PROUD MOMENTS WITH CANADA'S FINEST - REFLECTIONS OF MOTORCYCLING

As a new dawn approaches, my thoughts drift back to some of the greatest moments I've had in my life.

While growing up in Northern British Columbia, Canada, the Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau came to my town. Upon his arrival I was there to greet him. When he reached out his hand to shake mine it seemed as if time stood still - some say the soul is mirrored within a person's eye, I believe it can be felt by a touch - this was an inspiration for me.

Since I was a little girl I had wanted a motorcycle - my Brothers had them, my Sister had one too. I knew that when I grew up I wanted to ride. A few years ago my dream came true. My Partner wanted to give me a gift no one could take away. So for Valentines Day he gave me a Harley Davidson Sportster, then for my Birthday in May, he gave me something to go along with it - a Motorcycle Safe Rider Skills Course. I took the 2-part Course, held in Kelowna, BC, practiced, took the Road Test and was licensed.

We rode our Bikes from Kitwanga, BC, Canada to Sturgis, SD, USA, in 1999. My goal was to attend the Motorcycle Drag Racing held there. Making it to the Finals on Friday night we found front row seats. When the Announcer introduced the Motorcycle Drag Racers ahead in the points 3 were Canadians with 2 of them from BC. Canada's own Top Fuel Motorcycle Drag Racers, Mr. Ron Houniet of Fastlane Racing and Mr. Robin Gauthier of Thunder Racing, were honoured at this Event! As Canada's National Anthem played on I proudly sang my heart out. 

Attending the Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Associations Drag Races this summer, I was able to share with Mr. Gauthier, the story of seeing him at the Races in Sturgis last year and how that made me feel. I was quite nervous - but it was important for me to tell him how proud I was as a Canadian to see him honoured in that manner, that I was thrilled for his successes and every time I saw him Race I was in awe. He was very gracious, kind, and as he shook my hand I immediately felt relaxed. 

My life has been a collage of many precious moments. Whether united by a common thread, a vision, and the love of a Sport such as Motorcycle Riding or Motorcycle Drag Racing - amazing people and great experiences have enriched my life.

The Turn of The Century, often a time of innovation and creativity will see our civilization progressing. Looking forward to the future I now set more goals so that I continue to achieve.

Who would guess that some of my best memories involve handshakes, Canadians and Motorcycles?

Written By: 
Mrs. Nedra Lee Prisk
Cedarvale, BC