S2S ADV Moto Show

(Title Photo Credit Boris Andreev)

I got itchy paws on Sunday! S2S ADV Moto Show at the Sky Hanger in Pitt Meadows made me rather impatient for the riding season to start! (Yes, I know, we probably could be riding already, but Maria has to fix the bike first!) 

S2S or Sea to Sky ADV Motorcycle Group are a Facebook group aiming “to create an inclusive place, where Adventure & Dual Sport Bike enthusiasts of all levels can share their experiences about bikes, trips, gear, maintenance and any other related topics”. Having been away traveling for a couple of years, it was nice to reconnect with old friends and meet lots of new ones! Everyone here just gets it - the atmosphere was one of sharing adventures, making connections and learning new things.

The mix of vendors was just right - all the major moto-brands were represented by local dealerships like Daytona Motorsports and High Road; with plenty of new models to try out for size.

KTM were still much loved, despite the elephant in the room, which Ryan F9 elaborated on in his presentation: the not-so-recent-anymore news that KTM is in severe financial trouble and everyone is wondering what might happen to future parts and support services. Ryan mentioned that reliability may have had some part to play in their demise… But he makes a good point: “We don’t need another Honda.” As far as he’s concerned, the experimental fun KTM is known for might cause the occasional blow-out, but that is just part of what we love about them. It seemed the attentive crowd tends to agree with him: we all want KTM to survive, and to continue having a good time playing with unconventional bikes.

I’m not going to bore you with a comprehensive vendor list. Suffice it to say there was a fantastic mix, including trail apps, tour companies, riding schools, rental companies, suspension experts, camping gear and moto clothing. Many were offering fantastic show deals, Enduro Park Canada almost sold out their training spots, and I saw many smiling about their new purchase.

I love Re-Rides and have found many treasures in their consignment store, so it was great to see them there, busy as bees.

Horizons unlimited were there, too, showcasing the original motorcycle Grant and Susan rode around the world on all those years ago, complete with the iconic home-made panniers. Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Meets are celebrating their 25th anniversary and did I understand Grant correctly, that they have hosted over 300 meetings worldwide so far? Absolutely mindblowing! Especially since it’s all stayed so wonderfully grassroots and uncommercialized for all these years!

On their mission to get people to ride beyond Starbucks, they have lots of new stuff planned for the CanWest meeting in July, including a lot of how-the-heck-do-I-get-started with adventure traveling stuff. I’m very excited - Maria better get her presentations together and sign up to present at the meet.

The weather was awesome all afternoon, perfect for a late lunch from the food truck and a pint or three from the bar. It tempted many to ride in. And not just adventure bikes - if it has two (or even three) wheels and an engine, it counts!

It was fun to join the impromptu show-and-tell, people checking out each other’s rides, swapping tips and experiences. There is always some new idea of how to fit this or how that could work better. Most of the bikes had definitely been beyond Starbucks, and some backpacks had, too.

Shame it started pouring in the evening and so those riders who stayed til the end got rather sodden on the way home. Still, a super fun day that got me itching to get on the bike.

See you on the road real soon!