Excerpt from our column Let’s Ride, Wheels section of the Chronicle Herald, June 4, 2009
Warmer temperatures are finally here and the majority of riders have already logged on a couple thousand kilometers, and probably attended an awareness ride or fundraiser.
There are lots of rallies and events to attend this summer; but if you can’t escape for a weekend, plan an exciting day trip or two.
The month of May is traditionally a very busy time for us each year. Our new guide is hot off the press and being distributed to motorcycle dealerships and visitor information centres province-wide; we have travel articles to submit to various magazines, and tourism conferences to attend.
So we do what we try to do best…combine business with pleasure.
Our first conference entailed a leisurely ride to Lunenburg, under clear blue skies, to attend meetings at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. What a perfect setting to invigorate your ambitions and open your eyes to what the tourist sees and experiences.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg
This vast waterfront museum contains 3 floors of exhibits, displays and photo galleries from a bygone era. The indoor aquarium features several species of fish found off our shores; and both a schooner and a side trawler can be boarded at dockside.
The famed ambassador for Nova Scotia, the Bluenose II makes Lunenburg her home.
When in port her decks are open to visitors and 2-hour cruises are available at the reasonable cost of $40/per adult (tax included).
Now this is an experience you are guaranteed to enjoy and fondly remember, sailing aboard the namesake of the racing schooner that graces the back of the Canadian dime.
Reservations are recommended; call toll free 1-866-579-4909, ext. 221.
Overlooking the beautiful and historic port of Lunenburg
Our lodging for the night was a room at the Top Mast Motel, with a million-dollar view of the historical town and quiet harbour. We were even visited by a deer and a really fat pheasant as we enjoyed the sunset from the outside deck.
Our next conference took us to a museum the size of 7 hockey rinks and houses 37,000 artifacts, including the heaviest and largest items found in Nova Scotia. Can you guess?
It’s the Museum of Industry, located in Stellarton, at Exit 24 off the TCH 104.
We’ve all seen it on our travels, the huge roof emblazoned with its name…but have you ever gone inside?
This impressive structure houses 9 locomotives, including their pride and joy “Samson”; North America’s oldest surviving steam locomotive, and the 17th oldest worldwide.
Just one of the many early automobiles on display.
Car buffs will really enjoy the automotive exhibits. See the first horseless carriage built in Amherst in 1901; marvel at the craftsmanship of the luxury McKay automobiles built first in Kentville, then Amherst from 1910-14; and see the first Volvo off the assembly line in Canada.
You’ll find working exhibits tracing the history of water and steam power, and displays on Nova Scotia’s former and current industries. Many of the exhibits are hands-on and costumed interpreters demonstrate the uses of the many working exhibits.
Built on Nova Scotia’s first coal-mining site the “Albion Mines,” the museum houses 4,000 archaeological artifacts excavated during it’s construction and are on display in their newest exhibit.
This is just a taste of what awaits you inside these fantastic museum sites.
So don’t be shy, museums are not just for kids on school trips; but are an opportunity to reconnect with your past and learn something new.
Nova Scotia has 27 provincial museums across our province, from the “Firefighters Museum of Nova Scotia” in Yarmouth, to the “Highland Village Museum” in Iona, Cape Breton.
So break the boredom of riding the same roads, and take a day trip escape to a museum, you’ll find it really enjoyable and good food for thought.
Excerpt from our column Let’s Ride, Wheels section of the Chronicle Herald, April 16, 2009
Green is a symbol of many things in today’s hectic world. It is the long awaited sign of spring, associated with money and success, and of course saving our planet through recycling and safer lifestyle measures.
But have you ever considered it to be the colour of speed and performance? Kawasaki is making history with their green machine, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R.
Back at the office, Matt sits astride the Ninja ZX10R
This motorcycle exemplifies the true definition of a sport bike, built for the track and civilized for the street. Named the fastest production motorcycle on the planet in 2008, the Kawasaki ZX10R is extremely compact and lightweight.
Harold has ridden many sport bikes, and always admired their sleek lines and performance, both on and off the track.
Then Richard Murray of Sackville Motorsports gave Harold the opportunity to experience the incredible Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R for a day last fall.
The ZX10R is powered by a 998cc liquid-cooled engine, with two digital fuel injectors per cylinder, creating earth shaking low end torque and stratospheric top end performance. Imagine approximately 160hp on a motorcycle weighing in at only 488 lbs/208 kg.
Harold’s comments on this remarkable motorcycle follow: “My blood pressure began to rise as soon as I hit the start button and an authoritive deep growl filled the air.
After familiarizing myself with the overall motorcycle in the parking lot, checking brake and throttle response, I decided to hit the road. For the next few miles I practiced braking and gear shifting, amazed at how soon I felt very comfortable on this powerful Ninja.
High performance motorcycles can give you the feeling of ‘being one’ with the machine. The motorcycle becomes an extension of your body, and everything feels just right as it instantly responds to your every move.
On this lively Ninja, twisting the throttle will result in an unbelievable burst of speed and G-forces can be felt even as it speeds away from a cruising speed of fifty miles an hour.
Fast motorcycles require very responsive brakes and I soon found that even at highway speeds, the ZX10R would still ‘nearly stop on a dime.’
The Kawasaki ZX10R features dual semi-floating petal disks with duel four piston radial mount calipers up front and a single 220mm single piston aluminum rear brake.
The front brake is used most of the time and you do not have to pull the brake lever very hard to stop this bike. The brakes are very responsive and are truly characteristic of a racing motorcycle.
Thank you Richard Murray of Sackville Motorsports! The Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R is hands down the most exciting and fastest motorcycle I have ever ridden“.
Speed and racing fame are responsible for the increased popularity in the ZX10R recently. 30 year-old Jordan Szoke, on Kawasaki’s racing team has had an outstanding season riding this model at race tracks all across Canada.
Szoke has captured five Superbike titles, winning the last three (2006-2008) riding the Kawasaki ZX10R; and is closing in on the legendary Steve Crevier who has six Superbike titles in total.
ZX10R Specifications:
Engine: 4 stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, in line four
Displacement: 998cc
HP: approx. 160
Torque: 113@8,700 rpm
Compression Ratio: 12.9:1
Transmission: 6 speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame Type: aluminum perimeter
Curb weight: 208kg, 458.6lbs
Front Brake: Duel semi-floating 310mm petal discs with dual four piston
radial mount calipers
Rear Brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston aluminum caliper
Fuel Capacity: 17 litres/3.7 gallons
For more information on the exciting Ninja ZX10R, contact Sackville Motorsports at 902-252-3800 or your nearest Kawasaki dealer.
It is shaping up to be a very busy season for motorcyclists this summer. We have many new rides all across the province and of course some big rallies to look forward to.
So get your motorcycle out of the garage and start preparing for riding lots of miles this summer. Check your fluids, charge and/or replace your battery and ensure your tires have a good tread, free of wear pattern or other damage. Preventative and regular maintenance will ensure a safe riding season and the headaches of unplanned breakdowns.
Don’t let a beautiful sunny day catch you with a dead battery or a flat tire, or you will be caught mowing the lawn and doing chores while everyone else drives by!
Excerpt from our column Let’s Ride, Wheels section of the Chronicle Herald, September 17, 2009
For the 5th straight year Digby has managed to entertain, amuse and encourage motorcyclists to return and enjoy their annual Wharf Rat Rally over the Labour Day weekend.
The main waterfront area is motorcycles only all weekend
And this year the rally grew again! With approximately 20,000 motorcycles attending the event and huge crowds enjoying the sights and sounds, the visitor count was near 80,000.
The popular stunt shows of Street Punishment always kept the crowds yelling for more and the new attraction “The Wall of Death” on the waterfront amazed the spectators as the two daredevil riders climbed the barrel-shaped wall and grabbed tips from the hands of the brave.
Biker Games
Special events and activities kept everyone busy and the Biker Games were hosted by the 74th Crusaders of nearby Annapolis Royal.
Vendors displayed their wares from one end of downtown to the other, and motorcycles of every shape and size sparkled in the sun from early morning to sunset.
What makes this event so special?
We feel a lot of the credit goes to the residents of Digby, who openly welcome the bikers to their beautiful town for the long weekend event.
Then the dedication of volunteers is the key to any successful event, big or small.
Add a spectacular location on the harbour, the freshest seafood around, and the chance to reconnect with friends in a relaxed atmosphere, and you have a winning combination.
Many riders we spoke with said it felt like ‘Coming Home’; so keep up the good work Digby and thanks for another fabulous time. For more information on the Digby Wharf Rat Rally and the latest updates on next years events, visit the official website at wharfratrally.ca
Harold Nesbitt with signed, limited edition print of his original oil painting of the Digby Wharf Rat Rally
If you missed the 2009 6th Annual rally and wish to view more photos of the event, visit the photo section of our website.
One lucky participant took home one of Harold Nesbitt’s signed, limited edition prints of the Digby Wharf Rat Rally.
Additional Note: Signed, Limited Edition Prints are available from our website Biker Art section and at Privateers Harley-Davidson in Halifax.
Originally published in our column Let’s Ride, Wheels section of the Chronicle Herald, August 20, 2009
August has turned out to be the riding weather we all dream about; clear blue skies, gentle ocean breezes and warm starry nights. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
With so many new riders entering the scene there is simply a lot more talk about various new models of motorcycles entering the market.
And this is good news for all riders! The manufacturers are listening to what riders want and are designing their new releases to meet their needs.
Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic looks at home in any setting
One great example is Yamaha’s V-Star 650 Classic, a middleweight cruiser that delivers style, comfort and super lightweight handling for the new rider at an affordable entry price.
Deciding to see what all the buzz was about, Harold made a quick call to Wayne and Jayne Isnor at Shore Cycles in Martins Point and was immediately invited to come on down and take their V-Star 650 Classic out for a drive.
Yamaha claims this middleweight cruiser will knock you out with its long, low styling, abundant chrome, 40 cubic-inch V-twin power and painstaking attention to detail.
Harold’s comments follow.
“The first thing that impressed me was the 650’s appearance. You will not feel intimidated by bigger bikes as this machine has all the looks of the larger 1100 V-Star, and is actually only 4” shorter than the 1100 model.
Over the handlebar view while cruising along
As I sat on the comfortable full-size seat, I immediately noticed the low seat height of 27.4 inches making it easy to plant your feet firmly on the ground.
Standing the motorcycle up was a breeze with the lightweight feel of 543 lbs., compared to my motorcycle weighing about 775 lbs. This also enables the rider to easily navigate the bike at idle into parking areas.
Once on the highway gear shifting was smooth and silent from the 5-speed transmission, and the dual carbs accelerated nicely up to highway speeds, running about 4,000 rpm at 100km in 5th gear. The light clutch action is also great for novice riders.
The transistorized coil ignition is a no-maintenance design ensuring sure starts and the classic side-mounted air cleaner allows easy air filter access for quick servicing.
This Yamaha 650 V-Star is really a great lightweight, all round cruiser for the person looking for an easy to handle mid-size motorcycle with style.
‘Low stress’ is how Wayne Isnor described the motorcycle to me, and that is exactly what I felt as I rode along the coastal roads of Martins Point, Oak Island and then inland to the Ross Farm Museum.”
Specifications:
Engine: Air-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, V-twin
Displacement: 649cc
Compression Ratio: 9:1
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Wet weight: 543.4 lb/247 kg
Fuel Consumption: 21 kpl/59 mpg
Fuel Capacity: 16 litres
Front Brakes: Single 298mm disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tires: 130/90-16
Rear Tires: 170/80-15
The Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic was a head turner and drew lots of attention at the Ross Farm Museum
Thanks Wayne and Jayne for the enjoyable ride. If you would like a closer look or more information on the Yamaha V-star 650 Classic, visit shorecycle.com or call South Shore Cycles at 902-627-2706, or simply log on Yamaha’s site at yamaha-motor.ca.
With a manufacturers suggested retail price of $8,399 and a summer promotion in effect until September 30th, this may be your time to ride.
Additional Note: Enjoy all of Nova Scotia’s museums found in various locations province-wide. For more information on Ross Farm Museum call 1-877-689-2210 or visit their website at rossfarm.museum.gov.ns.ca
Registration was only $5 for the BikeFest
What a great event the 1st Cape Breton Bike Fest proved to be! With mostly sunny skies all weekend, Sydney and surrounding towns and villages welcomed over 2,000 registrants with their traditional open and friendly Cape Breton hospitality.
Aptly named ‘Thunder in the Highlands’, motorcyclists were everywhere you chose to ride over the weekend, and hundreds were always congregated at Centre 200 where vendors displayed their wares.
We arrived midday on Friday amid a steady stream of motorcyclists from across the Maritimes, Upper Canada and the U.S.
OCC Chopper built for and won at BikeFest
After checking in at the Days Inn we headed to the Vendor Village to chat with fellow riders, enjoyed a late supper at Casino Nova Scotia and then listened to the live bands performing downtown at the outdoor street party.
Unfortunately Saturday morning’s rains cancelled the scheduled drag time trials for that afternoon, but the sun soon returned and we joined other riders heading to Louisbourg for their annual Crab Festival.
Returning near dusk we missed the outdoor concert at Centre 200, but luckily found a parking spot near the marina, bumped into my niece Kim & hubby Andy; and sat together on the grass to watch the fireworks over the harbour.
Beautiful Keltic Lodge beach area hosted the Show n'Shine
Sunday was another beautiful day and after a quick visit downtown we headed to the Show ‘n Shine in nearby Ingonish.
It was a picture perfect day and it felt good to ride the curves of Cape Smokey again.
The Keltic Lodge in the National Park provided a large grassy area near the beach for the event with lots of food and cold drinks at biker-friendly prices. A live band performed throughout the afternoon and even parking pads were provided for your kickstands.
By early afternoon we headed back for the planned ‘Storm the Fort’ event at the Fortress of Louisbourg, National Historic Site of Canada.
Riding across the moat into the massive Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
What an incredible experience Park Canada provided! As 500 motorcycles lined the waterfront to the fortress, soldiers met the procession to determine if we were friend or foe.
Upon being declared family, the motorcyclists were then permitted to ride across the bridged moat, through the main gates and into the heart of the fortress. The exhibits were open and the restaurants on site were busy serving their traditional fare and black grog.
The costumed interpreters were exceptionally entertaining and enjoyed immensely. A good natured motorcyclist was arrested, handcuffed and chided in public for the notorious crime of stealing a sheep and laughter echoed off the walls everywhere.
The entertaining interpreters kept the crowd laughing and easily found volunteers to join in the fun.
As the fog rolled in and our visit drew to an end, we were treated to a musket salute over the harbour by costumed soldiers.
Harold and I were then surprised and honoured to have the privilege of raising the first official Cape Breton Bike Fest Thunder in the Highlands flag at the Fortress of Louisbourg to symbolize the storming of the fort.
Raising the BikeFest flag at Fortress Louisbourg
This simple act made history, as no other flag has flown at the Fortress of Louisbourg other than official government issue. Being chosen and receiving the gift of the flag to keep left Harold speechless (and that is no small feat) and me in tears. Thank you everyone for this honour, it’s a day we will treasure and proudly remember!
Sunday evening brought another free outdoor concert and the long awaited OCC Custom Bike Draw. The lucky winner was Jason Wilson of Coxheath, 2nd prize of $5000 to Ken Brownell of Neil’s Harbour and 3rd prize of $2500 to Joseph Weeks of Hubbards, NS.
Signed, Limited Edition prints are available for purchase. See Biker Art on our website.
Other prizes awarded included a framed limited edition print ‘Coming Home’, painted by Harold and donated by us to Keith Beaton of New Waterford; and Janet Evans of South Bar and Carol Lynn Raithby of Fall River both won free motorcycle training courses donated by Safety Services Nova Scotia.
Watch our website for next year’s BikeFest dates and plan to party in Cape Breton in 2010, or visit the official site capebretonbikefest.com and pre-register for the event!
Visit our photo section for more photos from the 2009 BikeFest and Storming the Fort event.
