the Worst of the Downpour occured as we we're safe inside-Meeting our Many Comrades of this Veteran's Home-THe ONLY One in our Country-That allow's Veteran and Spouse to spend thier Last years together.

I Will Not steal the Thunder of the Toronto Region CAV Organizers of this POWERFUL Event-But I will say that EVERY Rider, Every Unit-EVERYONE That attended, where Standing VERY Tall as we Listened to our Total's Rise and Rise again and again!

Jan de Vrie's of 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and Peter Silverman-Both GREAT Fans and Comrades of CAV , Staff and Clients of Tony Stacey Centre all listened in, as St Lawrence and Normandy CAV units Lead the way in gathering true Strength and Honour with our riders energys, Many High Individaul Donations,Great Unit Donations,the Niagra Units Powerful ''Good Deed's go on'' Family Brown Donation-[The Family and Children of our Warrior Comrade Killed recently in Afghanistan], CP Of Juno turning back in her '50/50' Winnings, FUB and Newf's Musical Energys,[A Record Contract should come of thier Song Stylings!]-Great Prize Gifting's for all Riders-A Rousing Birthday Song for our Own CAV Comrade and World War 2 Despatch Rider Veteran Harry Watt's,He celebrating his 86th Birthday with us,-All Accompanied by Mother natures Rainy Roar of Approval outside-as we Saw First hand an Incredible Days Completion!

The Total Success of this Years Tony Stacey Centre's GREAT STRENGTH AND HONOUR Display-Is not only the massive Amount of CAV Energy I witnessed,
Its Not Only the MASSIVE Outpouring of Empathy and Comradeship We felt-
Its Not only the GREAT Amount of Money Raised-
-But the GREATEST Success was the Continued Support and Heartfelt Energy the Organizers,the assembled Riders, Guests and the Honoured Clients Of Tony Stacey Centre felt and will Never Forget,this the Direct Support of our Warrior Ancestors..

We Of the CAV/VAC Organization-WILL NEVER FORGET THE GREAT DEBT WE OWE THE GENERATION's of Warriors that have Gone Before Us!

This Past Weekend was a Living Roaring Powerful Example of How the CAV/VAC Mission of 'Ride Have Fun While Helping Others'-Is Positively effecting and Empowering Lives around us in our Country!

Well Done All CAV Organizers-Powerful FUB and Crew's,
ALL Our CAV Riders and ALL Clients and Staff of Tony Stacey Centre!

Next Year's Event will be a Proud Date for all of us to look Forward to!

I Now head North to our Annual Kenora ''Maj Gen Lewis MacKenzie Order of Canada Honour Ride Rendevous for ICROSS''..

Already Great Hearted POWERFUL CAV/VAC Riders are Filling gas tanks and Saddlebags for this Upcoming Proof of Success and Leading by Example!
The CAV Organization-Is the ONLY Veteran Based Motorcycle Group in Canada-That Travels Nation Wide,Putting its 'Meat in the Seat' and gathering to 'Ride and Have Fun While Helping Others'' in every Community Nation wide and THEN Annually at Our Nations Centre!

WE TALK THE TALK AND WALK THE WALK When it Comes to our Organization's Energy..
The CAV/VAC -Is Roaring at Full Speed Ahead as Alway's!!

Ill see you ALL In Kenora's Fantastic Scenery and Energy-
Remember Always -
The Journey AND the Destination are the Best Part of our CAV/VAC Adventure!!

HAVE A BALL ON THE RIDE IN !!!

August 3rd

I Had the Pleasure of meeting Many CAV Riders from Southern Ontario, and joining thier Force as we rode northward to Our 2009 ICROSS CAV/VAC Rendevous-In Honour of Lew McKenzie-Order of Canada, Our Own 'Old Guard' Founder...

We roared up to Highway 11 and in Column of Route-We Blasted past Martin River's pristine lakeside cabins after a restful night,Cobalt,New Liskeard-Where we met our Paardeberg Units 'Radar's' Brother and his lady, learning of the great success that community has had with cancer fund raising in respect to the deaths of 2 citizens loved and missed by all....

Then, Temiskaming, Kapuskasing, Hearst,and Longlac, then Thunder Bays Beauty-Riding hard then on to our CAV Family Rendevous in Kenora-Our National Home away from Home.

On Arrival in Lake of the Woods territory-We all reunited in a Great Meet and Greet at Kenora's downtown Legion-I Then had the Honour of Presenting CAV Cresting to Hindenburg Line Units Fine Lady Carol-
The Hardest working Woman in Ontario's North!

The Country Singer Terri Clark sang at the Citys Waterfront Festival-Several Exiting CAV Partys then followed the Entertainment!

Saturday Morning was a Powerful Time in CAV History-First we all gathered at the OPP Headquarters alongside the Trans Canada Highway-Raising Our National CAV/VAC Flag High..
After FR8TEK's Powerful ICROSS message of Billy Willbonds Greeting's-We assembled in a mile long Motorcycle Cavalcade -flags flying, Engines roaring!

Escorted by OPP Sirens and Our Old OPP Motorcycle Policeman Comrade from 3 years of ICROSS Rendevous's in the lead-we Roared throughout all the main Streets of Kenora and Keewatin-Ending up at Beatty Park for Heartfelt speechs-Including World War 2 Veteran ''Kroppy's'' Congratulations to All CAV Members-For YOUR pledge of always ''Taking Up the Torch'' as our Canadian ''In Flanders Fields'' Poem-Demands...

Our Proud Comrades of Kenora-Keewatin's CAV Unit-Then Presented a Photo of Our First meeting last year with Kroppy to this still powerful 93 year Old Veteran... His Speech, His Strength and Honour added to Ours-Assured that this seasons ICROSS CAV.VAC Rendevous will Never be forgotten by our Riders and the Proud Citizens of the Region gathered with us.

It was then My Honour to ''Reintroduce'' a Former Resident of the Area-
A World War One PPCLI Recruit from Kenora-who for decades was listed as ''Missing in Action'', with no known grave ..It was through the sleuthing of Steve Neuman in the PPCLI Regimental HQ-That George Ross Thompson was finally identified in a grave marked -
''Unknown Soldier, The Great War-Known Only to God''

Steve's Hard research narrowed down the time of the ''Unknown's'' Death, his rank and place of death..By extensive research, he finally identified the burial place of Sergeant Thompson, and now the grave is properly marked witha Properly named Stone..It was my Honour to relate how this was accomplished, and the history of How George -In 1914,as a Kenora Trainman, was able to ''switch'' a misrouted Set of railcar's-Allowing the future combatants delayed inside,to on time join the PPCLI in Ottawa's Landsdown park assembly area..

In respect tp Georges assistance-On his asking to 'Come Along'-He was allowed to join the fight against Tyranny, he then fought in every action of the war-Being Killed and marked ''Missing'' during the final 100 days of the war..

After this Presentation and reintroduction of George Ross Thompson-We of the CAV, his fellow Communitys Citizens, His Regiment and all Canadians who respect sacrifice by our Heroes-Pledge to Never Forget this Soldier-Or His Fellow Heroes of this far away-Long Ago Conflict.

A CAV/VAC National General Meeting was then held-Completing Several Crucial Organizational Developments-Actions that will assure our CAV Familys Proud Strong Future for Years to Come!-Updates on these amendmants-Some Proposed at this Years 'CAV Spring National' and finalized in Kenora-Will be posted soon, and also desseminated by Formation and Unit Executives..

Key to the Future of our Organization-Is the Final Confirmation-
Of Our National Organizations Now -
FULL Organization Insurance Coverage by HUB International.

Also , Confirmed-the Development and issuance of ''Silver Cross Family Cresting''-Showing Full And respectful Honour to Those Immediate Family Members of our CAV Family-Who have lost family to Combat Sacrifice.

And Importantly and Historically-
The Confirmation of our Organization Now Encompassing BOTH-
-''CAV Kitshop AND The 'CAV Riding element of our Organization'--
Into a SINGLE ENTITY-
A ''Not For Profit Incorporation''-With Full Legal Federal Status.

The Details of this Crucial National Meeting-Will soon be posted on our website..

Later that Evening-The CAV Riders once agian gathered for a Hindenburg Line Style FEAST-At the Golf and Country Club, Food that was Unbelievable and Plentiful-
ALL delivered in front of a Million Dollar Lakeside View -Complete with a Brilliant setting Sun ..
Soon Kenny Sheilds, Harlequin, Streetheart and other Great bands sang at the waterfront festivitys-completing another full day!

Sunday Morning, A Breakfast of Mass Proportions greeted all-Then a Shopping/ Visiting Time was enjoyed by all,
One that included a powerful Several Mile long line of Bikes heading southward to a waterfall Park,and Tourist shopping mecca-then at days end,a Hilarious Entertainment supper evening show-
Lead ably by ''Patty''-a Local singer Songwriter,who made everyone Laugh and Cry In keeping with his fine Irish Styling's.. All while everyone ate till we burst..

Radar-Then showed us all how to get 'Drifter' 1st CAV Presidents attention..Attention that promises a Cold Hard ''Payback by practical Joke to come'..
Revenge is sweet say's Drifter!! [Youve ALL Gotta Come up' next season to witness Radars Come'u'pance!!]

Late Sunday night a Fireworks show above Kenora's Waterfront was UNBELIEVABLE!!

All I can say in Summary-
Is that 'You Had to Be Here To Believe the MASSIVE GOOD CHEER-
Great CAV/VAC Strength and Honour, and Powerful ICROSS Support-
As Over $3000.00 was added to our 209 Contribution to ICROSS'S hands-In Direct lifesaving Charity..

CONGRATULATIONS CAV Comrades-Im Proud to have once again Ridden at Your Sides!!
You, and our Exhausted Comrades of Hindenburg Line-
Have ALL SET A FANTASTIC HIGH STANDARD IN CAV/VAC HISTORY!!!

WELL DONE ALL ATTENDEE'S-RIDE SAFE EVERYONE -HOMEWARD !!!

'Trappers Patrol' now takes me to Sturgis South Dakota and several Important USA Veteran Asociation and CAV Hq Meetings-
Then my return to 3rd CAV's Region and More Powerful CAV Energy!!

We Were all saddened to learn of the Latest Combat Casualtys in the Latest Cowardly act by our Enemys-I Know well our Repatration Group's in Trenton and Toronto will soon stand in place for the Familys and Comrades and those of our CAV Members unable to physically be with you..

In Spirit-WE ARE ALL BESIDE YOU !!

WE WILL NEVER FORGET OUR HEROES -
-OR THIER MANY SACRIFICE'S.

August 8th

For the last 3 years Ive had the Honour of Coordinating with American Veterans, in showing them the ''CAV/VAC Model'' of success.

This past week Ive been riding hard beside the representatives of Several Large Iraqi Veteran Groups-All intent on thier learning of our Past 6 years of 'CAV/VAC Strength and Honour' along the many Great ride routes and destinations in Sturgis South Dakota.

As we rumbled along the Spearfish Canyon, Needles veterans Highway, Iron Mountains twists and Crazy Horses Monument Majesty and the Massive Devils Tower in Wyoming-At each stop we spoke of Common Challenges as Veterans of many generations, and the way the CAV/VAC has faced the same things now facing these weary but Proud USA Soldiers, Aircrew and Sailors..

Above all-Was the Unique Lesson of success-that the CAV Has lived-in turning away from the Old Style ''MC'',3 Peice Patch' method of organizing as Military Veterans and those who Support them.
Our past 6 years of Growth and Public Acceptance has opened many eyes in our Country-and in the USA Itself.

I Assure all our membership that YOUR Success-Has now lead the way for these USA Veterans Future, as thier Adventure Begins!

In America, a War weary Public has taken on some extreme forms of Protest in reaction to the casualtys the Country has had to deal with..All Soldiers hate war-But not all citizens understand this-The Iraqi Veterans in Particular, as many Vietnam veterans of the past-face a daunting task in Riding in thier home towns-Painted wrongly as ''Killer's and war Mongers'- a situation that the Old ''MC-3 Peice patch Club'' identity doesnt aid...

Your CAV Model, is setting in place a leadership of Veterans-All United in showing thier Fellow US Citizens-that a Unique Hero Rides among them-Veteran AND Supporter-Together continueing to Conquer the Needs in every city-Charity driven Groups-Who Are Also Duty Bound to Provide Direct Veteran Outreach, Supporting and Pledging to NEVER Forget ALL Sacrifice of the Past, Present and The Future...Doing thier best to ''Ride and Have Fun -While helping Others'''

''Strength and Honour'' thier watchwords-Groups named after Past sacrifices...

Sound Familiar??

Im now resting at the Wyoming/Montana Border-spending a last evening with our US Veteran Comrades..then north to our Great Country, to join up with 3rd CAV's Great Strength and Honour..If I Still have a slight 'Yankee Drawl on my arrival'-Im positive our 3rd CAV Brothers and Sisters will me have me talking like a cowboy soonest!

A Tornado is slamming us outside-We're now warm and safe inside..
Itll be great to be Home soon-Even though Your CAV Model is set in place to Enrich and Save Lives for our Common Warrior Nation, Who Fight by our Sides-Now Riding as well-United Veterans and Supporters!!

August 8th

Ive just pushed the Green Phoenix through 280 km's of Dirt Road-Crossing back into our Great Country, over the 'Medicine Line'...

If youve never been soft skinned-
-Ride from Gillette Wyoming, to Fort Benton Montana then north to Canada's ''Medicine Line''-Along Sitting Bulls escape route from the Little Big Horn,Also Chief Joseph's Nez Pers Tribes fighting withdrawal path ,Countless Stagecoach and Cattle trails-..and My Green Phoenix's hardest leg of 'Trappers Patrol 2009''...

Hot, Eternal Desert, Flat dry featureless moonscape-Along the Bear Paw Mountains, Fort Assinaboine, and Judith Gap's high plain's Limitless horizon's...Big Sky Country is Montana's official title-Big Sky and Earth is more fitting!

I left Wyoming and Montana behind, after watching our Iraqi war Veteran Escorts ride south from ''Custer's Last Stand Hill National Monument and Burial Ground'' Park..We parted as Family-promising to ''Ride hard and Have Fun Helping Others'' -The Crow Indian reservation there was the backdrop for our last Coord meeting's..these US Vet Riders will take our CAV Model, and Save and Enrich Lives for years to come...

Hours Later near Buffalo Montana-Swarms of Locusts Bent on mass destruction creamed the Green Phoenix with thousands of Slimy Bodys..
-Wasp's now love the 2 inch thick goo making the Phoenix truly 'Green'.. Ive been pulling dead grasshoppers out of pockets and the Sidecar for 2 days now! If youve never ridden on the High Prairies-Every turn[thats not as rare as you'd think] promises another Adventure..Alkili Lakes, Hoodoo's, Thousands of Antelope ,Deer and Beef Cattle-Some even behind the Fences where they should be!

Fort Benton alone is worth the Ride-Its 1882 Missouri Riverfront ''Union Hotel'' is a must see, its 20 foot ceilings and grand staircase must have blown the North West Mounted Police, Indians and Fur Trappers out of the water with its splendor-Compared to the Arrid Prairies for Hundreds of miles in every direction. They would have seen Trade goods being unloaded at wharfside from The mighty Missouri's paddlewheelers-Cargo from Paris France and London England-by way of New Orlean's... Lewis and Clarks Expedition passed by here in 1803,the first of many immigrants adventure's here...The Fledgling North West Mounted Police at Fort Walsh were actually supplied and paid at Fort Benton-the nearest 'Civilization...

As I Approached the Canada Customs 'Shack' below Consort Sask., I Pulled up laughing hard-[Yes, I was also Tired]..But I just Had to ask the Poor Lonely Customs guy ''So Who'd you Piss Off to get stuck out Here!''
Luckily he actually HAD pissed someone off, and we both laughed for 5 minutes at my Joke/Intuition!!

It's good to be in 3rd CAV formation again-the next weeks will be fast paced,Fun Filled and True Western CAV Style..

Let the Western CAV Riding Begin!!

August 12th

The Green Phoenix and I Have 'safely' navigated the Wild Rose Territory of Alberta-Into Beautiful British Columbia once again...

The Best times of life are the 'Breathtaking Moments'.. those times when you come up on something-so fantastic-that you actually forget to breath.

I Myself have felt that hundreds of times-As a soldier, when challenges presented themselves, and training took hold and inhuman tasks became easily conquerable..As an Infantryman, Paratrooper, Sniper, Mountain -Jungle/Winter warfare or Survival Instructor..In Canada and Oversea's-Many Times I Felt the Thrill of breathlessness and'Victory'..... Ive also felt it as a Father, Grandfather and Freind...

As a CAV/VAC Rider Ive felt the same..Riding into an Event, thinking its just one-and Soon Proud to find many-United in the same Mission or Victory..and in other way's..

Ive been riding through our Great country's west now- Yesterday being escorted through the 'New' Military Museum in Calgary..What used to be the 'Museum of the Regiments'-Now a ''Military Museum''-Including a brand new Navy and Air Force Section-and rightfully so-The Albertan Heroes of the past and Present have served Regiment, Squadron and Ship..On ALL Battlefields and Challenges...

On the grounds of the Museum-Surrounded by CAV Riders of the West-I Had once again ,the Honour of ''Crew Commanding'' a 113 Armoured Personnel Carrier-a Vehicle I Once lead soldiers in and on-In Canada, Europe and the Middle East/Mediteranian.. To see my 'new' combat vehicle-The Green Phoenix-loyally standing by-As I Once again stood in the turret of my 'Old Combat Vehicle'-the ''Track''-Is a memory Ill hold onto for a long time...

Last Night I Had the Honour of attending the reunion of our own Past National Vice President Cj Wallace-with a US Airforce Commando Veteran Colonel-who once had the Place beside Cj-In Zagreb--the war zone of Croatia/Yugoslavia/Bosnian Hesogovinian Conflict-during the absolute worst of times... Last Night-In Safety and Comfort-These 2 warriors,the years between now fallen away-became once again the young soldiers they will always be-Conquering Great Odd's-Saving Lives-Affecting thousands in a positive way-Making History as UN/Nato Heroes...

Im surrounded by Heroe's-I get to ride beside them everyday-Together Still Conquering Great Odds!

Today I Rode along Highway #3-Headed towards Vancouver Islands/Victoria Ferry,
Final destination Coombs ''Pig and Fin Ride''..

At one point I rode and Watched Elk Bugling on a Slope near Castlegar ,later I Watched Big Horn Sheep balancing on Cliff Tops-then Caribou crossing the canyon lined Roads in the Kootenay Mountains...

Earlier this afternoon-At One point, I was in a 10 vehicle traffic jam along the twists and turns of treacherous cliffs and drop off's-following a lumbering camper-when a red Sports car shot out=trying to pass us all in too short a space...

Of Course-when an oncoming truck 'Forced' him in-It was me who had to give ground...

A Special Note--- 'To his Pretty Blond Terrifyed passenger'..
''Darlin-When your driver forced me off the road onto the gravel shoulder-800 feet above a shear cliff dropoff-
I Had a split second to glance down at you and the vehicles side-to assess the seconds I Had and the space left to me,as I Hurtled towards doom...

I Saw you scream and Pull your Legs up-I Saw your Pretty White Lace pantys and saw you cover your Face..
Trust me-I Wanted to do the same thing...

But Thankfully I held onto my bar's-and Saved all our Lives by throwing my bike towards doom-
NOT That I was worried about your Driver at all..

In Fact-If he needs a new Christmas Gift-If you guys make it that far-
I suggest we change his Custom License Plate from ''SOMECOOL''-To ''SOMESTUPID''..

Ill Pay Half!!!''

Tommorow-Vancouver Island and the Pig and Fin Party!!-Surrounded by our Western Most CAV Riders and Family!!! Im a LUCKY CAV Rider!!!

August 14th

As a Canadian Forces Sniper, Sniper Section Leader and Then Regimental Sniper Sgt-I Developed over the years-My Own, and my team mates Observation Skills..

There are 4 Critical Sniper Skills-In addition to Simple Markansmanship-Essential to Success AND Survival as a Sniper...

I signed a stack of 'Official Secrets ' Documents on my release from the Army-But-I Can 'teach you' a good Observation exercise we used to great effect in Honing our Observation Skill's...

As a Sniper OR As a Motorcyclist-Observation skills will save your life-Information gained in a heartbeat-Assessed Instantly-Can allow you the 'Instinctive' Reaction that will keep you moving Forward.

As Snipers-We used a tecnique called the 'Kim's Game'..

This is a timed Observation test-that is used to exercise the brain-Soon developing and Honing to a fine point-Your ''Instant Assessmant of Life and Death Information'-to give you the tools to decide your Actions..

Take a Helmet-Also one small item of common day 'things'-from each of your people-Shake them up in the helmet and put the Helmet down-'stuff' undereneath..Give each Person needing strong Observation Skills a pencil and paper-Instructing all that they will have 60 seconds to ''Observe' the Items-Then-60 Seconds to write down thier 'Observations'..

At First-Your People will certainly 'Get' the item they donated, and a few of the other ones..One or 2-MAY Get all items...

You keep doing the 'Kim's Game' day after day and soon,as time goe's on Theyll get to be fast and accurate with thier observations- and eventually ALL Items will be described-In addition-with Details like colour, Use, Identifying marks etc etc..

The More Refined your Peoples Observation Skills-over time and exercise-The time will come that you can hear dozens of Observations, In addition to what every item was..
For Sniper Operations we did 'Kims Game' at every spare moment-Always cutting shorter the Time,using 'Uncommon Small Objects that theyd never seen before-Peices of Weapons, foreign military equipment, Enemy Identity Cards etc.. Even causing stress with Loud Noises etc-To force peoples Observation skills to develop REGARDLESS Of stress and time factors..-Just as they would experience in Combat.

Soooo, As an 'Old Sniper'-when I was in that tight spot-I Not only was able to instantly factor in the Red Car-Who Id been 'Observing already for a half an hour as he sped stupidly up to me along our route-Making several stupid pass's along the way-
As he treid to kill all of us-I Was also able to instantly factor in his angle and speed-my reaction and options to the ever narrowing gravel shoulder-and the racing closer cliff drop off..Even his license plate-Upholstery Colour AND The Pretty White Lace Pantys his lady was likely filling..
in Split Seconds-All saving Our Ass's...

Heck-If You buy me a beer someday-Ill even tell you if his Lady was actually a 'Real Blond' -A Natural or Not!!

Because due to my Experienced Observation Skills-that EVERY Sniper OR Motorcyclist Should possess-I Actually know the answer to that too!!!

Ive been in Victoria BC These last Hours-Visiting some Great Old 3 PPCLI Freinds and Historic Sights-
I Had the Honour Last Night of Laying a Wreath at the PPCLI Monument in Esquimalt-Next to our Old Base 'Work Point Barracks'..
As we 'Old Soldiers stood remembering the Past,and recognizing the Present Sacrifices of Our Military Family-Still Serving, Continueing to serve as CAV -Passersby looked on -Wondering-''What are Those Bikers doing in front of the War Memorial''

You, and I Know well what we're doing!

Riding -Having Fun-Helping Others!!

Im now off 'Up Island' to the Great Gathering of Island Bikers and CAV-The ''Pig and Fin'' Event in Coombs .A Great Time is ahead-AS ALWAY'S !!!

August 17th

This Organizations Greatest Strength is Combining Riding and Having Fun with Helping Others..

My Post reference Kim's Games has brought out The other Powerful Connection and success-that of uniting Veteran and Supporter..

As the last days have roared by Ive been attending several fantastic functions with our Far western CAV Family-At Vancouver Islands Sunny Pig and Fin-Raising awareness and Funds for Injured Motorcyclists and Riding hard up and down the Island Highway...

Lloydmoore brought back great memorys with his ''appears to be '' post--We learned fast that if you told the Int Officer who's job it was to take the observations you'd reported, to present them in a breifing to the Colonel and Regiment..to always quantify ''iffy'' observations with the term ''appears to be''.....So if you saw a radio antenae in the tree's-we had to say ''what appeared to be' a radio antenae for a T72 Tank-was seen..''

If you simply reported ''A Radio Antennae for a T72 Tank''-the breif would 'put a tank' in the position-along with the 3 others that would tactictly normally travel with it..
When all that was actually observed was a single antennae-usually associated with a tank[for example in this case]'-

So the Expression ''appears to be''-in regards my post-brought good old memorys flooding back for those of us that were- the 'real deal''..

Lloydmoore is also 'the real deal'- we had the Honour of riding together along Newfoundlands Gros Morn Park to Anse l Meadows on 2nd CAV Goe's Viking' earlier this year..Lloyd and Tucker-Rags and his Lovely wife-As well as Moncton units best realtor alongside-ALL I Assure you-,Also the ''Real Deal's''!!

I Can proudly state that the Western Most CAV Riders ARE-ALSO-The Real Deal!!-Nothing here ''appears to be Fun''-It Truly Is!

Speaking of Observations and the 'Real Deal'-The Vancouver Island CAV Riders did us all proud this week-as they do all year long! I 'Observed' thier Great Strength and Honour at the Pig and Fin-seeing thier Bikes win Prizes in all class's at the Show and Shine-Seeing thier Energy at every gathering, and I admired at all times thier Respectful place in the Bike Community Island Wide!

Ive met Proud Riders from all the CAV Units spread across this paradice, each Unit Group carrying proudly new Members and Prospective Riders at thier sides..Ancre Heights did a Fantastic Job in its support and Attendance not only of the Pig and Fin-But as a Home away from Home for all CAV Attendee's-Hosting Barbeques and Supplying Bedding and tentage for those at Coombs-Bed and Breakfast for those in President Legend and First Lady Howlers own Home..

I Watched Senior Class Judging by our CAV Rider from Xanten Unit-I Also Sat Proudly watching CAV Riders win events beside Proud Rimini Unit Riders-ALL Of us representing the CAV-By far the Happiest AND Largest Organization in atttendance at this Premier Island Biker Event in its 22nd year..the winning band in the Battle of the bands did a fantastic job BUT-Watch the lead guitar player-He looks like a 1968 version of Jimmy Page and plays like a dozen of the Worlds best!

Congratulations Ancre Heights Unit-Surrounded by Xanten and Rimini Units Riders-ALL Setting a high standard in Riding/Having Fun/Helping Others-In this case Injured Motorcyclists...

In 2 weeks they are holding a Ride for Children in Coomb's Rodeo/campground-everyone I Met blown away by the Pig and Fin Fun Lover's-and all looking forward to the coming Event... I Wish I Could be in ALL CAV Unit Regions at all times-This annual Patrol Attendance is Great-But I see first hand how much Else Im Missing!!

I Had the Opportunity on my way to Victoria last night to ''Observe Human Behaviour'' in a Typical Biker way..2 Bikes on the Island Highway had managed to Lock together at high speed-Smashing them and thier riders off the highway..Id pulled over to offer assistance and as I made my way back to the Green Phoenix after we'd loaded the ambulances-I Came across a BMW Car with a fellow on his cel l phone beside it..

The usuall 10 mile traffic jam had caught him at the 'Fumes' stage of his fuel, and he'd run dry... I Always carry a couple of gallons in the sidecar and was able to fix him up-to get him on his way... As I then Prepared to pull out-a Late Model Van pulled over behind me=Steam pouring out of an Elderly ladys Grill...Soooo, Off I get again, and with the gallon of water I Always carry in the sidecarI got her on her way after the motor had cooled down... I Still had Brake fluid and Oil in my Emergency supplys-BUT I decided to leave before someone needed Attention in those need's!

Im in Victoria Citys edge-In place for a barbeque tonight-Once again surrounded by Proud Happy 3rd CAV Riders- All United in Riding and Having Fun-While Helping Others..This 'Observation'-From a trained Observer-No ''Appears to be ' about it on Vancouver Island-
A Sure thing for Sure!!! These Riders are Also the REAL DEAL!!

August 21st

It was Hard to Literally Stand at the Exact Opposite Side of Our Country=Opposite of Newfoundlands CAV Energy-Seeing Now Vancouver Islands Energy once again, Saddly realizing that Ive now ''touched Base'' at each side of our CAV Country-and Now having run out of room must head back towards the Seasons eventual finish..

I Had the Honour of Meeting Island CAV Unit Riders-Hosted by Esquimalts Rimini Unit at the Langford Legion Hall-able to report my Confirmation of our CAV's Great Positive Mission-Coast to Coast-Having seen it all with my Own Eyes for the 3rd years annual ''Trappers Patrol'...

Donations where made to their Future Events-Announcements where confirmed of Ancre Heights upoming Children Support Ride in Coombs-and I Was able to Congratulate ALL On a Fantastic ''3rd CAV's Gathering'' earlier this season-an Event that ''Old Wolf'' reported on at our CAV National Kenora Rendevous , and an Event Ive heard nothing but rave revues from by ALL Attendee's..WELL DONE RIMINI Unit, XANTEN Unit AND ANCRE HEIGHTS Unit For Setting a High Powerful Standard in ALL Riding!

I Next had the Honour of Visiting with Our ICROSS Heroe Billy Willbond, in Saanichtown- Escorted by Island CAV Riders representing the Units and 3rd CAV Hq..We Proudly Presented Soldier Poet Billy with Good Old Hard Cash-Raised by a CAV Unit Vimy Hosted Bike Show ,Kenora's Registrations , VAC ICROSS Crest sales and CAV Unit Donations-Gathered in ammo can's-Artillery Shell's or Helmets and all carried Nation Wide by CAV/VAC Motorcycle's!

It was Heart warming to see Billys Tears as he old us of this seasons Moneys Mission of Restoring Eyesight to Blind Children AND Education of the Worlds Poorest Children -THANKS TO YOUR GREAT CAV/VAC Hearts !!Tim McCully had told us in his Powerful Kenora ICROSS Coordinators National Message-But to see Billys tears as he proudly accepted the Money is a memory we'll always remember..Ill post the Photo's for You all to share-as soon as Im able.

We then broke bread with this ICROSS Heroe-He being a typical 'Tough Guy Soldier'-demanding he carry on on foot-He having Just Shattered his bones in a fall days before he was to attend our Kenora ICROSS Rendevous..Those wounds Now INFECTED!..Its hard to Keep a Tough Warrior for ICROSS Down-especially when he's armed with a Cane!

That same Day I Had to Finally say farewell till next years Patrol-And Leave Vancouver Islands Beauty...I Then Rode Hard to Chilliwack's ANDSEWON Embroidery Supplier Cora-Who is hard at Work making Hundreds of ''CAV/VAC Winged Wheel's'' and Our Year Bars..Cora has for 6 years been a Fantastic Supporter of CAV-and to stand in her Shop where Intricate Machines Produce Thousands of Extremely High Quality CAV/VAC Crests-was an EyeOpener!

Next I Attended a Powerful Meeting in Canadian Forces Base Chilliwacks
''Old'' Base Supply Building....You see-''The Base'' no longer Exists..BUT Hidden away behind the RCMP Ranges and City Support Buildings that used to be Military-Rests a Collection that is Owned entirely by Military Enthusiasts BUT-Get this-Is the ''Patrol Base'' for Our Own ''UBIQUE Unit''...Picture This..You have a CAV Meeting with Your Unit OR A Support Ride starting and Ending at YOUR CAV Place..''INSIDE THE CAV Place'' is a collection of Armoured Vehicles including Soviet Tanks, Shermans, Ferret Scout Car's, Fox Armoured Scout Cars, White Half Tracks from World War 2--Oh Ya..2 Of Them...ALL RUNNING AND DRIVEN DAILY!!

HOW COOL IS THAT!!

Ubique Unit has adopted a MUSEUM! The Owners of a World Class Collection of EVERYTHING That Roars Booms or Clanks-Loves the CAV Riders to Come and Play-Parking thier CAV Bikes Inside BESIDE The Military Motorcycles-The Harley 45, The Norton 500, the Triumph DR Bike...What Am I Doing Wrong in Just Parking My Bike at Roadside every Night when I Could Enjoy Life with Ubique Units Cool Buddys and Thier Toy's!!

Keep an Eye Out for MANY Great Ubique Units Rides to Come-ALL I Assure you to draw Every Rider from a Hundred Miles Just to Ride and Play alongside Lucky Old Ubique Unit as they ride for community needs and museum support-showing equipment and tools representing Military sacrifice of the past-present and future!!!

Today I Roared through Drought Stricken Mountan Pass's=Nothing Green for Hundreds of Kilometres..I Shot through Canyons Surrounded by Blue Smoke from Hundreds of Forest Fires in BC's Region..I Saw People only now leaving Kamloop's Refuge-Headed back to Lilooet and Distant Burn Ravaged Communitys..All listening to Ontario Weather Reports about Tornado's..A Surreal day for Sure..Im now in Position outside Jasper near a Mountain I Loved to Climb when I Was a Mountain Warfare Instructor..Now I Can Only look up at its Majesty and Dream,And Remember...

A Funeral for a Fallen Comrade awaits in Calgary- Family and Freind Support My Next Ride..Be safe Everyone-Im off Once Again...

August 23rd

Ive had the Equal measure of 'Life and Death'-along my Patrol Route..as is usually the case as we all ride..

'Life' in the Great Examples of Powerful CAV/VAC Riding,attending dozens of CAV Events-Charity Rides, Barbeque meet and greets and Tens of Thousands of Km's of Fantastic Riding across our Great Country-Riding in YOUR Area's at your sides...

At other times -Like days ago-I Looked up at Mount Robson's heights, remembering With Pride the 2 'rope team's' that I lead to its summit-a Route that had never been attempted before...

It was a bittersweet moment for me though..the sobering realization that of those ''2 x 4 man Rope' teams''..Im the Only survivor..

All my Climbing Buddys of that trip are now gone-Killed in Service due to the dangerous lives we lead, either Killed in Afghanistans combat, one as a 'Peacekeeper' in Syria, 2 as Warriors in Bosnia's conflicts..the last due to disease..

As the 'Survivor' I could only look up in wonder at a mountain we had respected but conquered as if it was a simple walk..something Ill never be able to do again..Climb-or 'do a simple walk' because of my Injurys...or with my Old Comrades...

Theyve all 'Gone Ahead on Recce''

Saddly, we all see the Darker side of life as we all try to do our Best-to Ride with ''Strength and Honour''..

''Strength-To Make it through Every day''.
'.Honour- In surviving the Best way'' Possible...

Our Country is At War...Whether its a 'Declared' war or not-
Our Citizens and Comrades in Uniform are taking Loss's as Death and Wounding from an aggresive enemy, horror that effect's everyone-Especially those directly in the line of fire-and thier Family and Freinds at home..

In Combat-You are surrounded by Direct Support-The equipment you use and those trained to support you..A Fire Team partner, a fellow Warrior-becomes a life long 'Brother or Sister'-a relationship actually forged in Fire...

When the worst happens, and the enemy is 'successful'-You will never be the same again. especially those of us that are left behind..
The Dead feel no pain, They Never feel Pain or Sorrow..

However, those left behind face a lifetime of Pain and Sorrow -Beatable only by the Support network of our Family and Freinds.. As a Soldier needs a support network in Combat-that support MUST Continue-EVERYONE Affected by war needs Support forever... Because the Combat may cease-But its effects go on Forever..

Thats why the CAV/VAC Network-Tieing Veteran and Supporter AS ONE-Is Crucial..

I Spent time last season with Tj, a Fellow Soldier-tied to me by a common freind, 'Shorty' Short, and the Mother of the Second soldier killed by that IED-In Tj's Horror filled Survivor experience, Cpl Berinfingers mom.. Tjs 'Survivor Guilt never left him...The ''What If's'' are just as deadly as actual steel...

Mrs Berinfinger is a True CAV Freind-Who Also Loved Tj as a son..''Shorty'', who was also killed that day, was a Great Brother of not only mine-but MANY Soldiers who had the Honour of his aquintance..

Many of them in CAV...Many who Respected Both from Service and the Brotherhood of the Warrior-Or Rider...

Tj's wife Barbara tragically was the Person to find her beloved husband-after the Darkness won.

Yesterday I was at her side, able to speak heart to heart with her-Both of us looking on as Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to a warrior-Who Finally died of the Combat Wounds he incurred that Horrible day..

You See-Let there be ZERO Doubt in your Minds..Tj Sterling is a Combat Casualty of the War in Afghanistan-His name should be Honoured in the Book's Of Remembrance at Parliment Hill..You and I know it wont be placed there beside his Fallen Brother's..

But it Deserve's to be!

I,our CAV Brother Jody Mitic, surrounded by a Strong CAV Group representing every one of You-
Directly Supporting Tjs wife and children,His Mom and Dad, his Falcon MC Family-

ALL Committed to seeing that Tj's sacrifice is NEVER Forgotten..AND That his family is surrounded at all times by a network of Love and support-
Just as every Soldier, Sailor and Aircrew-AND Thier Familys and Freinds need-
To Serve and Survive with Strength and Honour..

We All Love ya Tj..
Ride Hard Brother-Pick the Great Ride routes for all of us who follow.-Youll meet Shorty again, Berinfinger will be listening to my Old Climbing Buddys tall tales...Tj-You Sort them all out till I Get there!..

Im off to Regina now..Looking Forward to more Great Positive time-this evening with Caen Units Rider's..Its great to be back in the Prairies...Even Though I Miss the Mountains and Our East Coast all ready!

September 3rd

Its Important that a Motorcyclist gets lots of Rest-Never pushing oneself too far-too fast or too Much!

I Roared Eastward out Of the 3rd CAV Region-Having had a Great Rest at Old Wolfs Caen Unit Hospitality-Then due a rapidly approaching Medical appointment-I Pushed hard and fast to arrive in time for an 8 month old awaited Doctors meeting...

Stopping in Kenora for a Great Rendevous meeting with Hindenberg Lines Rider's-Eating an energy providing Moose Roast with President Crash and Hospitality provided by Vice P George S... It was off through the Canadian Shield and southern Ontario once again....

Powerful Rain and Fog rode with me all that next 2 days..I Never was able to stop and rest-Riding on through the twists and fog shrouded turns of northern Ontario--Smashing south over a 49 hour period-Only stopping for gas every 2 hours-and a quick meal-once a 'day'...

I Rode straight through from Regina-to Kingston Ontario-All in one stupid but essential stretch..As I say..Do as I say, Not as I do! Ive only done this 4 times before-all those occasions to return to Trenton for the Repatriation of Close Comrades Lost in Afghanistans Fighting.NEVER ATTEMPT THIS YOURSELF...BUT-If you do-Keep alert, Keep rolling and NEVER Be as stupid as me, and repeat the experience..As an Old Soldier Im actually trained for this craziness..BUT-Its NOT SAFE-Nor Advizable...

Arriving in the CAV''Nick of time' at the Doctors-I Was by then beaten up-But ready to keep going east for the Wharf Rat Rally in Digby Nova Scotia..I mean, Well -I was awake already!

I Had the Honour of meeting our VAC Comrades in Quebec City-After a Full Nights Rest-All of Us heading onto The Nova Scotia Powerhouse Finish event, In Digby N.S.
Digby's ''Wharf Rat Rally'' is Canada's Largest event..with over 25000 Bikes coming into a small seasside town...

2nd CAV Has several Meetings planned, a Barbeque saturday-Then a mass 'Roll in' on Sunday am..I Look forward to sharing more Great 2nd CAV Energy!
My Personal Thanks to those Great Folks who stood by Rick, Pres of Dieppe Units Side-as he experienced the horror of a bike wreck..Its Help like this that is the Best Example of why we Are A Family-A True Family-Supporting our Comrades when in Need...

Rick, I too have felt punctured Lungs, Broken Ribs..These will heal-But the lessons you can teach others will save lives!--Heal Brother..Ill keep watch from afar-With Your Other CAV Comrades who wish we we're at your Side!

Ill report in soonest-Of Your CAV Comrades and Our 'Wharf Rat Rally 2009 CAV Invasion''!!

September 8th

Billed as Eastern Canada's Largest Motorcycle Event-This years turnout looked in excess of the 25,000 attendee's seen last year..

After Arriving with 1st CAV Members from Ortona, Vimy and our CAV Members /Executives that organize Ganonaque's 'River Rat Rally'-We roared across the St Johns Ferry-After cutting across CFB Gagetowns Military Might..

With a War on-Training is at a Fever Pitch-Helicopters chattering non stop, armoured LAV's or Tanks rumbling across the Training area-Small arms fire and Heavy Artillery's ''Crump'' mingled in-with our Bikes Exhausts and the whine of Other vehicles-They unaware that just yards inside the wire-A Great Army Prepares for War..

I Rode along thinking about Our Own Cj Wallace's son's Graduation from his Infantry-PPCLI Depot phase-just days ago.. I Watched from afar as CAV Riders from Calgary and Edmonton-Also 'Resident CAV Unit Liri Valley'-Looked on as these young Warriors-''Took up the Torch''.

At that same Depot-Over 30 years ago it was my Honour to accept the Operational Training Detachment CFB Wainwright's Battle School-''Top Candidate Award'', from the hands of 'one of the Originals', he a survivor of the entire First World War...

Old Jimmy was one of the 'Emmagee's'-part of the machine gun company..Jimmy was Found alive at the battle of Bellewarde Ridge-soon after May 15th, a battle which decimated the PPCLI's ranks..90% Of the 'Original's'-those who joined up in 1914 at Ottawa's Landsdown Park-accepting the ''Ric a dam do'colours from Lady Patricia's own hands before Battle-these 'Original's where nearly wiped off the face of the earth-But Not Memory..

Jimmy , Who Presented me the Top Candidate award, also left me years later, after a long Personal Freindship-his ''Margueritte' Capbadge, the one he whore in Combat in the ''War to End All War's''.. Its that PPCLI World War One Capbadge that I Have always worn on my Left Wrist band-keeping Jimmy and the 'Originals' who fell and served beside it- memorys alive..
Cjs Son and his comrades-Have literally taken up the torch once again-We rode proudly past Gagetown on our way to the Digby Event-Knowing full well that the 'Next Generation of Warriors'-was hard at work in Preparations for thier turn at Securing Freedom from Tyranny...

The Pay off for us 'Old Warriors' and the 'Prize' for those Warriors to come home in the Future-Is Event Energy like we saw at the Digby Wharf Rat Rally..Literally within Sight of CFB Cornwallis-Another 'Past warrior Training Site'-We Rode into a downtown, spread along one of the Most scenic Waterfronts you'll ever enjoy!

Vendors by the Hundred-Selling thier wares..Including Our Own Ortona Unit of Londons Long Travelling Pamela-The ''T Shirt Girl''..She selling her Great Troop Support T's-Emblazoned with ''If You Like Your Freedom-Thank a Veteran', and The Ever Popular- ''RESPECT FREEDOM-AND THE VETERAN WHO GAVE IT TO YOU!!''

Orange County Choppers of New York had a Custom OCC Chopper that was raffled off ,tickets only 50 $-A Lucky Rider rode away Sunday..
Bob Knieval-'Evi'l Knievals son, had his trailer and bikes along..Including the last bike owned and ridden by Evil-who signed the gas tank beside his sons signature..
A Soldier Tribute Bike made by Steven Tyler of Arrowsmith the Band, 'Red wing Company' was a big Hit as well..[I Had the Opportunity at Sturgis South Dakota to meet Steven T..This when we got to his side after he pitched off the Stage at Buffalo Chips Party Event-For a rocker who can Fly-He did a lousy Parachute Landing Fall-Breaking His Shoulder..]

But Proudest for us-Was the Great Turnout by Your CAV Organizartions 2nd CAV Riders-And Far Flung CAV Members from 1st and 3rd CAV... We Rode en mass-along Main street on Saturday Morning-Literally taking over the Streets-Both Lanes that held Thousands of parked onlooking Bikes and Riders-Your CAV Flag's flying High!

The Night Before was a Great Barbeque-A Pig on a spit as a guest-Cooked to Perfection..The Party went into the we hours with many freindships being cemented-New Ones Forged..

Congratulations to Fortress Europe Unit for Organizing a fantastic Barbeque and meet and greet at 'Donrovin' at Annapolis Royals Villiage Hitoric Edge..Also-A Personal and Organizational ''WELL DONE'' to Battle of the Atlantics Own Hard Riding Mike-Who conducted all the Ride Recce's-Lead the Way through Digbys PACKED Street's and Lead the Route through the Saturday CAV Grand Entrance..

At The Barbeque's Camp Fire, I Had the Pleasure of Watching the Cresting of Several New CAV Members-Including my Opportunity to Present an Engraved Sterling Silver Whiskey Flask-Full of 30 year Old Whiskey-to 'Rag's' Mark Perego-In Tribute to his historic Service to the CAV as Founder of 2nd CAV's Massive Growth...It was easily seen in Full Measure as New 2nd CAV President Rolly, Vice P Weaz, and I Looked on Proudly-as 2nd CAV Attendee's of this years ''Wharf Rat Rally'' in Digby Nova Scotia-Partied and Rode Hard-In Great CAV Fashion-Leading the Way as always-On Oue Eastern Most Coast!

It was a Proud Moment-Looking on as we paid tribute to 'Rag's-Our Newest 'Old Guard' Member-While at the same time Proudly seeing the 'Newest' CAV Members fitting in Happily as ''CAV Riders''..

If Youve Never Ridden Through the Great Country we live in-With a Rendevous at Rides end with ten's of Thosands of Graet Riding Folks AND CAV Comrades to Greet you AND Share the Unique Hospitailty of Our Bluenoser Province-Id Start making Plans NOW-YOU DONT WANT TO MISS WHARF RAT RALLY 2010!!

Im Now Riding Hard for Ontario-To be in Position for The Upcoming Sept 12th Veterans Highway Event-Supporting The Great People at Rideau Pearly Veterans Home... The Road is Clear and Dry-With MANY MORE Great Events to attend Proudly!

In Particular-Ive just spoken to Our Old Sarajevo comrade Maj Gen Lewis Mckenzie Order of Canada-Who Is Of Course Our Very Own CAV Old Guard Founder ''Lew''-.It will be my Honour and His Pleasure to attend the Upcoming Ottawa Army Marathon Run event-That already has 10,000 preregistered Runners-Lew riding in My 'Green Phoenix's' Sidcar..

Lew has asked me to spread the Word-He wish's to once again Share time with 'His CAV Brothers and Sisters' at this poweerful upcoming Event..Last year we lead the way-With the Amputee Veterans of the Afghanistan Combat PROUDLY RUNNING BEHIND OUR CAV BIKES!

Thier Prosthetic's high tek abilitys-Our Own CAV Comrade Jody Mitic in Front-Running so hard-that we literally had to 'Step it Out' to keep ahead! Lew And I Look Forawrd to Roaring along in Front-Surrounded By YOUR Great CAV Energy!!!

Webmaster and Paardeberg Unit will release all pertinent timings for the RV and Pre Ride/Marathon Breifing..If You Attend any Ottawa region Riding Event's-THIS IS ONE YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!!

Off Once Again..I Hear the Artillery and Tanks of CFB Gagetown to my North..Itll be good to Roll Past-On my Way to More Great CAV/VAC Adventure!!!

September 14th

The 'Ol green phoenix has once again hauled me over the Mountains of Edmonston NB, Quebec's St Lawrence River Valley-Into Ontario's CAV Energy ..

Immediatly after arriving in 1st CAV's Formation Area-It was My Honour to attend the Cambrai Unit Hosted Ontario Veterans 416 Highway Memorial Ride..

Adding the Green Phoenix's Bug Spatterd Presence to the Dozens of Proud Attendee's Commitment-To Repeat the Events 4th Year return,Honouring Sacrifice at the Kempville Regions Roadside Memorial..

Cambrai Unit did an Outstanding Job of Coordinating the Many CAV /VAC Riders Who came from afar-CFB Bordens Kapyong Unit -Standing tall as always-These hard Core Riders coming as always-From South Western Ontario's Routes to our National Capital-Joining with Riders from Every 1st CAV Formation able to Roar along the Commemorative Veterans Highway..

The RV Point lift off-Lead by our OPP Motorcycle Escort- Wound its Way North-At all times a Never Ending Line of Bikes in my Rear View Mirror-Covering Many Proud Kilometres-Until our Arrival at the Legions Impressive Veteran's Monument, Roadside- en Route to pay tribute to our latest years Fallen-then onward to Rideau Pearly Veterans Home in Ottawa East...

The Senior Padre for the Canadian Forces Lead all in a powerful Committal of Remembrance-ALL Riders United in Never Forgetting the Ongoing Sacrifices our Forces and Country Endure.
Many Riders attending having just returned from the latest Repatriation of our 2 Combat Engineer Fallen..
Many also,Safely Returned from Kandahar/Panjwai Combat standing by our Sides..
Every Single One of Us-
United in The Observance of ALL Sacrifice's Cost.

Every Name of our Last Years Fallen Heroe's was read aloud-Every one a Painful Reminder of the Truth that ''Freedom isnt Free''-
-This Reality being Paid tribute to by our Silent reverance and Pledge's-
-To Never Forget.

After this moving Ceremony 'We Mounted up' once again-Roaring En Mass onto Ottawa's Highways-Arriving to a Cheering Crowd of Rideau Pearly Veterans Homes Clients and Patients-Thier Family Members Gleefully watching on as we Completed a ''Roll Past''-Then parked in front of the Adoring Veterans-Soon All Getting ''CAV Rides' from The Big Hearted Members of our Organization!

In My memory-alway's standing out will be the the view of Veterans of World War 2, Korea and Present war-Patients of this Massive Facility-Thier Childrens Children-Happily looking on as Both Age Groups-Rode proud around the Grounds..

In Particular Ill always remember the Amputee Vet's having once again the opportnity to feel the wind, many children-and a World War 2 Despatch Rider Veteran-Beaming proudly behind Our Own 'Radar' of Paardeberg Unit-This Veteran a Combat ''DR''-Despatch rider-At one time he told me saddly, who had the Job of delivering in combat,a message detailing the Deaths of Several Senior Officers in an aircraft Shootdown in Italy-His Own Sisters Husband being the Pilot...

I Assure one and all that the Veterans and Staff of Rideau Pearly Veterans Home in Ottawa-Thier Children and thier Childrens Children-ALL Love the CAV Riders that enrich thier Lives year long-especially this past Saturday-ALL, Riders and Onlookers- Looking forward to each and every future years CAV/VAC Return !!

It was with Heavy Heart's that we learned once again of More Casualtys-A Fallen Vandoo Brother, and the Wounding of 4 other Heroes in an IED Attack in the last hours..I and the Green phoenix-After a new Rear TIre is Installed-Will Once again Attend the Repatriation Area in Toronto..

This Ontario Veterans Highway Ride-The Following Veterans Home Visit, and Now the Upcoming Repatriation of our latest Combat Casualty-ALL Display in Full Our Organizations Commitment and Pledge-To NEVER FORGET!

Congratulations on a Job Well Done to ALL Riders, Cambrai President Popeye and Unit Executives and Riders, as well the Hard Riding Attendee's from all CAV /VAC Units who I proudly observed ''Walk the Walk -Not just 'Talk the Talk''!!

A Great 'Welcome Home' for Myself-and the Road Worn Green Phoenix.. Ive logged 141,000 kms so far in 9 months of CAV /VAC Riding-Its My Honour to have witnessed once again our Nations CAV Contribution-
This Weekends Energy a Fine Display of Strength and Honour!

Im Proud of Every one of You-Canada Is Proud of EVERYONE Of You !!

September 21st

Its been a Continueing Whirlwind of Riding for the 'ol Green Phoenix and I, since returning to 1st CAV Formation Region.. Ive had the time to Ride hard, and yet once again seek bike repairs, change tires and meet with our Webteam and Fellow Riders-Roaring into a Great CAV/VAC Future..

I, as mentioned earlier- having returned from our 2nd CAV's Great Energy-I first Stopped, once again- to Support the Family of a Comrade Taken from us In Afghanistans Combat..
It was My Honour to act as a 'Mentor' to several Young Soldiers in training at Kingstons RMC, We Hunted, and fished together,at one point I was also able to observe the Combat Engineer Training of several of them in Preparation for the Upcoming Afghan deployment- meeting several Quebec Combat Engineers,Employed in an 'Old World' of mine..we all became fast freinds..

I Carry several 'Unique Qualifications' [The Actual title, as listed on a Soldiers 'Per's File'-Vesus 'Common Qualifications'-Dont you Vet Supporters Love the Military System and Acronyms we use without Explanation..]-One of them being the Skill set of Explosives/UXO Handling..

Explosives/Unexploded Munitions handling was a phase of our Military lives Oversea's and often Importantly in Canada-especially when we Cleared to 'Level 3' the Sarcee Ranges near Calgary,A Military Region in Heavy use from the Turn of the last century-A Region we had to Make Safe,For its eventual return to our First Nations People..

In Achieving all the Levels of Explosives Knowledge, it was my Honour to be Employed and Deployed with Many Heroes-they Unknown to the Canadian Public..
Years Later I Watched on as Yannick Peppin Became one of the Leaders of the 'Present Days Heroes'. He was Terribly Stricken in the past days when 2 of 'His Boys' where taken from us just weeks ago-
-Now We've Lost Him.. His Death, His Comrades Death-Has, as always-Stunned our Community.. We Will Never Forget Him! I Want to Thank personally Every one who attended his Repatriation, as those of us unable to do so-Stood together mourning,in Shared memorys.

The Next Repatriation I was Proud to Stand beside our CAV Comrades after my Patrols Return, was in Toronto's Coroner's Parking Lot.. A Very large-Very Strong Contingent of CAV Standing tall as Once again Our Heroes Remains and his Family -Having left our CAV Comrades in Trenton, Then Rolled down the 'Highway Of Heroes'-past thousands of Supporting Mourners-Coming to our Vigil Site.

The Toronto Repatriation Ceremony is Unique, in that once arriving -Family and Escort have a Seperation period from the Fallen -Momentarily, as the Coroners Office complete thier Role.
This Time Period Often resulting in a Heartfelt Hand Shake and Emotional Meeting by the Family and Escort's, with Our Vigil Group, and the Many Police and Citizens attendant.

This repatrition was emotional as always-It being my Pride to meet the Escort-Standing Proud beside our Own 'T Shirt Girl' Pamela's daughter Jesse-She waving the Only Quebec Fluer des Lis seen. This simple Jesture, combined with the Heartfelt energy of the CAV People On Site-Motorcycles Standing by,Will Never be Forgotten by the Family or Comrades of our Latest Fallen.

I Then Rode to Niagara Region-In Position for a Weekend CAV Marathon.
A Friday Steak Dinner,A Treat for a Rider more used to Packaged Beef Jerky,then a Saturday Morning Breakfast alongside Niagara/Welland CAV Comradres-I was struck by the Regions History and Beauty-All at the Side of the Welland Canal..

I was Proudly escorted past Hundreds of Winerys, Golf Course's-Incredible Homes and Flower Lined Streets-Always within inch's of Historic Lundys Lane, The Beaver Dam's, Fort Niagara, Fort George, Queenston Hieghts..ALL Battle Fields and Sites of Mass Sacrifice, during the 1812-14 War period..Laura Secords Service-Combined with Monuments to World War 1 and 2, Korean And UN.NATO Sacrifice-ALL Close together -Seen as we rode past the Whirl Pool, Gorge and Falls-Physical Features Showcased in the Fantastic Beauty of these CAV Riders 'Back Yard.

I recieved Welcome History Lessons at each Stop-My Facination with a regions Past -Taken care of in Great Measure by these Close knit CAV Comrades...They are Truly Blessed to enjoy this Region!

Typical of thier Energy on a CAV Weekend-We then Rode to a Powerful meeting for us all, at the 'Flats' -With the Children of WO Brown-Lincoln and Welland Regiment,Killed in Afghanistans Combat. It was My Honour to Present Custom made Vests to the 3 Lad's-Makenzie, Owen and Ben-Who Proudly -EVERY DAY,Keep alive thier Dad's Life energy.
Typically Evident earlier,at This Summers ''Tony Stacey Ride''-when thier donations went to help the Patients living in that great Facilty..The Boy's High Fund's went directly to supporting their Tony Stacey Heroes, something their Dad would have Loved!

Having them astride our Bikes later-Ben in the Green Phoenix's Sidecar-Owen at the Healm-Was something to see!

Roaring ever onward-We all Blasted to the Crystal Beach Park, to attend the Dedication of the 'Albert Storm Playground'-In Support of the Many Family and Freinds seeing the completion of this Childrens Haven-at a Place where Albert and his Brothers Often Enjoyed thier Youth.. Alberts Brother George, Our Proud Hindenberg Line Vice president-All the way from Kenora, Many Other Family Members, alongside Veteran's of the Royal Canadian Regiment tour's that Albert Served-But above all-Children -Many Many Children-ALL United in paying tribute to Alberts Life.

As the Park Build Volunteers tightened the last bolts-We we're thrilled to see a Paratrooper Jumping 'In' .. All of us singing 'Oh Canada' as a Canadian Flag Flew Underneath the Jumper..A Buffalo City Fire Boat,Water streaming from all hoses-[The USA Is next door of the waterfront],Fireworks during the Daytime, Pipe's and Drum Bands- all seen by Hundreds as soon, Many Kid's cheered and launched themselves onto the Apparatus Provided.

ALL In tribute to 'One of thier Own'-A 'Kid' who went on to live his dream as Soldier, serving tours in Yugoslavia/Bosnia, then being taken from us on his second tour in Afghanistan-Ensuring Many Children's Freedom,as have many Other Soldiers..

After this Event we Rolled To Fenwick Ontario-The Hometown of our World War 2 Despatch Rider CAV Comrade Harry Watt's..To meet the CAV Riders running a Table-Providign CAV/VAC Outrreach at 'Biketoberfest'..

Here, it was my pleasure to reunite with many Great CAV Comrades-See Unbelievable Bikes,watching everyone enjoy the Sultry Weather-Days growing shorter-But Riding still Rumbling Forward!

Immediatly after this Event-I Rode all night long-In order to be In Ottawa-Ready at 0630 Hr's-To Participate in Sundays ''Army Marathon Run'' Event..
I Left Niagara at 6 pm Saturday eve..Flew Through Toronto at 9 pm..Blasted up the 401 to 415's Veteran's Highway..In cold darkness, warmed by memorys of the just days ago 'Veterans Memorial Highway Ride' hosted by Cambrai Unit-Another Proud CAV/VAC Day! At 0530 I stumbled up to the RV Point 'Timmy's'..Only to have Staff wave to me-That the doors open at 0600 hrs... Taking pitty on me-as I stood thier looking in on the warmth and coffee-they finally opened the doors early-At exactly 1 minute before 6!

The First CAV Member's through the Door Behind me where a New Couple to the CAV and then several 'Old CAV Riders'-B Gruff of Paardeberg Unit-he a Korean War Combat Veteran CAV Rider, and Lew MacKenzie our 'Old Guard Founder'..

It was My Honour to then watch on-Coffee Vibrating in all of our hands-as many more Riders arrived, then assembled to hear Smokeys Ride Breifing.We then roared into the Nation's Capital,soon seeing the Thousands of Runners 11,000 in total! lining up to participate-With CAV/VAC Motorcycles Leading the Way Down the Rideau Canal Race Route...

As We'll never forget from Last Years Event-First off the Line where our Wounded Comrades of The Afghnistan Fighting-Many amputee's-ALL Running Proudly in this Marathon! Our Own Jody Mitic a leader-Closely followed by 2nd Battalion RCR Frank, He an Amputee from last seasons CAV Wedding party tragedy car/Bike accident scene near Oromocto NB..He was Glowing as he related the Final Confirmation that he and Annie got 'Hitched' without Problems..I Met with many CAV Members that attended the service earlier this season-But it was a Great Pleasure to hear Frank's version-He sweating but Strong-Having just completed the Marathon..

At One Point after leading the runners on 2 Marathon Routes,I had to detour for a bit-As it was my Duty to Escort Lew MacKenzie from his ''CAV Sidecar Supervision of my Driving ability's''-to a CTV Television Interview..[He being a race car Driver never criticizing my skill-Just yelling 'Can this Thing go any Faster-The runner's are Catching up behind us!!'']

It was then a Unique ''CAV Moment'' for us all-

When Lew-a Soldier Heroe of our Countrys Military,Veteran of many UN/NATO Tours-Sarajevo Combat's Canadian General Commanding,Holder of the Order of Canada, was asked to participate in CTV's ''Question Period'' TV News Show-being interviewed by Host Craig Oliver.. Lew and I went into the CTV Studio-Where Prime Ministers and Presidents or News Makers have gone-then met in the 'Green Room' with the Honourable Colin Kenny-Senator,Lew's 'Nemisis' for the Interview Subject..

Everyone exept me got make up applied-[the Make up artist , glad I wasnt 'going on'-said I was 'Too Far Gone']-Then, I watched the Green Room Monitor as Lew Made History on National TV-Explaining Fine Critcal points on the Afghan Mission-ALL While Wearing his CAV/VAC Vest proudly!

Lew's CAV/VAC Green Winged Wheel's proudly flying-his ''CAV/VAC OLD GUARD'' Cresting on his Chest-The Many Pins he wears attesting to his CAV Experience-ALL Proudly under the Lights as he clearly and carefully explained the Mission critical Development needed, levelling Senator Colin Kennys Interpretation of the Afghan Missions commitment and Future Government Support Need's..

You can All be proud of 'Maj Gen Lewis MacKenzie Order of Canada''- ''CAV/VAC OLD GUARD Founder'', Youll see his Pride in YOU-As he wears Our CAV Identity on National TV's Question Period-Aired by CTV On Many Upcoming occasions!
Our Comrade Lew's Military Experience, His Insightful interpretation of Current Events affecting our Soldiers Sailors and Aircrew's-Are Much Sought out by the Media,He is -As are You-Effecting Our Nations History in a Positive way-Lew Wearing Proudly-YOUR CAV/VAC Identification for this Latest Public Outreach!

We Returned to the Streets of Ottawa-Then Gathered around us our Great CAV/VAC Comrades-Many who came from Units across 1st CAV Formation-ALL Cheering loudly on as the Runners Came in-Proud but Exhausted from thier Efforts-Witnessed by their 11,000 Fellow Runners +Thousands of onlookers-Including your CAV Brothers and Sisters, who lead the Way at Run's beggining!!!

Our Own CAV Comrade Stu Beare, A Military General in his 'Day Job' but hard riding CAV Member on his free time-Met us all thanking your Energy for Sundays Run-and ALL YEAR LONG-He the Person responsible for seeking the ''CAV/VAC Escort Dutys' your riders ably completed..

Finally-We All watched our Double Amputee CAV Comrade Jody Mitic Run in-Then we surrounded he and all runners-ALL of us Guaranteeing our Return to next years Powerful Event!!

Im off to see the webteam to Coord the final touch's to the Upcoming ''CAV/VAC Strength and Honour Contract''Initiative-Then once again to the Repair Shop-For the welding of my Bikes Frame ,[Busted by its 'Ride em Hard' Owner]to be ready for the ongoing ''Trappers Patrol 2009''..
Its been a blast these last few days.. Next Weekends ''Ortona Units Silver Cross Ride'' in London Ontario an Event Ill proudly attend- It seems that once again I get the Honour of carrying a New Comrade in the Green Phoenix's Sidecar--Keep watching this Thread for details!!!

September 28th

Ive Just Covered the 'Green Phoenix' from todays rain-After refueling having Completed 2 Powerful Riding Days-With Our Brothers and Sisters of Ortona Unit and Kapyong Unit...

Saturdays London Ontario Military Family Rescource Center Marathon Run Event was First..Set in Place at Spring Bank Park..Hundreds of Runners and Walkers-Warming Up to 'Rocky Balboa's' Old Standard-''Eye of The Tiger'' song... I Had the Honour of Carrying Mrs Carolyn Wilson, who's son Mark was taken in Afghanistans Combat on October the 7th, 2006..He Joined the Military at 34, she told me of his hiring a 'Personal Trainer' to step up to the fitness level of the Younger Warriors-He therafter always lead from the Front and was Loved by his men..
I Guarantee he was an Older Brother Figure to all his Fellow Soldiers..His Mom's heart showing me and all our Riders-That her son was surely cut from the same cloth..

As the Runners Lined up-Between the Many Proud CAV Ortona Unit Riders Bikes Bracketed on either side of the race course Start area-Mrs Wilson Beaming at all from her sidecar vantage point-We Rumbled down the Marathon Road eventually stopping to let Caroline Disembark and Rejoin her Husband and Grandkid's-All who then Walked Proudly over the Remainder of the Route!
This Event-Was an Emotional Proud Day for all of us who participated-It was especially Gratifying to reline the ''Finish Line'' with our Bikes and see CAV Riders applauding Non Stop-As ALL Runners and walkers then sped through us on thier way to Glory! Our Newest Silver Cross Family Comrades pushing baby strollers with a Fallen Soldiers Memory at the Lead-Surrounded by Hundreds-Who NEVER FORGET His, His Family, Comrades and Nation's Sacrifice..

Sunday Morning after a Long Beautiful Ride to Gravenhurst, meeting a Strong Proud Group of CFB Borden Region ''Kapyong Unit'' rider's at roadside,we Rumbled onto the town's Legion Branch Grounds-Arriving to Reunite with Our Own ''CAV/VAC Silver Cross Family Coordinator'' Darlene Cushman, and celebrate the Gravenhurst Legions 70th Anniversary Ceremonys..

Politicians and Legion Comrades Greeted warmly the Kapyong BBMC/CAV Riders-These Old Freinds have many times this and every season, Gathered at The Legions Events-To Pay tribute to Sacrifice or Support our Troops and Familys..
Most Memorable, and typical of the Kapyong and Region Riders Legion Energy-was the Earlier occasion when Children took it upon themselves to BURN THE FLAG of Darlenes fallen Son-That was in a memorial setting on her front yard..Kapyong and Riders , learning of this travesty-Arrived soon in Force and 200 Bikes and Riders Presented The Silver Cross Mother with MANY Replacement Flags-AND MASSIVE SUPPORT ENERGY!

Sundays energy was No Different..70 Years of Community Support and Respect-From all Levels of Government and happy citizens-Where Presented to a Proud Legion, CAV Looking on as the Branch President, a Hard Motorcylist Himself accepted all accolades..
Following a Laugh Filled Gathering with ''Our Darlene''-Kapyong Riders lead me on what has to be one of Ontario's Premier Ride Routes!-
Twists and Turns for hours-Rivers along side or Lakefront scenery at every Switch-Kept the Green Phoenix's Tires Squeeling nonstop..I Even heard some squeeling from riders!!

There are Lots of Powerful Rides straight ahead-Im looking Forward to an upcoming Gathering with Jody Mitic and our Freinds at ''Soldier On Program'', at which time Darlene will present a check in support of this VERY Worthy Group..An Announcement will also be made of other ''CAV/VAC Soldier On'' Support Initiatives,that will be presented to Our Membership soon!

Then I see several ''Fall Colours'' Rides to 1st CAV Legion's in Support of Our Wounded to soon enjoy, followed by several Rides Im making to Sudbury and Many other Great CAV/VAC Comrades..Each Ride saddly bringing us closer to the 2009 seasons wrap up...The 'Ol Green Phoenix is now refueled and ready-Lots of CAV/VAC Adventures Ahead!!

October 8th

As I look around me I see All CAV Units Still Riding Hard-Ive ridden thousands of Km's lately,attended many Unit meetings-ALL Flush with heavy Riding Schedules, several Unit events and yesterday a 'Recruiting' table by CAV Unit Vimy-In our 'Home Station' in Kingston Ontario...

For Years now, Ive had several times a day 'CAV Moments'-When Im overwhelmed with pride by a meeting or a simple email or Phone call..sometimes a Powerful Sad Experience, but thankfully more often Powerful 'Proud ' Moment's..

I Have the Honour of our CAV Brothers and Sisters Humbling an old Soldier Very Often....

While watching Great Vimy Unit Riders , and Visiting Unit members from the 1st CAV Formation Area engage happily with the hundreds of Base Kingston People,RMC's student Fencing teams, Base Club's, Our Comrades of the Military Family Rescource Center and many other Close Comrades of the Region-
-I Also watched on Proudly as 'Sue' or 'Hugs' as she's known now-With loving Husband 'Al' at her side-Laughed and Loved throughout her own ''CAV Day'' at this Community Outreach Garrison day...

You see-Sue is Dying of Cancer...

She has Fully accepted her Terminal Diagnosis and in A Powerful Mission of Ride and Have Fun While Helping others-She is Determined to Roar Along at Full Speed!!

She has lost her hair, Still enjoys a Smoke and with Al nearby and is so Strong and Full of Life Energy that the pain she says she doesnt feel-Would likely be laughed at by this Ballsy Proud Riding Lady!!

I wish you could all see her and Al-Sticking Close to each other and thier CAV Family,Laughing at the Gallows Humour we all need on occasions like this-as she boasts about her plans for cremation..
-Al [Who just came out of Surgery himself and is on Crutch's] pipes up-''Ive got a nice orange crate and a gallon of lighter fluid all ready !!''

They have plans to go to the Sunny Sands of the Domincan Republic in February, then a Planned Ride West next summer to Calgary to visit, one last time- Family and Freinds,But as importantly-to See once again the Beauty of this Great Country we Love, by motorcycle....

I Want it known that this Lovely lady and Her Husbands Courage,Love and Thier Fighting CAV Spirit-Is Clearly the Sign of a Strength and Honour that I and I Guarantee our membership-Respects and Honours in Full Measure!!

I Look Forward to seeing Both these Great Folks many more times this season and Next-And -
-As at Yesterdays CAV Recruiting Table-Seeing our CAV Family close in tight around them!!

October 14th

It was My Pleasure to attend the Annual Fall Leaves Ride visiting several Legions in 1st CAV Region, Hosted by Vimy Unit-'Home Station', this past weekend..

As a Past Vimy Unit President and a big Fan of our Countrys Fall time-Hunting, Harvest and Hard Riding- this Annual Tour is a Highlight for me and everyone else assembled. A Ride Launch at 560 Legion Kingston, with the 'cresting in' of new Members and the Recognition of 'Old' Riders soon lead to the Ride breifing and off we went..

Ganonoque Legion was our First Stop-After I witnessed yet again an ''Ive never seen that before'' Moment of Motorcycling CAV Memory..

We were roaring along a Beautiful Country Road-approaching one of those often seen train crossing points-when literally seconds before our Lead Rider-'Drifter' entered the beginning of the crossing, the Lights lit up and Bell's started to sound.. Drifter-Knowing he would have time to cross safely-But would be seperated by the train from our 'convoy'-Stopped his bike, with his Lovely Lady Shadow-Stopping her machine directly behind him..

You see, Drifter was 'technically inside' the safety area-[A Safe Distance from the tracks, but still 'Inside' the 100 foot barrier Safety Zone] and so Shadow was -You guessed it- directly beside the descending Red and White Crossing Arms... I Looked up-Judged the angle and knew that if I yelled 'look up', she may have taken the Wooden Arm in the face,If I yelled 'Get Yer Head Down', she may well have taken it on the back of the neck..So I yelled 'Your Head!'-Hoping she'd straighten up and freeze...
It worked, the Wooden Arm came straight down-a foot from her face-stopping Directly between her windshield and Instrument panel,With an Inch to spare on either side,touching nothing as it stopped an inch above her headlight! You Could have knocked all of us over with a feather![Or a train!].. Now I dont recommend anyone else attempting this, and it sounds a lot more Dangerous than it was..But--Proof once again that Having Padre Don along on a Ride is a Good Thing-Or that Shadow's new Nickname of 'Choo Choo' was luckily earned!!

Arriving at Ganonoque's Legion, we had a Warming Coffee and Visit with legion member's-Proudly accepting a check donation for our Wounded Soldiers from the Legion branch President. It was Obvious to all-that this Legion named after a Victoria Cross Winner, Harry Brown-who died of his wounds after his bravery, and once attended by Afghnistan combat Soldier Randy Payne-Both Local Soldier Citizens who fell in the Name of Freedom from Tyranny, that this legion and its Supporters Understand well our CAV Pledge to Recognize Sacrifice and to Always Support our Troops.

Saddling up once more we roared into Seeleys Bay and a Heartfelt meeting witht the Legionaires there-Our Riders Once again accepting a Check for our Wounded Soldiers, and Eating our Fill of treats, Nanaimo Bar's, apple squares and lots of cookies, washed down with more coffee or a frosty beverage!
Ready to Rumble again we Headed to Westports lakeside beauty-And thanks again to the Proud Ladys of that Legions Auxilliary, we enjoyed a chili meal fit for Chilled Riders. I Had the Honour of pointing out the high number of ''Associate Members' at this legion-Each Duty Bound as Volunteers to keep alive the Recognition of Sacrifice,and provide direct Support to all Soldiers Aircrew and Sailors -especially as now, our Country's Forces are in Combat once again..

Sharbot Lake Legion was our Next Resting point-This Legion, as always, presented a Check to aid our Wounded Soldiers-this Year slightly different though in the 'Grin and Grasp photo op', with a 4 Foot Long, 2 foot high Giant Sized Check-Followed up with a 'Regular one' for submission to our Wounded Soldiers support...
As at every Legion Stop-It was my Honour to address all those attending-Reminding everyone that although we where Enjoying a beautiful day in a Free Country-that the Very Reason we rode was to collect Funds in Direct Support of our Comrades wounded in the Service and Sacrifice to the Afghan People.
Riding at Our Side were Returned Combat Veterans from that conflict, and some who will soon Serve in that Mission, Several not for thier First Tour. These Riders, and those of our Organization who wish to have been by our sides, but are serving presently in Afghanistan, Surrounded by ALL of us who Support our Military and Country who could attend this ride -Enjoy the Freedoms many Sacrifices have secured.

Our Organization ''Rides to Have Fun While Helping Others''-This is only Possible due to the Many Sacrifices made on our Behalf by the Heroes we rode in Support of this past weekend-And Every other Opportunity we have enjoyed riding as CAV/VAC....

Finally, after a Memorable Days Riding, we ended up at 1st CAV President Drifter and Shadows New Home, where prepared 'Out Back' was a Barbeque and Stage set up-At which Our own CAV Musician 'Badger'-Wowed everyone with a Show that Included Both 'Rock' AND 'Roll' Music!
A Huge Bonfire soon 'heard' many Laughing Riders Relate thier days Adventures, as well as Ride Storys from across Our CAV Country and CAV years...
It was a Great Pleasure to see and experience this years 'Fall Leaves/ Legion touring' Event-I Look Forward to the 2010 Repeat, WELL DONE ALL Organizers, Hosts and Riders for an action packed Memorable day!

November 11th

Ive had many Honourable Memory's of my time as Founder and National President of our Family-The CAV/VAC...

Certainly the last few days will always count as High Points in my 'CAV /VAC Memory Banks'..

First, It was my Honour to Escort the Lovely Pamela, to Tony Stacey Centre's 'Night to Remember' at the Canadian Military Institute's Toronto Dinner, in Tribute to the Veterans and Spouses of the Patients and Staff of this Unbelievable Home, the Tony Stacey Centre in Toronto Region..

This Home, is the only Such Facilty in our Entire Country that Houses Veterans and Spouses in Rooms-Ensuring that the Couples who fought and Survived Combat of all Conflicts our Nation Serve in-Stay United in the Last Troubling Years of Life...All without any Federal or Provincial Funding-keeping spouses of Veterans together-till''Death do us part''...

The Dinner was attended at Great Expense-In order to raise funds for the facility by Several Proud CAV Members..

Tony Stacey Centre of Toronto is Fully Supported by Normandy and St Lawrence Unit-also by Riders representing Many 1st CAV Units..All convinced that the Staff and Patients of this Great Centre-deserve as much Physical and Financial Support as possible!!

This dinner was housed in a 120 year Old Club-dedicated to the preservation of past sacrifice by our Military..a building now slated for destruction-due to the Present world that often forgets ''Sacrifice to others''.The Collection of Artifacts and weapons will soon be auctioned off-Saddly-soon to become simple items of interest only to collectors-not the Soldiers who once weilded them to secure our Nations Freedoms....

Guest Speaker Dave Duval and an Auction added to the Pomp and Circumstance of the evening-raising thousands of Dollars to the coffers of the Tony Stacey Centre..

Next,It was my Great Honour to be asked by our CAV National Silver Cross family Coord Leader, Darlene Cushman, who's son Darryl was joining our Organization literally days before he was killed by our Enemy the Taliban-to attend the Rideau Hall's Presentation of the 'Medal of Sacrifice', to Those eligible, on 9 November, by the Governor General of Canada.

On Presentation Day, Darlene and I Proudly wearing Your CAV/VAC Cresting arrived at Rideau Hall-Ottawa, a Historical Canadian Military Cultural Icon, and Met with the Governor General Micheal Jean. Our Prime Minister Mr Steven Harper and the Chief of Defense Staff Walt Natynczyk also bore witness to the family members and Veterans who would recieve the Sacrifice Medal, in this-the Inaugaral Presentation of this award to the many Fallen and Wounded Soldiers representative-Accepted by the next of kin, and Combat effected Soldiers of our Latest Combat Mission's in The Middle east and Afghanistan.

It was My Great Honour to Represent our Membership, as each of the 46 recipient's was called forward, all in a high emotion moment-many recipient's with visible wounds still healing, as they accepted this Decoration on behalf of fallen family members or comrades and themselves-those who will never be forgotten, thier Sacrifice a sacred Trust by all Present.

Many CAV Members Familys were represented, Many CAV Comrades and Military Heroes who have been taken by Combat Action where recognized-too many to fully list here-Our Comrade Jody Mitic, Cole Bartsch 's Family,the Green Family, the Iyakaze Family,the WO Frank Mellish Family, the Paul Franklin Family,The Cristian Goutea Family,the Nicolla Goddard Family,Anthony Green Family-his mom Doreen accepting,Capt Charles Trevor Green,Maj Hess Von Kroedner, his wife Cynthia Accepting,Also Our Freind from CAV Riding last season Mrs Beerenfenger whos son Robbie was killed with Robert Short, that same vehicle driven by TJ Sterling who recently took his own life-ALL The Emotion you of the CAV Would understand-was felt in Full Measure,..Although the Attendee's where United in Applauding each Recipient as they stepped forward, often limping from wounds or Struck by the Gravity of a Family Member or Comrade no longer able to answer thier name as it was called by the Governor General..

Darlene's own Son Daryll's Medal was soon Awarded-A Powerful Moment-Something She, her family and his comrades Nor I will Ever Forget...

At a Meet and Greet in the 'Rideau Great Hall- Tent Room', We met the Governor General, [Who was Mesmerized by our CAV/VAC Cresting and Vest's] Our Prime Minister, Chief of Defense Staff Walt Natyncheck and Many Admirers of Your Organization-ALL United in Respect for YOUR Attendance at EVERY Repatriation, including YOUR Great ''Continueing service'' as CAV/VAC... YOU Have many Great Freinds at Rideau Hall-ALL United in Respect for the CAV/VAC Orgaizations Great 'Ride and Have Fun While Helping Others' Mission-''Strength and Honour' Your Motto!

I Was approached MANY Many times by our Nations Powerful Citizens, and especially our Beloved Silver Cross Family members and the Soldiers of our Military, and asked to relay to ALL Of You-Thier Great Heartfelt Thanks for never forgeting Service to others and Sacrifice!

Next we headed to CFB Petawawa, for a Special, Royal Canadian Dragoons Regimental Invitation to attend thier tribute to Trooper Darryl Caswell and all those of that Proud Regiment who have fallen in Combat ,0n Remembrance day. This occasion was accepted and attended by Darlene ,myself and Proud CAV Members -also Riding Onto the Parade Square at Dragoon Park.
We all had the opportunity to meet the Descendants of the Holland Family, a recipient of the Victoria Cross in the Boer War-1900-1903,as well as many Proud Medal of Bravery Medal Winners, Star of Courage and Proud heroes of the Present Combat Action's by members of the RCD.

This Emotional Ceremony was observed by many Soldiers, Familys and Freinds of Those who know well the reality of Brutal Combat..Everyone we Met,has memorys of Young Men and Women-Scarred forever by combat and its loss's-Death being the Great levelor-Death being the Great Finish to many Great Lives -lives never being The same again..

We can be Very proud of our Current Generation of Combat Soldier-I Have met many of them-They are Profesional, Driven and Expert at thier Work-Determined to defeat our Enemys-Determined to Continue the Fight our Comrades have Forged by Blood and Fire.

Next was an Opportunity to meet the Duke and Duchess of York-Prince Charles and Lady Camilla...

Darlene and I where next ushered into a Building laid out to allow the Duke and Duchess a Private Moment to visit with the Fallen soldiers familys of the RCD.

On thier entering, Our CAV/VAC Cresting immediatly drew thier attention and ensured a long Meeting with Both Royal's.. Prnce Charles was Struck by Your Continueing Service And your Great Humanitarian Service-and identity as ''CAV/VAC''.. He Admired your Commitment to Charitys and your Commitment to ''Ride and Have fun While helping Others''-Prince Charles was also struck deeply by Darlenes Personal Mission in CAV As our Silver Cross Coordinator-ensuring, as she do's every day that her son and the Sacrifice of ALL Soldiers is never forgotten.He admitted that his Sons had often wished to 'Ride and Have Fun while Helping Others' on Motorcycles, and in Fact, as left us-He asked Loudly ' Trapper-Is Your Bike OUTSIDE?'' I Replied ''Yes Sir-Its Standing By For Both of You''.

He Replied 'Let's Go!!'..

Everyone Laughed ..exept Lady Camilla!!!

The Prince is a Very Soft Spoken man-Often saying to Attendee's that 'We can Never do enough for those who have Lost Loved ones or Suffered', His Lady, Camilla is a Sweet Gentle Lady-Determined as was the Prince of Wales to Shake Everyones hand-Look Straight into thier eyes-And Greive or Give strength as each of us met this Sincere Couple.

Let Me Me Very Clear About YOUR CAV/VAC Commitment To OUR Society!!

I Have Seen For Myself YOUR Great Positive Energy Taking On Great Challenges.. We;ve 'Ridden Hard, ''Helping Others and Having Fun !!''
Im Proud of Everyone of You-Our Country is Proud of Every one of You-the Silver Cross Familys and our Military Family is Proud of you,The Commonwealths Royal Family is Proud of ALL Of You!

Ride Hard My CAV/VAC Family!

November 12th

Throughout this Entire Experience, It was my Honour to assist Darlene during many Wrenching and emotional Moments, all due to the repeated awareness at these Events-that her Beloved Son was Killed by our Enemys.

Her Absolute Courage in again and again being reminded of this Reality,at every turn hearing the Words 'Im Sorry for Your Loss''...At Every Turn having to explain the Death in Combat of her Son by IED.

Also,Darryls Combat Team Members and Regimental Family MUST Be Seen by our Membership as I see them-Heroes ALL!
Standing By our Side often,His Best Freind Wade, who has served on 3 Combat tours in the last 5 years, was also the Escort who returned Darryls remains to his Family..He himself has survived 2 IED Blasts, losing many freinds as well to combat. He is as a Son now to Darlene-ensuring every day that his 'Brothers' Mom and Sister are Supported every day as Fully as possible..

As well we must never forget the Other 'Brothers' of Darryl, who were in the same Vehicle that took the blast killing him,
and the many combat team members who learned of the attack and immediatly suited up and drove at full speed directly along the same road that had once again taken thier comrades-fighting thier way to his side- these are Real Heroes that wish with thier every Fibre that it was they who had fallen-Not Thier Brother 's now gone.

Wether at Rideau Hall, Meeting the Prince of Wale's and His Lady-Or AS Importantly meeting Soldiers or Citizens-Darlene Cushman is Also a Heroe.

She has taken a tragic loss, and rather than allow this To destroy her, She-Always PROUDLY Wearing Her CAV Silver Cross Family Cresting-Her Best Freind Gayle standing always close by,Very Proudly Telling EVERYONE Of your Organizations Mission of Recognition of Sacrifice, of the Past-Present and Future-She physically Reach's out to the Fallens Family Members, Thier Grieving Comrades and EVERY Citizen she meets-Helping ALL Understand the Actual Cost of Combating a Terrible Enemy-to Defeat that Enemy and Free a People in Harms Way!

Darlene-Our CAV/VAC Heroe-STOOD TALL These past days-Holding MANY Silver Cross Family Members, Wives, Children , Brothers,Sisters,Fathers and Mothers like herself ..Crying with ALL Of them-Holding them in her Arms-Wearing YOUR Identity-strengthened by that Identity-Doing GREAT GOOD !

It has Been My Honour to Assist her throughout these Past Days, It has been Our Honour to Strengthen her CAV Mission of Silver Cross Support.

Darlene-You are a Heroe to all our CAV Membership-Your Strength is Powerful, even though you think yourself weak-YOU ARE NEVER WEAK!
Your Courage is An Example to us all-To Every Single Canadian Citizen-Or Royal Family Member you meet!
-Darryl who was in the process of joining our CAV Organization when he was taken -
-WOULD BE PROUD OF HIS MOM!!!

November 21st

Its been a whirlwind of Riding Hard-Meeting Proud CAV Members and Coordinating Next Seasons Energy these past week's..

At all Times Ive had the Honour of Meeting Units and Riders along the way-At Repat's, or Observing Meetings, often unplanned at Roadside-Everyone United in our Organizations Focus-Honoring and Pledging to Never Forget-The Sacrifices of the Past-Present and Those to Surely, Saddly Come..

Standing in Beechwood National Military Cemetary the day before Remembrance Day,alongside Several Greiving Silver Cross Familys, we we're joined at one point by our Own CAV Old Guard Head-Lewis 'Mac' MacKenzie.

He was On his way to a Wounded Soldier Fund Raising Dinner and prior,was able to meet with his CAV Comrades.
While Visiting with us,the Graves of Our Fallen Soldiers, as well as those who've given a Lifetime of Service to our Military and Country now Laid to Rest at Ottawa's Final Gathering place, Our Common Mission-as Retired or Still Serving Soldiers , Standing beside Silver Cross Family Members and Proud Veteran Supporters was Clear-

-To Never Forget Sacrifice or Service.

We Laid Flowers at the Headstones of Dear Son's and Daughters, Comrades from our Uniform Service, Even 'Stranger's'-Who we now know ALL, as Heroes..

I Had the Honour of walking Slowly past every Single Grave-Finding and reaching out to touch the Names and Markers of those I knew well in Life-Or Those we Pledge to never Forget in Death.

General Harry Crerar-Who Commanded all Canadian Forces in World War 2-Is buried Next to Private Soldiers-ALL Stones Identical, All United in Death-ALL Equal in Honour.

Nicolla Goddard, Joel Sorbie, One a Stranger to me, the Other a Dear Freind-Both Resting in this Unique beautiful peaceful setting, both Visited by those of Us who Refuse to Forget thier Lives and Mission to Serve others-No Matter the Cost.
Soldiers We've all heard of, Some we havent-Several from my Own Military past-Who've passed on, my never realizing that fact-till I 'found' their Final Resting Palace.

If you Ever have the Time and opportunity to Visit This Emotional Gathering Place-I Know you will find it as Important as I do, in Reminding oneself of the Precious Gift Service to others really is.
Its a Gift of Self and Time-By those of our Country who - For little Pay and Certainly little Credit, offer themselves- thier Very Lives-To Secure our Freedoms...

We Of the CAV/VAC Will Never Forget this Sacrifice!

In keeping with this Pledge to Never Forget-Ive also had the Honour of Several meetings with our CAV Comrade Jody Mitic..He, who is Uncomfortable with the the 'Celebrity' his Combat Wounding, Amputation's and Recovery have Granted him- is Determined to use Every Ounce of His Energy and Life-To Continue Service to Others-In his Status as Dept of National Defense ''Soldier on program' coordinator.

'Soldier On program' is a Crucial initiative-Guaranteeing Support to those we Rarely Hear about..The MANY Of our Fellow Citizens who have not only Sacrificed thier Time in Service-BUT Have been Wounded or Injured in Uniform.

Our Fisher House Donations-Gifts so far of over $10,000 from the CAV/VAC -Have allowed us the Honour of Being among the First to address the Support of our Wounded's Familys-
-In Landsthul Germany-CAV Money , directed by the Manager Kathy Gregory Is focused on Comforts to the Mothers, Fathers and family members-Brought to the Bedside of Our Wounded Comrades..

'Soldier On'-Supported by Jody Mitic and Other's effected forever by thier Service, takes this Support one step Further.

The Simple Fact, that a 'Wounded Soldier' will Live his or Her Entire lifetime,Bearing the Scars-Inside and Out, of thier 'Wounding'-Is NEVER Lost on Jody,'Soldier on' or Certainly Our CAV Family.
Yes, thier Medical Need's are met by our Government-But often need's not planned for-Or Immediate requirements that involve immense paperwork and delay allow the Soldier On Program to Step up and Provide Crucial continueing Support to our brothers and Sisters..

It is Our Intention , At the upcoming Spring National Meeting in Gatineau Quebec to Listen to Jody's Heartfelt Presentation as he details 'Soldier On Program'-A Mission he will For his Lifetime Support and Develop..As Our Wounded Live thier lives with the Legacy of Service to others and its lifetime Effect.

A Mission Im Positive our CAV/VAC Family will Also Support In the Years to Come!

December 19th

I Have attended the Toronto Motorcycle Show on our Behalf - and have the Pleasure of reporting my Observations!

I Met many Proud CAV/VAC Riders at the Toronto south Showplace-In the literal shade of the CN Tower..Everyone reports massive success for thier Units seasons and A United Front of Strength and Honour-In placing the neccesary elements in place this winter-to Ensure a succesful Record Breaking 2010 Year!

Toronto Region Units Normandy and St Lawrence are well on the way to building on the Tony Stacey centre Ride-In fact we got a Boost of $250.00 in donations to the Centre from Glenn Roberts, President of Motorcycle Mojo Magazine..The Last seasons Ride also just got a Powerful write up in the 'Riders Mag'-a Provincial publication that raved over the CAV's support Ride of the Only Facility that allows Veteran and Spouce to stay close till thier Final day's...

The CAV Lead Direct Support of this Great Facility is seen by ALL Who respect the Veterans Housed in this Facility-veterans who earned the safe Home and Rest that Tony Stacey Centre Provides..and I Know well that our Attending Riders will likely double-For the 2010 version!

I was then interviewed by Glenn extensively, for an upcoming Motorcycle Mojo article on the Founding of the CAV Organization, and the last 6 Powerful Years.. Keep your eyes peeled for this Canadian Motorcycle Publication's Reporting on Our CAV/VAC's Family mission of Ride and Have Fun While Helping Others-In a World Class Magazine that reach's over 25,000 outlets for sale and ten's of thousands of Readers World wide.. Many Thanks Glenn and Glenda for the Donation of funds to our Freinds at Tony Stacey Centre-I Guarantee that those Patients and staff will recieve happily these 'Seasons Greetings' !

I Met with Fellow CAV Members from Kapyong Unit, Base Borden Motorcycle Club organizers who will repeat thier 'Yellow Ribbon Ride' this comng Sunday-June the 13Th..A Great Ride-with a Barbeque afterwards at the Angus Legion..This ride is a Favorite of MANY-Including myself!!

I Met with a Mother Daughter team-Riding across Canada in order to bring attention to SOS, A charity for orphans-Supported by them as well as Mike Holme's-The Host of 'Holmes on Homes' TV Show-He a Hard Core Motorcyclist, and charity supporter..The Joy of a Mother and Daughter sharing Motorcycle Adventure-Is something our CAV Family understands well-Keep watch for these Ladys as they roar Across Canada-See thier message at www MDRide.com or call 647-746-4735 to get involved..

Next I watched our CAV Comrade Harry Watt's, one of our Special CAV Heroes-He a Veteran Despatch Rider of World War 2's service in Italy and Holland AND Still a hard Riding CAV Rider!...Harry Proudly marched to centre Stage-during the Toronto Shows 'Salute to Our Military', escorted through the Show grounds by a Uniformed Guard and BagPipes..We watched proudly as Harry was interviewed at the Media Display..His Message of ''NEVER FORGET'' Coming out Loud and Clear!!!

Next we coordinated with a dozen National Organizations who we've Supported in the past seasons Energy-Of note is the 'Perfect Pig's' repeat of last years 'Heroes Highway Ride'' to be held June the 5th starting in Trenton-ending in Bowmanville's Downtown cenotaph..the same Cenotaph where we watched on as Trooper Darryl Casswell's name was added-We, Supporting his mother-our own Silver Cross Family Coordinator Darlene Cushman..To learn of this ride-Supported by many CAV Riders last year-See www.heroshighwayride.com

I Spoke with Many of Canadian Motorcycle Hard Core-Including Michele Mercier, owner operator of Canada's ''Fast'' school-a track racing training venue, a facility I attended years ago..We we're all saddened to hear of Michels Sons death, His dad keeps his memory roaring along-as he teachs the next generation of Speed Lovers.

I Spoke with Jason Britton, the Host of america's Premier Bike Show-Showcasing Talent from motorcyclings diverse world..Jason proudly telling me of the Ongoing Supporthe provides the US Marine Corps and Military-Putting on 'Trick' shows to raise moral..A True Gentelman !!

Motorcycle show's-As we've learned in our years of 'Outreach' are a Golden opportunity to meet with our 'Target' audience-the Motorcyclists we share the Freedom of the Greatest Countrys roads with... Try to attend as many of these events as possble-the opportunity to coord the coming seasons Energy-coupled with Greasy Hotdogs and Shiny Show bikes-Vintage 'Iron' and those of us who love them-Is a Time not to be missed during the snowy phase of our Countrys Year..

In these last days-Ive met many People in unique positions to enrich and enable us to Roar into our 2019 season-
I Had the Honour of meeting once again with Collen Murphy, a Governor Generals Award wining Author and playwright-She putting the final touch's on a Play, one that will Display the Price many of our Veterans pay, in the Fight for Freedom..

As this 2009 historic CAV experience winds down-We are putting the steps in place to build on our Familys past Suceess-
-Unit, Formation and National elements working Hard-often as Hard, as During the Riding phase-My Personal Congratulations and Respect to the CAV/VAC Leaders of the Past,and the Present-I See ALL Your Sacrifice-Making our Organization a True Canadian Family-one that Actually Saves Lives, certainly enriching thousands daily,with Veteran, and Community Support-THANKS TO YOUR HARD WORK, AND THE ENERGY OF YOUR GREAT MEMBERS!!!

Finally-
I want it Understood by one and All-The Immense pride Ive Felt-EVERY DAY-As Ive ridden hard to our Nations ''CAV/VAC Doorstep's''.. Ive covered 149,000 km's on your behalf-Crossing Canada 7 times in total-Flying Proudly the CAV National Flag every inch of the way,Every Inch of Highway a Reminder of YOUR CAV/VAC Strength and Honour!!

As I finish this , my final posting for the ''Road Warrior-Trappers Patrol 2009'' thread-I Gurantee One and All- my looking forward to next seasons 'Patrol Repeat'.. Have a Great 'Rest' as you prepare for the 2010 Energy...

You've ALL Humbled me 1000'of times, Opened your Hearts and Home's to me...Showing me-Proof-That Im the Luckiest Rider in our Nation,and Ill always be Extremely Honoured-In belonging to, and being a small Part of the Greatest Organization our Country 'Houses'..THE CAV/VAC Family!!!

CAV Webmaster's Blog

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sunday, June 6, 2010

June 6th Ottawa D-Day Invasion

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Highway Of Heroes Salute Ride

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Juno Visits DR

Monday, May 17, 2010

Repat of Pte McKay

Monday, January 25, 2010

Trapper's Patrol 2009

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