Open Road Tour: Barrie, Ontario

When I read the announcement that Harley's Open Road Tour was coming to Canada, and more specifically to Barrie, Ontario, I knew immediately that I would be there. How could I resist an extravaganza of this magnitude that comes only once in a life time? Better still, I had convenient accommodations at my in-laws cottage on Lake Muskoka, a bare hour's drive north from Molson Park.

I was so excited by the opportunity of being part of Harley-Davidson's hundredth birthday celebrations (I knew I couldn't make the party in Milwaukee), that I called many of my old riding friends from Toronto, and asked them to meet me there. Luckily for me, none of them would be able to take me up on my invitation. I did, however, manage to drag my daughter's boyfriend with us. As a prospective motorcycle rider, I reasoned that he would be impressed by the motor company, perhaps even to consider a Buel in his future.

Sadly, the event did not come off as expected. As a regular lurker at Sportster.org, I posted a short report there the day after my return home, so here it is again.

Having read previous posts on the first three editions of the tour, I'd like to add my 2 ¢ on the Canadian connection. And the best way to describe it in a word is "disappointing". I should have known something was up when I learned that the price was reduced form $70 Cdn to $50, and three days reduced to two.

The GOOD

The location of the event was actually in Molson Park in Barrie (less than an hour north of Toronto) and it was perfect.

Plenty of elbow room on Saturday.

There was no lack of parking or johnny-on-the-spots, and there was plenty of staff to keep things under control. I found the displays (those that were there) very interesting and it was nice to view all the 2003 line-up of bikes and accessories in one place. I particularly enjoyed the Theatre, while my daughter spent quite a bit of time learning about the history of the Motor Company. The bands on Saturday were good offering up a lot of nostalgia, all having been around for decades. The younger crowd probably would have preferred the line-up on Sunday which, except for the Doors, was more current. The weather also co-operated by not raining and having temps unseasonably warm (during the day) for this time of the year. And the beer was reasonably priced at $4.50 Cdn.