Visting HQ

This Blog is taken from The CAV National Webmaster's (Bear) Blog

Please see


http://cavnational.blogspot.com/2011/10/visiting-hq.html

National Merchant Marine Veterans Day

Fellow CAV members,

Today Cambrai unit attended the National Merchant Marine Veterans Day here in the city of Ottawa.

During the Second World War, the Merchant Navy took massive losses during the Battle of the Atlantic while supplying Allied Europe. Canada honoured today the superb service and significant sacrifices of those members of the Merchant Navy at our National War Memorial here in Ottawa.

Vice-Admiral Maddison was represented the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Navy and laid a wreath during the ceremony. along with our Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, a representative of Foreign Affairs Canada, varies Military attache representing Australia, Chile, the USA, the UK, Norway to name a few and many other countries including Japan. There were many of our sailors and officers on parade along with the Air Force band.

Cambrai Unit attended the ceremonies to pay respects to our Merchant Navy veterans who served our nation with honour, and their shipmates who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We were greeted by the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, and Vice Admiral Maddison and after the ceremonies at the National War Memorial , the Minister invited us to attend a special luncheon. The CAV walked across the busy National Capital streets accompanying the Minister and the Vice Admiral to the luncheon being held across from the Chateau Laurier.

At the luncheon, speeches were given by the Minister, the Vice Admiral, and other foreign military attache , dignitaries and diplomats to commemorate Canada's Merchant Marine veterans. It was a heart warming experience to meet, see and hear these proud merchant Marine veterans tell their stories from WWII.

I must say, I was proud to have attended this function with my fellow Cambrai members and even prouder to be a member of this great organization, The Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units.....as the Minister and the Admiral both said to me " You guys definitely have the best uniforms, and we are proud and honoured to have had you join us today!"

Thank you CAV.

Submitted for your info.

Kind Regards,
_________________
Popeye
M.S.M.
President-Cambrai Unit
1st CAV HQ VicePresident

The Blog is back

For those who followed the blog I apologize for no posts in such a long time. No excuses but I'm just not a born blogger. But good news !!! I have asked for help from the Units, to send in small updates on what they are doing. I'm hoping this will make the blog an even better read than ever before. I plan on cutting and pasting from emails I receive and will try to minimize any editing.

I would like to thank in advance all those that put in the effort to send me a couple lines every couple of weeks. With so many Units it doesn't take much to have a good read.

The first Blog Honour goes to Assoro, I look forward to reading many more.

Our Assoro unit has had a hard time getting out together for rides as all members are busy with their jobs, even we retired people are busy with our "retired jobs" and family events...BUT one of our members took a trip up to the Yukon by himself and I am hoping Jeff Syer will do a write up of his trip and let all CAV read his experiences on his five week trip.
Our unit does plan to be at Canton Municipal Offices area for their November 11th Remembrance Service...a special cenotaph is there and since Assoro took it on our unit to take care of Sgt. Dodds' (a Civil War veteran) grave...he is one of of 29 Canadians who fought in the Civil War but is the only one buried in Canada...and he won the Congressional Medal of Honour. Sgt. Dodds is buried at Canton Cemetery and our unit went down, wire brushed his gravestone and cleaned up his grave site completely. Also we donated a new American flag to the Canton Cenotaph, located at the Canton Municipal offices property. Canton is straight north of Port Hope on the Welcome road. We are hoping CAV members from the nearby towns will make an attempt to show up and share in the Nov. 11th Remembrance Service.
I know we will get out for a great colour ride or two but this year different members took part in quite a few charity CAV rides, etc,. not too much together as a unit, but wherever we went with our CAV vests, we did wear them proudly.
Cecile Bowers
Assoro Co-ordinator

Welcome 2011 Riding Season

My bike has been in gear for a week already, now it's time to get my butt in gear and update the Blog

The riding time may have been reduced (darn white stuff) since my last blog but not CAV activity.

I did get my first ride in, (with Bear and Ultraman) on the date 1/1/11. Was a little wet but a January ride is a ride.







.

A day later the white stuff came and the wheels were parked.
Our (Juno) weekly meetings continued, planning more events, telling stories and raising money for our supported charities (Tony Stacey Centre and this year Childrens Wish Foundation) through 50/50's.

Next was the Bike show in TO. We car pooled there and were treated to a good show that also had a CAV booth and many military awareness displays.

https://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/Jan2011BikeShow#

A few more weekly meetings then the 1st annual Juno Pool tournament with more fun and fundraising.

https://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/PoolTournament#

More meetings then the Red Nose Banquet. What a great way to give back while showing a CAV presence.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/RedNoseBanquet#

Then the 3rd annual Juno (this year a few from Vimy too !!) Bowling. With supper before and Karaoke afterward it was a full night. With all the activity we also raised over $200 doing a draw for a hand-made stain glass of a motorcycle and doing 50/50.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/JunoSupperBowlingAndKaraokeNight#

March comes around and so does the 1 CAV exec meeting. It is always a treat to hear Trapper and other honoured guests give inspirational testimonials and be told how well the CAV is doing and how much good we are doing for others.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/1CAVFormationMeeting02#

Mid month also brought enough warm weather that I managed to get a full week of riding in. Chilly and frosty in the morning riding to work but on the ride home enjoyed high single digit temperatures. 8km to get to work in the mornings but a couple nice afternoons it took 40km to get home.

What topped everything off was my daughter joining the CAV

Congrats NutMeg

Looking forward to seeing all of you at the many good events this year.

Last Blog for 2010

First and foremost, is to sadly mention the Repatriation of Cpl Steve Martin and once again I was honoured to be part of the Colour Party. Cpl Martin died while serving his country and returns a Canadian Hero.
R.I.P.












Other events since the last Blog;

The Juno Christmas Party, which was a huge success thanks again to our Event Coordinator 9'er. We were lucky to have both Trapper and Drifter join us.
A great night was had by all...awesome catered dinner and gift rewrap/exchange followed by a night of dancing by DJ'ed music.











A Juno Unit Red Nose night out, what a great way to give back.












For more pictures visit
http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/RedNose02

And of course our weekly get-to-gethers @ Timmies to talk about where we were and where we are going. We also have our 50/50 to raise monies for our charities.











There have been several events that I have not been able to personally attend.

1 CAV Formation has been busy.

http://http//picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster


And the last ride of the year, was on the last day of the year. There were 8 brave (or some might say foolish) souls today. The roads were a little wet in some places but for the most part with the temp at +7 it was great for riding.











http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/December31#

All-in-all 2010 was an awesome year for riding and being part of the CAV.
My New Year's wish is for no repats and a safe riding season for all.
All the best for anyone who happens to read this and I hope to see you next year.

Time of Remembrance

It hasn't been long since my last post but a new shipment of "round-to-its" just came in so I'm taking advantage. Its been a week of remembrance, first with the Candlelight vigil



http://www.trentonian.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2819661
(I hope the link lasts)

Something our Legion started 3 years ago and WOW what a turnout.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/Nov10TrentonCandleLightVigil#

It's really quite the sight, seeing the Air Cadets standing vigil and having all ages come out with candles (most with dedicated names) and placing them on the cenotaph. It's perfectly timed and appropriate, the night before Remembrance Day is a nice tribute.

Then Nov 11th....

Due to the area we live in(Quinte West, Belleville & surrounding area) there are a lot of small communities with cenotaphs that celebrate Nov 11th. Because of this it is difficult to support all. Juno did manage to have members at at least 5 separate locations.
We (Juno) did have a special invite from Picton (including bikes) to honour and dedicate the ceremonies to Repatriations.


In Trenton I had the honour of (with the help of Lance) presenting a wreath in the name of 1 CAV Juno Unit. It was the first time I wore my beret since retiring from the CF and the pride was still there. Estimates were over 3000 people there, amazing for a small town.


The last couple of weeks also marked the beginning of a new addition to the 1 CAV website...Eternal Unit, dedicated to fallen 1 CAV members

http://1cav.thecav.ca/Fallen%20Comrades/fallencomrades.htm

It's a nice tribute to friends gone but not forgotten and I'm honoured to administer the new page.

Looking forward to the upcoming Christmas and New Years parties....and with a little luck the continuation of the warm weather.

until next time....

Back and Still Riding

Back from Alert and happy to see daylight (the Sun) dry roads, warmth (warm enough for riding anyway) and my bike (oh I better mention my wife (9er) if I know what's good for me). It didn't take long being home before I was getting involved with a CAV supported event (go get em "Capt Hollywood" lol ).....

http://www.trentonian.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2829266

The following day we were invited to attend the unveiling of a Veterans Memorial Mural in Stirling, it was great to see multiple CAV units attend...

http://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/StirlingMural#

Overall it was great to be out riding again and riding for a cause. The response we get from everyone is positive, you can tell the next time a group of motorcyclists ride by they will be looking for our crest.

November 11th is coming and with that another opportunity to stand tall and proud with our colours, and beside other veterans to show we must never forget.

Until next time, stay warm and ride when you can and tell your stories when you can't. Be proud to be a part of one of the greatest organisations ever to come out of Canada...The CAV

Fish
Juno CSgt
1 CAV Webmaster

Alert The Great White North

To all those that may read this blog, I again must apologize. For not only the delay in updating the blog but the 1 CAV site and answering emails. Between my computers hard drive having a melt down, the passing of friends and relatives and squeezing out every bit of riding for the season, it has been another filled period between blogs. I must thank Bear (Juno President and National Webmaster) for filling in where he could.

Sadly there was another repatriation R.I.P. Cpl Brian Pinksen and funerals for Moon and Colin Stillwell. The dedication stone for DR and there was also the passing of my Grandmother Lorraine Hamill, R.I.P. GG.

I ‘m writing this latest update from a small quite place called Alert, its only a hop, skip and small flight to the North Pole from here. My riding has come to a grinding halt while here. Any one of the several reasons would have taken the fun out of riding….-30 degree temp, 24 hour darkness, snow and dodging the wildlife (wolfs and meat eating rabbits) ….oh and having no bike makes it hard too. There wont be any pictures (well just the 1) in this blog the internet speed here makes picture upload painful…..remember 56k dialup ? oh those where the good ole days of fast internet. I’ve only been gone a short time but without my family and friends (and my bike lol) it seems much longer.

It still amazes me on how belonging to a group called The CAV we can attend so many rides, fundraisers and events. It seems (at least in Juno) if you can’t make 1 event someone else steps up, so we are always present to show that The CAV cares.

The following is a small list of rides (the ones I can remember) since the last blog…..

The MPNMRR …the Military Police ride across the Country. We did the portion from the Harley dealership just east of Oshawa into Trenton, it was pretty cool have the OPP escort us down the 401 in the left lane holding back most of the traffic.
Beautiful ride to Bancroft and the top of Eagles Nest….a nice rock face that I used to ice climb.
The opening ceremonies for the Belleville Memorial Bridge. Its nice to attend events that honour vets but it really makes me proud when the CAV is asked to participate.

The Nathan Ride for Hope was another example of the CAV pulling together and supporting one of their own. A well organized and beautiful ride, some of the routes had such tight winding roads I found myself turning off the signal lights (the turns were so sharp my mind thought I was turning a corner).

The Children Wish Foundation, what a great cause and great time doing it. There’s not to many things in life that can match the smiles on kids faces and once again The CAV was there to do it. Judging by how well we were received we will be going back for years to come.
The Nappanee Firefighters Ride…another good showing from CAV members from several units.
I wished I could have attended the Legion Ride…the pictures I’ve seen look like it was a beautiful day with a great turnout.
Our own (Juno) Presidents and Colours Ride….one thing Juno is good at (I guess since we do it so much) is organizing GREAT Rides !!! We rode to see the colours and to show-off ours.
Every Tuesday night (weather permitting) Juno also goes riding but, as of this writing I think that that season is over. The only riding that remains is for the occasional few hours during midday on the weekends. But we still meet every week, tell our stories and do fundraising through 50/50.

For pictures of rides that 1 CAV has participated in visit
http://picasaweb.google.ca/1cav.webmaster and/or visit Juno’s site


I know this sounds greedy but for at least in South Eastern Ontario I’m hoping for a little global warming (just a little over our riding area). For all you winter buffs you can keep everything north of 7 ;)

From the Great White North I wish you all a safe and gradual withdrawal from the riding season and a smooth transition into the holiday season.

Till the next time, keep your rubber off of the snow and your electric vests close by.

Where Do The Miles (km) Go

I only live 6 km from work and already I had to replace my back tire (it was a cheap tire). But still, doing over 12,000 km in such a short time how ?.....riding, riding and more riding with the CAV is the only answer. Every Tuesday night Juno rides (take a look at their album...its full of constant riding)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV

And they (we) attend as many other unit events and fundraisers as possible and have an awesome time doing it. Living in South Eastern Ont we are never without new places to check out and go for ice cream. The Big Apple one week, Napanee and Hastings the following weeks. Then you throw in day trips like Port Dover (Friday the 13th 50th event).....over 650km round trip.

http://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/PortDoverFridayThe13th50thEvent#

And what a trip that was...up at 3am, Timmy's for 3:30 and kickstands up at 4. Relatively quiet on the 401, by 5 we started to see more bikes (oddly enough all going West). On the other side of Toronto you begin to see more bikes than cars and within 50km of Dover the groups started joining each other and creating packets of 30-60 bikes. Once you reach the town limits the police are there to stop all the cars (only bikes allowed in Dover on the 13th) and by then (before 8am) there was a constant stream of bikes.

There had to be at least 15-20k bikes already there and a record breaking amount yet to arrive. After a couple of hours of walking, shopping and looking around we sat and watched the constant stream of bikes still coming. At 11am we decided to start making our way back and WOW. For the next 6km there was a wall of bikes yet to arrive the next 25km was almost the same. I heard talk of Guinness Book of Records for a single day event.

The next day was the NAMI fundraiser and awareness ride. For the inaugural event Juno did a fantastic job, $1,900 raised with more cash donations still coming in. The poker run started at the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre) with the registration handing out free bottled water, gift bags for the ladies, drink coolers and First Aid kits. With stops at Yamaha dealership (donated coffee and donuts), Legion (donated food trays), county fair (donated cold water bottles and an awesome statue honouring the military) and ended at Kingston Harley dealership and a BBQ. I'm not sure I've been on a poker run that was so well thought out, to cover all sights of interest and things to do at each stop. At the end there were live bands for entertainment and enough donated prices for every participant there, nobody left empty handed. Overall just a AWESOME day for and with the CAV.

http://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/JunoSRideForNAMI#

Then there are just the get-togethers....but for some reasons with CAV friends they are never "just" every outing is filled with fun and excitement. From the Ribfest.....
http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/Ribfest#

to why not crash @ Whynott's
http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/WhynottBBQ#

With all this going on it's no wonder the rubber wears thin.....but it is a small price to pay for so much in return.

The next big ride is the Wounded Warrior portion of the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay Ride. Starts in Oshawa and ends @ CFB Trenton and promises to be an excellent ride. See the 1 CAV website for more details.
See you there Sunday Aug 29.
http://1cav.thecav.ca/index.html

Until next time, keep the rubber side down and your spirits up.

Around The Lake.... Plus

Our (9'er and I) 1500km around Lake Ontario (plus) trip all started quietly and early....left Trenton @ 5am for a 6am departure from Timmies in Belleville. We started the trip by going with other Juno members on the Quaker Steak and Lube - Round 2 Ride.

We met up with members from Vimy and crossed over to the states and then Mike (Juno's SAA) brought us to our final pre-ride rendezvous.

There we met up with more CAV members from other units and Popeye (Cambrai's President) introduced us to our American guide Chriswig (I hope the spelling is correct)who was going to take us through some twisting back roads on our way to Syracuse and our restaurant destination.

After several hours of awesome riding, beautiful countryside and prepaying for our gas we finally reached our goal.

Inside there was a lot to see and the most choices of sauces I have ever seen. There were also a variety of drinks....

Yes your eyes do not deceive you I have a real manly drink

After our meal (and buyer beware they charge 18% gratuity) we said our good-byes (more pics can be found on the 1 CAV sight) to our fellow CAV members as we headed West towards Buffalo. After a total of 800km and a very long day we made our way through the border and talked to the customs guard. He had quite the surprised look on his face when he asked why we were in the States and we told him we went for lunch and we lived in Trenton. Luckily we only had 15 minutes of riding left because we were staying in Fort Erie at my sister-in laws (Debbie and her husband Gregg).

After a night of wobbly pops and a much deserved rest we were taken on a beautiful trip (they have a bike too) to Port Dover following Lake Erie and all the cow paths they could find. I know it won't look like this when I return for the Friday the 13th trip.....

The weather, food and scenery was great and the company, awesome, what a day trip that was !!!.

That being said the next day WOW.....they took us through/along the Niagara Peninsula. Along the river (huge beautiful homes) through Niagara Falls up to
Niagara on the Lake. The km just seem to disappear as we saw one magnificent sight after another.

Seen below is the Prince of Wales Hotel

On Tuesday we started our final leg through Toronto (I don't like the QEW when its busy) to have a quick visit with my mom. Did some chores (that's what good sons do) and had a nice BBQ. After catching up and meeting "Jon" we timed our departure to ensure we left after the well known Toronto rush hour. The last hour on the road was just the way I like it for the end of a long trip...quiet, cool and non-eventful.

Overall a totally awesome trip and would recommend some or all the routes we experienced. Until next time......

Tony Stacey Centre Ride to Remember (Vija's Pics)

Not a born Blogger

I need to go buy a box of "Round-To-Its" and use them to update this Blog more often.
Since my last post there have been several repats all of them with good turnouts. There isn't a lot things people agree on nowadays but one constant seems to be, to show support for the soldiers and their families. I hope we never have another repat but hope the support will continue.

Ride, work, ride, holidays, ride, fundraising, ride and raise money.....there seems to be 1 recurring theme RIDING. There has been a lot of riding this year and a lot of fundraising to go with it. Ride for Sight, John Flagg and Tony Stacey Centre Ride to Remember to mention but a few.

I would write more but guess what.....I'm going riding. Check out the web page and calendar for upcoming rides and keep looking at the Albums, a lot great pics there.

So much in such a short time

There has been so much going on and so many things happened since my last post. It is unfortunate it took a repat and the passing of an Honorable man to make time to write.

As strange as it may seem, in all the years that I have been attending the repats this was the first time it rained. It came down hard and NO ONE complained. Sgt Martin Goudreault came home today and was honored as a true hero. It's too bad it takes bad things to bring people together but it would seem repats bring out the true strength in ourselves. R.I.P. Sgt Goudreault, thank-you for your ultimate sacrifice.

It is with equal sorrow to find out on the same day that another Hero (WWII Vet), fellow CAV member and a Great Man passed away last night. DR, the same person mentioned in an earlier post left us physically but will remain in our hearts and memories. There are always people that come and go but occasionally someone comes along that leaves a life long impression, DR was that man. One can try and list all the things that made a person great or memorable but to me saying he was a genuine "Good Person" sums it up. It may be he was from a different era, but it didn't matter who or what you were, you felt his warmth. I will post more for his memorial.
For now R.I.P. buddy.

Several other rides have also taken place since that last post. The biggest were the Highway of Hero's Salute Ride, Ride for Dad in Kingston and the CAV D Day Invasion. All the rides have pics on the 1 CAV website and the Juno website. The most memorable was visiting the war museum in Ottawa. It is very humbling to see what was done in the past to ensure our freedoms we enjoy today. I also thought is was cool that Wayne Rostat (Rafters) The CAV Honorary Rider in Chief to Veteran Supporters said he liked my bike. He was standing out front talking with Trapper and I was sitting on my bike. He turned and said nice bike....I turned around to see who he was talking to and no one was around so I said thanks.

Until next time.....

Repat of Trooper Larry Rudd

The latest Canadian hero was repatriated today. On the tarmac to meet the plane was a high number of his family and friends. A lot of them drove through Repat Row with their personal vehicles and their emotions were easy to see. It is one thing to stand at attention holding the Canadian flag looking at smoke windows, but to look at the pain felt by his family and friends pulls the emotional strings that much more.

I was proud to be 1 of many that stood and showed his family that their loved one is a true Canadian Hero. R.I.P. Trooper Rudd.

Repat of Colonel Geoff Parker

Canada's highest ranking Hero to be killed was repatriated on Friday, regardless of the rank the family feels the same pain. The CAV, Legion, Blue Knights and many other groups were at repat row to show respect and support for the family. It is always emotional when holding the Canadian Flag when the procession goes by and the bagpipes are playing. As is always the case saying thank-you for your ultimate sacrifice never seems enough. All we can hope is that, he is not only the highest rank but the LAST to be honoured in this way.

Colonel RIP and to your family may you find solace that a great many people appreciate his/your sacrifice.

http://picasaweb.google.ca/1cav.webmaster/RepatriationForColGeoffParker#

DR's new vest

With a busy month of saying goodbye to Canadian fallen hero's it was a nice change to say Thank-you and present D.R. with his new vest.

To see more pictures of a very enjoyable and emotional presentation click on the link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juno.CAV/May18RideToDRS#

Repat of Pte McKay

Once again Repat Row was filled with red shirts, flags and hundreds showing respect for our latest hero Pte Kevin McKay and his ultimate sacrifice.

One of the largest bike turn outs that I have seen, it was good to see so many give their time and energy on this Sunday afternoon.

Our thoughts go out to his family and hope this will be our last repat.

http://picasaweb.google.ca/1cav.webmaster/May16RepatriationPteMcKay#

Repat of PO2 Craig Blake

It is with great sadness that once again, I found myself participating in another colour party to honour a Canadian hero. For those that have never been to repat row, it is truly humbling to see so many give their time and energy to show support for the grieving families.

See link for a few pictures and a surpise visit from a VIP
http://picasaweb.google.com/1cav.webmaster/RepatOfPO2CraigBlake#

For all those out there that pray, do so in the hope this will be the last repat.

Rest in Peace PO2 Craig Blake

Vimy Bike Show

Another weekend of Riding and activities.....


Up early to start our journey to Kingston....leave Trenton to Belleville to pickup our more eastern Juno members.






The ride was cool but nice...once there time for a group photo

Inside the Bike Show had something for everyone from riding apparel (I bought a rain suit), pins, badges.....even hot tubs

Outside were the Sky Hawks and the jumping of our Colours

Parade to hand over the Colours
The ride back to Trenton was a little wet....but the bikes needed to get the bugs off anyway ;)

Then that night was the HOG Dance....Mike and Darlene did a great job

Over all just more proof why it's great to belong to the Riding community.

For more pictures visit the 1 CAV photo album

A New Era for 1 CAV Webmaster and the Blog

Bear has taken on the duties and responsibilities of National Webmaster and asked me to look after the 1 CAV site. With the website also comes the honour of the 1 CAV Blog. My goal will be carry on where Bear left off and write with the same passion and integrity. We share the same home unit (Juno) so my writings of events will be similar. From time to time I will be asking my Domestic Boss (9er) to help out and give input.

I'm looking forward to an awesome riding season and supporting a lot of good causes.

Fish

Juno Colour Sgt
1 CAV Webmaster