York Wings: Motorcycle Olympics

The very first Olympics took place in a farmer's field somewhere near Buttonville airport in the GTA's east end. It wasn't a big event in terms of numbers. We did, however, have the use of a motor home for tabulating the results of the field games, a P.A. system to announce the winners, and engraved trophies and plaques to present. There was even entertainment in the form of a live band. I was personally disappointed that they played bluegrass, and perhaps so was the man upstairs, as the weather turned cool and damp when they came on. But despite these humble beginnings, the Motorcycle Olympics grew in size and popularity.

First Annual York Wings Motorcycle Olympics

Blue grass band on stage.	Fairing removed by serious competitor motivated by lunch.

It moved to Molson Park near Barrie the following summer, and there it stayed for many years. Bite the Weenie, Slow Race, Ride the Plank, Blindfold Race, Egg and Spoon Race, and other such bike games provided plenty of amusement for participants and spectators alike. These events all took place on a great open field adjacent to highway 400. There was on site camping, and breakfast was included as part of the cost of entry. Just as HOG rallies today attract chapters from all over the map, so did the Olympics attract clubs from all over Ontario. One of the most interesting clubs that attended regularly was the Grand Valley Riders. Mounted on an eclectic mix of Harleys and choppers from the orient, they contrasted sharply their bad boy image against the more conventional touring clubs that supported our event.

Also in attendance were many independents. One old gent on a fully decked out Harley attracted a lot of attention in particular. Although a character in his own right, it was his bike that always gathered a small crowd. Smothered in chrome, lights, and studs, this bike had it all, including a small TV mounted on the windshield. I had never seen a bike so weighed down with so many accessories and I could only speculate in the kind of effort that would be required just to

His Majesty the King

provide it routine service. Others must have been just as impressed with him as I was because years later I found his picture in a Harley lifestyle coffee table book. Riding his Harley like he was seated on a throne, I identified him as "the King".

Another regular attendee of the Olympics was Marla Garber . I had no idea who she was back then, but it was quite obvious that she was different. She rode a 1978 XS 11 Yamaha just like mine, only fully dressed with fairing and bags straight from the factory. If being a small female on a muscle bike did not attract enough attention, she also traveled with her dogs on board. A photographer from Toronto covering our event must have noticed the same thing; her picture was published in the next day's newspaper. Marla went on to become a roaming reporter for Canadian Biker, and later SuperCycle magazine, wearing out Electra Glides crisscrossing the continent.