Ridin' With the Blues

Dan Akroyd hams it up for the cameras.

More and more riders arrived as we stood around waiting for the celebrities. I had brought my camera to film the occasion, but had left it protected in a plastic bag in one of my saddlebags. I fully expected that the Blues Brothers would appear in a limo and that I would have plenty of time to get

Schmoozing with the guys.

myself organized. So when two poseur looking types rolled in on matching white FL’s, it took me several precious moments to realize that they were who we were all waiting for. Dressed in casual attire, they rode into the lot, made a quick u-turn, and positioned themselves at the front. Immediately they were surrounded by a mob (though typically Canadian polite) and in no time were signing autographs and posing for photos.

I raced for my camera and did my best to take some acceptable footage of the mêlée. Unfortunately for me, so did quite a few others and it was quite difficult to get close enough for unobstructed shooting. There was one cinematographer that was all over our stars and was using an especially fancy camcorder. Dan Akroyd really played up to her camera and I later learned that he had brought his own entourage to record a film that could be used for promotional purposes. No wonder he came across like a used car

A Nomad gets an autograph.

salesman; he was pitching his act and music, and just hamming it up in general. Jim Belushi by contrast appeared serene, almost lost within the commotion. While Dan skittered around the lot shaking hands as if up for election, Jim quietly sat on his bike at let everyone come to him. He was just a friendly regular guy, and I couldn’t help but like him for that.

Once all the women had gotten their photos taken with the duo, it was time to ride. There was a schedule to keep, and no time to waste on further pleasantries. As expected, Harleys roared to life and lined up behind Dan (a.k.a. Big Daddy Sweet) and Jim (or Full Daddy Diamond). I found a spot somewhere in the middle and waited for the action to begin.

Call me! My number is...

Five seconds into this “unofficial” parade, blockers had already rolled into position and halted the traffic on Industrial Avenue. As I pulled out on to the road, I pondered if the rules for this ride had been changed without me knowing. Another five seconds went by and my question was answered. There was only one rule; keep up or be left behind.