As I understand, there have been previous attempts to bring a motorcycle show to Ottawa in the past, but support by local business was less than enthusiastic. This year the promoter obviously managed to get enough interest to put together an attention-grabbing, if not large, collection of exhibits and vendors. If you followed the Discovery channel’s Biker Build-off series on TV, then you will immediately recognize the show’s headliners, the Detroit Bros. and their build-off entry. Although the local motorcycle dealers were no shows, there were displays by bike builders, painters, clothing vendors and others instead. Put all together, they probably would have occupied only a tiny corner in either the Toronto or Montreal shows, but as a first effort, there was enough there to make it a legitimate event. We visited the show late Sunday morning and hung around for a couple of hours. The ten dollar ticket price wasn’t too bad, and the parking was free. All in all, it was a pleasant way to spend some time checking out bikes and gear on a sunny spring day. The promoter states on his web site that his venture was a success. My suggestion to him is to build on this success by doubling the exhibits for 2007. If the Ottawa Valley Bike Show is to become an Ottawa spring ritual, it will need to offer more. It was good as a first event; now let’s see what Ottawa can do next year.
We parked at the end of a long line of bikes behind the exhibition building. This 70's style Honda 750 chopper beside us brought back fond memories for me. I guess I still have a soft spot for coffin tanks.
Vintage Bikes The vintage bikes were roped off centre ring, and attracted a lot of interest, mine included. I especially appreciated the British iron.
Vintage Racers
Gear Shopping Andrew found a pair of gloves in his size and at a better price than similar ones he saw in the Montreal show earlier in the year. Gail found the perfect jacket, but decided to hold off for a better price. At least she got to try it on for size.
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