My FXDXT first attended this Port Dover event in 2001. It became somewhat of a celebrity by having its picture published in various newspapers, as well as appearing on many televised newscasts. I even spotted it in this year's official PD13 web site. So as June 13^th approached, my bike convinced me to go and experience this extraordinary Canadian rally for myself.

You see, back then the purple T-Sport was still a demo bike from Ottawa HD, and its temporary caretaker was the service manager, John. He had chosen that memorable Friday in July to share "the happiest day of his life" with the throngs of rally-going bikers. The bike was decorated with white flowers and trailed empty 20w-50 cans as the newlywed couple rode out to cheers and clicking cameras down Main Street.

Rider's Log: Day One

I was sitting in the parking lot of a Perth donut shop on highway 7, finishing up my Earl Grey, when I heard and then saw Steve and Dan arrive at the appointed time. It was 9 a.m. Thursday and we were almost ready to point our wheels west for Port Dover. Moments later, Dave also showed up and the road trip was on. Minutes later, the four of us turned into Cameron's for our first pit stop. Dan needed oil, I needed the washroom, and Steve needed a smoke. Dave just waited patiently.

"Decisions, decisions!"

With necessities finally taken care of, we were once again on our way. The sun was smiling, the traffic light, and we rumbled leisurely towards our destination. Many stops later, Steve lead us to "Forever Yours Art Gallery" in Havelock. It was an opportunity for us to appreciate the works of motorcycle artists like Dave Barnhouse and Dale Klee. From there we visited Spanky's, and then stopped for lunch at the nearby Country Style Donuts.

As we got closer to Toronto, dark clouds loomed menacingly. Originally we were to make a stop at Davies, but that plan was quickly abandoned when the first drops of rain were encountered. Stopping at a convenient ESSO, we donned our suits and soldiered on. As we fought through rush hour traffic in King City, I was amazed at the sheer volume of cars around us this far north of Toronto. That, and Steve's ability to not only light a cigarette in the pouring rain, but to smoke it as well, all while riding.

It was around three o'clock in the afternoon when our little group split up. Steve, Dan, and Dave continued west, while I, with a toot of the horn, turned north. I had promised my sister-in-law Lucy a ride to Port Dover, and so would be spending the night in Orangeville.