Early in 2005, three men –actually three Scott brothers from Harbor Breton - had
a dream to start a motorcycle club for ex-pat Newfoundlanders. All three
brothers brought something unique to the table –to be exact ...to the kitchen
table. One had a great eye for design ( just take a look at our crest ), one had
a desire to socialize with his compatriots and the other had a ‘get-it-done’
personality. Together, they possessed all of the ingredients to get the club on
the road.
Now, not even one year later, we have gone quite a distance down that road. We
have an enthusiastic core group of Rock Riders –still small in numbers but big
in heart. We have developed and passed our club by-laws, we have started our
web-site and we have just elected a fresh slate of officers for our executive.
We are now gearing up for a membership drive and “casting our net” to recruit as
many motorcyclists of Newfoundland heritage as we can before the riding season
starts again.
So just what kind of club do we want to build? Well, first of all, we want to
have fun with our bikes. But we also want to do some good. Our club is dedicated
to Alana Hancock-Rose, a relative of the three founders, who has Cystic Fibrosis
and so we hope to raise funds for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Society. We also
intend to take part, as a club, in other rides - like the Ride for Sight, the
Toy Run and the Ride for Breast Cancer.
As far as the “Fun” part, we are working on establishing an annual camp-out
–hopefully mid June - with traditional Newfoundland musicians and food - as well
as a bike rodeo, etc. We are planning on several weekend runs to British
Columbia and parts of Alberta where we might meet other Newfoundlanders. During
the off season, we get together for “Newfoundland flavor” socials at various
Calgary area venues to develop our camaraderie and celebrate our common
heritage.
As you know, starting any new venture is not an easy process. Getting the Rock
Riders to the place it is today has not been without its challenges and
personality conflicts and all the other trials and tribulations that you can
imagine. But –the important thing is that “a healthy baby” has been born and all
we have to do now is nourish and support it.
So, if you love motorcycles and you love Newfoundland, and you want to have some
fun, come join with us on our adventure and who knows where the road will take
us.
Best Regards,
Barry Scott
President, the Rock Riders Association
