Vintage Motorcycle Canyon Run

Oldies, classics and bikes of all kinds will assemble on Canada Day for the Vintage Motorcycle Canyon Run.

Riders participate in the Vintage Motorcycle Canyon Run

Riders congregate from as far as Alberta and Washington to enjoy the magnificent scenery of B.C.’s Fraser Canyon. — Photo courtesy Philipp zu Putiltz

When: July 1 & 2, 2017. Ride begins at 9 a.m.
Where: Chilliwack to Lillooet and back to Chilliwack

Isn’t it about time you dust off your moto-relic in the garage and take it for a spin? Give yourself—and your bike—the adventurous ride you’ve been longing for. Do the Vintage Motorcycle Canyon Run.

“The route itself is phenomenal,” said Philipp zu Putiltz, one of the event’s organizers. “You get to see sights that are out of this world.”

The 800-kilometre run starts near Chilliwack, B.C., on Saturday July 1, 2017 at 9 a.m. The route goes to Lillooet and back to Chilliwack over a two-day period. You’ll pass through Bridal Falls, Bunker Hill, Hope, Fraser Canyon, Hell’s Gate, Boston Bar, Cache Creek, Spence’s Bridge, Lytton and Ashcroft Bridge. One reason for having so many stops is because some vintage bikes have a maximum range of 100 kilometres. “It gets a little hairy at times,” said zu Putiltz.

Bikers pose for a group photo

The Vintage Motorcycle Canyon Run has grown exponentially and has received tremendous support from the motorcycle community. — Photo courtesy Philipp zu Putiltz

Some meals are provided along the way, starting with a pancake breakfast put on by the Gospel Riders on Saturday morning. On the Sunday afternoon everyone gathers for a lunch of hamburgers and fries.

Admission for the ride costs $53.60 until June 1st and goes up by $10 after June 1st. The fee covers posters, food, a donation to the Legion and the campground that the City of Lillooet is providing.

“I’ve made lots of friends through this,” said zu Putiltz. “They’re from all walks of life—pure enthusiasts who want to be on the road with other riders who appreciate these bikes.”

The Canyon Run riders have bikes of all shapes and sizes including a tiny Kawisaki 250-cc and even a Canadian Army 1943 Harley, ridden by the event’s founder, Tim Renshaw. Even if you don’t have a vintage ride, you can still participate in the experience. All bikes and riders are welcome to join before or even the morning of the ride.

This year’s ride looks to host the most riders yet—41 bikes showed up the first year, 101 rode last year and organizers expect 150 to take part this year. Will you be one of them?


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