|
MOTORCYCLE MEMORIAL RIDE
On April 28, 1992, Rick Franklin, a long-time member of the Muskoka H.O.G.® Chapter passed away. On the first anniversary of Rick’s passing Ron Martin, a good friend of Rick’s and a member of the Muskoka H.O.G.® Chapter organized a ride in Rick’s memory. Harold “Hap” Wilson, Ricks brother-in-law and a member of the Oshawa H.O.G.® Chapter heard of the ride and as Rick had many ties to Oshawa they decided to join with Muskoka. The first “Rick Franklin Memorial Ride” took place Sunday, May 30th, 1993, which coincides with Motorcycle Awareness month. Oshawa H.O.G.® Chapter would ride to Huntsville, meet with the Muskoka H.O.G.® Chapter then they would all ride back to Oshawa where they would celebrate Rick’s life at a local restaurant. The ride continued this way until the Muskoka H.O.G.® Chapter lost another one of its members. At that time Vern McCulloch was added to the list and the name of the ride was changed to the “Motorcycle Memorial Ride” Any motorcyclists, no matter what brand of bike they rode, who has passed can be added to the list. Jim Kavanaugh and Marg Hammond, who were long-standing members of the Muskoka H.O.G.® Chapter and who are Lifetime Members of H.O.G.® are the coordinators of this event. Although the format of the ride has changed over the years the purpose and the date remain the same. It is always held on the last Sunday in May. Arrangements were made for Kelsey’s Restaurant at 405 Memorial Ave. in Orillia to be the official meeting place of the ride. Riders gather at noon and at 1 o’clock Jim gives a brief description of the Memorial Ride. Then Marg who oversees the Memorial List reads off each name. Harry Gauthier, a Lifetime H.O.G.® Member generously at his own expense and time keeps the website current. If you would like to add a name, picture, date of birth or death or make any changes to any existing names on the list you may contact Marg at mrmzhog@hotmail.caThank you Jim Kavanaugh Marg Hammond Harry Gauthier * H.O.G.® = Harley Owners Group® |