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A number of Atlantic Canada Motor Maids attended the 11th Annual Biker Blessing at Toys For Big Boys in Moncton, New Brunswick, May 13, 2017. Among the prizes presented at the event were two VIP passes to Atlanticade. Congratulations to the winners, our own ACMMs Nancy R and Kathy H! Can you find Big Yeller?
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The annual March Getaway consumed the March 24-26 weekend at the Four Seasons Retreat in Economy, NS. More than a dozen members occupied cabins nestled in the fir, spruce and birch woods overlooking the Cobequid Bay, with roaring fireplaces in each. As in the past, there was no shortage of laughs, eats and events to keep us occupied. Pot luck was the fare with enough to feed us all for a week if we had gotten snowed in. Among the culinary concoctions, not a single dessert was found at a meal, worthy of mention in Ripley's Believe It or Not. We were led in a spiritual morning exercise session on a balcony at the edge of the Bay. Enriching the experience was the bongo solo by our leader, both auditory and visual. A trip to the Dutchman's Cheese Farm is always memorable, with a selection of Goudas, Dragon's Breath and Old Growler to be had. Peacocks and turkeys greeted us and put on quite a spectacular show. Next stop was the Dominion Chair Company and General Store in Bass River. Since 1860, this has been a landmark in the area and some of us left with much lighter wallets. Back at the retreat, low tide was excellent for walking the shore, gazing afar and looking for treasured rocks and pebbles. A new event of the weekend was the puzzle contest. Team 1 was the winner, but they did have a 500 piece puzzle while team 2 had a 550 piece puzzle. A team 1 member suggested removing 50 pieces from the larger puzzle, to make them equal. HUH?!!?? Last, but not least, arm wrestling is the new way to break ties. Celebration of life - February 18, 2017 A grand celebration was held in Wekiva, FL for a beloved and inspirational Golden Life member of Motor Maids. Motor Maids from all across North America attended, with many participating in a memorial ride. Betty achieved a 70 year membership award at convention in Santa Fe, NM in 2016 and has been on motorcycles since she was an infant. Her mom, Dot (co-founder of Motor Maids), swaddled her with a blanket and hot water bottle on occasion as she rode with Dot in her sidecar. That and other stories were highlights when talking with Betty and are cherished memories. Again this year, Atlantic Canada Motor Maids had a booth at the motorcycle show in Moncton, February 10-12, and at the show in Halifax, March 3-5. Thanks to Cheryl for organizing the show and shifts in Moncton, and Chris and Lynne for that job in Halifax . More than one hundred women filled out ballots trying to win our fabulous gift baskets, and asking for additional information about Motor Maids. Saturday was an extremely busy day in Halifax with non-stop streams of motorcycle enthusiasts passing our booth with many stopping to chat and look at the display. The winner of the gift basket in Moncton was Tammy V. who lives in New Horton NB and owns a Harley Sportster. The Halifax winner was Kim C. A big THANK YOU to Bonnie for hosting the NS meeting at her home on December 3. We were treated to delicious Seafood Chowder, Meatballs, Macaroni casserole, chicken and chicken salad, cheese and crackers, artichoke dip, biscuits, fruit, and finished it all up with a cookie exchange. Sherri was the lucky winner of the 50/50 draw this time.
The photo contest for 2016 was "Old Barns". Members took photos while on a ride, and entered them in 5 categories. Judge Nancy and Judge Lise presented awards to winners during the Year End Meeting. Those winners are: Red Roof - Janet N; Most Colorful - Janet G; Most Dilapidated - Elizabeth; Barn with Animals - Jo; Unique Barn Door - Cheryl Nov. 4-6, 2016 Snider Mountain Ranch, NB Sheriff Lynne and the extended posse gathered at the ranch for three days of serious meetings and serious fun to celebrate another year of extraordinary adventures, misadventures, activities and accomplishments of the Atlantic Canada Motor Maids. During the serious meeting, events of the past year were reviewed, national and district housekeeping tasks were conducted, plans were made for an upcoming epic year in celebration of our 10th anniversary as a district and the Gail Neilson ACMM of the Year Award was presented to Denise Pelrine, for her outstanding contributions and service to our district. Big congratulations and BIGRIN to Denise! Celebration continued with hikes, horse drawn wagon rides, rock wall climbing, musical entertainment, singing, trivia games, feasting and an award ceremony that highlighted accomplishments of the recipients and presenters. New characters were born from within the ranks of ACMM membership which will live in our memories for quite some time. From Christine Fernie: My recommendation would be Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David Hough. Reading Proficient Motorcycling can significantly reduce risks by teaching people how to ride safer and smarter. Here is a link: https://www.amazon.ca/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1889540536 No More Wide Turns - How to accomplish tighter turns from a stop By Jerry “Motorman” Palladino Women Riders Now Making the Perfect U-Turn - How to practice to get it right on your motorcycle every time By Jerry “Motorman” Palladino Women Riders Now Get More Control Over Your Motorcycle - Mastering the clutch and throttle
By Jerry “Motorman” Palladino Women Riders Now Atlantic Canada Motor Maids were asked to join groups of motorcyclists from the United States and Canada, to escort the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in transporting a piece of steel beam from the wreckage of the south tower of the World Trade Center. The beam was being transported from New York, NY to Gander, NL in recognition of the generosity shown by the town of Gander and Gander International Airport after the 9/11 attacks. ACMM members from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were part of the impressive event as it passed through our provinces. Thanks Chris and Cheryl for organizing our group. We joined bikers from groups representing firefighters, police officers, veterans and others. We learned that Stephen Siller was a New York firefighter motorcyclist, who lost his life on 9/11 while saving others. The Foundation honours military and first responders through supporting their exceptional needs as a result of their service to others. On each overpass along the highways, emergency vehicles filled the bridges and first responders waved or saluted as we passed. It was a touching and memorable ride, reminiscent of the 10th anniversary ride we were involved with in New York City. Once again Atlantic Canada Motor Maids had a booth at the Moncton Motorcycle Show. Unlike the past two years, the show did not get shut down early due to snow storms. There were a number of women riders who stopped by to chat and we have had expressions of interest as a result. Just as exciting were the people who stopped by and mentioned they had seen us in Moncton this past summer, or knew a Motor Maid or had seen something about Motor Maids on TV. The winner of our gift basket giveaway was Sheila from Amherst, who was very excited to get the call.
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