Local CVMG Branch Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Montreal branch of the CVMG celebrated its 25th anniversary over the past weekend of July 31-August 2 at the Pritchard Farm in Ormstown, QC.
Founded 25 years ago in the driveway of one Mr. Kevin Doyle, the Montreal branch of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) has held every subsequent rally at the home of the Prichard family in Ormstown. The non-profit association, which celebrates an appreciation for rare and vintage motorbikes, currently consists of about 100 members, currently headed up by president Peter McEwen. Profits from past events have been donated to both the local Barrie Memorial Hospital and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. The year, the CVMG hopes to give a portion of the profits to the Prostate Cancer association.
This year, the weather held out for a beautiful weekend of exhibition, trials and rides, with over ten riders on hand to perform live demonstrations on site. The rally also held a Concours d’Elegance, a competition that honours certain aesthetic qualities of vintage motorbikes, with the award for Best in Show going to Mr. Edmund Olesen, who took the honour with his 1926 Nimbus, a rare motorbike out of Denmark. Canadian Hall of Fame member Paul Noiseux and his wife Ellen were special guests of honour.
With Friday serving as a welcome day for the CVMG, Saturday saw the field spotted with brilliant and timeless classics by Triumph, Nimbus and Ducati, which were eagerly welcomed by motorbike enthusiasts, collectors and spectators alike. They day wrapped up with a corn boil and campfire. Sunday also held a special treat for British car enthusiasts, with a British Car and Cycle Day, featuring a colourful array of classic British vehicles organized by Gordon Clark.
Becoming president in 2002, McEwen’s main goal was to ensure that the association practiced a “minimum amount of administration and the maximum amount of enjoyment,”—a mantra that holds true for the long-time members of the CVMG. They are also words that honour the beliefs of the late Jim Hunter, one of the founding members of the Montreal branch of the CVMG. Host Eric Pritchard, also one of the original founders of the club, captured the feeling that had settled over the day with “I believe that bikes should be restored and ridden—they aren’t designed to be put away with mothballs, and in museums.” Pritchard (who is originally from England) used to compete in motorcycle competitions in his hometown—which is what motivated him to help bring these motorbike trials to the area. The idea was welcomed with open arms by a small group of enthusiasts, which grew into the family-friendly event that takes place on an annual basis today.
If you missed this weekend, motorbike enthusiasts can look forward to the Ormstown Vintage Off Road Festival, which will be held over the weekend of August 21-23 at the Pritchard Farm in Ormstown. Organizer Steve Tucker and his wife Joan Darlington of J.T. Sport will welcome guest of honour Mick Andrews, a former World Trials Champion, who will be present during the demonstrations and trials that will be held over the weekend, followed by an evening dinner.