Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance for the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group’s (CVMG) 50th annual Paris National Rally on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
CVMG is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the use, restoration and interest in older motorcycles.
The group formed in 1968 after motorcyclist, Peter Gagan, sent out an invite to a dozen fellow vintage enthusiasts for a gathering at his Port Credit home. In the years that followed, the 13 original members formalized the group and decided to put on their first official rally in 1974.
Since then, the rally has become CVMG’s major event of the year, and the now 2,400-plus members have been returning to the fairgrounds every June with their families since 1989. This weekend, around 800 people camped in tents, RV’s and trailers while another 2000 day visitors rolled in on Saturday afternoon alone.
“It’s the community and the memories that draw them back,” said April Temple-Spears, Chair of the Paris National Rally. “They really have a connection to each other, and you can see it in how generous and how supportive they are of each other; its really like seeing family again.”
To commemorate the years of memories memories, organizers hosted a special 50th anniversary celebration on Friday with cake during the day and fireworks and live entertainment from the Tyler Wilson Band at night.
On Saturday, guests of all ages could partake in several field games, watch motorcycle trial demonstrations, or participate in the Trillium Reliability run (a mapped-out self-guided scenic tour through the County.)
“On top of all of that, we also have a group of judges going around selecting bikes that they feel they would like to own and the winners will be announced during tonight’s dinner,” said Temple-Spears. “We also have a display of motorcycles that are 50 years or older because this year we actually decided not to pay homage to any one particular brand like we usually do.”
Throughout the entire event, guests could also check out the hundreds of vintage and newer motorcycles or browse the thousands of items within the large swap-meet/flea market area. From user manuals to tires, magazines, and various motorcycle parts, there were plenty of items to buy or trade.
Overall, Temple-Spears said she was grateful to be celebrating 50 years, and that she hopes it can continue on for 50 more.
“You know, I can’t imagine what the guys were thinking when they started this all those years ago,” she laughed. “I wonder if they could have imagined that 50 years later we would still be doing this. It’s a lot of work and a lot of hours to put this on but I love doing it and I’m hoping we can keep it going for another 50 years.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
