Salmon Run - Motorcycle Rally

There are many rallies out there in the Lower Mainland, and I have been to a few. Usually I am not particularly fond of huge gatherings but this one I had to do.

It might sound weird but we Germans have a very strange connection with the North American aboriginal culture. We played cowboys and Indians when we were little and contrary to common belief our heroes were the 'redskins' thanks to famous German novelist Karl May (over 100 million copies sold worldwide) who created the righteous character of Winnetou, a chief of the Apaches, who promoted a peaceful co-existence of nature and people, and between people of different races. Not that it worked out in the real world, it was only fiction after all.

Coming to the point of my story, the motto of the first annual SALMON RUN is to celebrate the freedom of two-wheeling and the Aboriginal heritage of Canada with a group ride along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

We got up early to watch the arrival of the crowds at Trev Deeley, the neighbourhood Harley Davidson dealer. The ride was open to all brands but there was no doubt about which marque was the most prevalent in the parking lot. Roland's scooter certainly was the smallest bike by cc's but for his reassurance his wasn't the only scooter around. We fed on dealer-sponsored Timmy's bagels and donuts, had a cuppa hot beverage, and spotted some familiar faces in the crowds to chat with.

 with Karen

 with Alyson

Vivian and Cory

Cory's Velocette

The Git Hayetsk Dancers, a native dance formation led by director and artist Mike Dangeli (who also designed above logo) performed spiritual dances and songs for a chipper audience.

First Nations songs and stories always give me the goosebumps, they are so powerful.

Mike Dangeli 

of the Nisga’a, Tlingit, and Tsimshian Nations. His traditional name “Goothl Ts’imilx” meaning: “The Heart of the Beaver Lodge”. He belongs to the Beaver / Eagle Clan with

SonjaM

of the German and Canadian Nations. Her traditional name is a Russian derivative of the Greek name Sophia meaning: "Wisdom". She belongs to the Clan of the Free Wheelin'.

Then we were sent on our way up Sea-to-Sky Highway. The sounds of hundreds of bikes made the Earth move.

Police had blocked off the intersections and closed down Hwy 1 to allow riding in one huge group. It was both, awesome and terrifying, with so much responsibility for all parties involved, that we couldn't really thoroughly enjoy the ride.

A barbeque buffet (with vegetarian options) as well as live music welcomed us at our destination, the Chances Casino in Squamish.

No accidents or incidents were reported. Everybody got here safe and sound.

After welcome speeches by Chief Ian Campbell and Mayor Rob Kirkham and another dance by the Welh Tima Kexwusem Group we lined up for the buffet.

 Hungry!

The sun burned down, stomachs were growling and the smells coming from the buffet were mouthwatering. Sorry, no food porn. I was so hungry that I had wolved down the roasted potatoes, a corn cob, and a Thai noodle salad in a blink of an eye.

The Overcomers provided some Nashville atmosphere.

We were getting tired from the food, the sun and the impressions of the day, so we walked it off by watching bikes.

We said our good-byes and headed home around 2PM. It was a great event that hopefully will continue to foster the relationship between the First Nations who called this beautiful country their home long before us, and the people who started to call this home somewhat 200 years ago.

The salmon is a powerful animal in the spiritual world, and a worthy representative for this motorcycle rally. I hope we can make it to the next Salmon Run in September 2013.

Some faces in the crowd. Guess what they are riding...

Chief Clarence Louie

Yes, you guessed right, they are riding Hucking Farleys.

\ q.e.d.