Cycling tour across Canada ends in St. John’s, N.L.

The four riders completing the tour talk about their emotions as their cross-country tour comes to an end

Cycling tour across Canada ends in St. John’s, N.L.Troy Media publisher Doug Firby is part of a group of Canadians who call themselves ConnecTour. Starting last May in British Columbia and ending in October in Newfoundland, they hope to make an 8,000-km bicycle journey across the country, discovering how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives and sense of community. Watch for their…

ConnecTour Chronicles: Ottawa family is all-in on car-free, cycling lifestyle

These eclectic bicycles range from fairly conventional to a variety of Frankenbikes

ConnecTour Chronicles: Ottawa family is all-in on car-free, cycling lifestyleTroy Media publisher Doug Firby is part of a group of Canadians who call themselves ConnecTour. Starting last May in British Columbia and ending in October in Newfoundland, they hope to make an 8,000-km bicycle journey across the country, discovering how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives and sense of community. Watch for their…

ConnectTour Chronicles: Highlights, lowlights and lessons learned so far

Learn to take it one pedal stroke at a time. And even though that hill can look intimidating, just get into the zone and take it slow

ConnectTour Chronicles: Highlights, lowlights and lessons learned so farDoug Firby, publisher of Troy Media, and columnist Lisa Monforton are part of a group of Canadians who call themselves ConnecTour. Starting on May 28 in British Columbia, they hope to make an 8,000-km bicycle journey across the country, discovering how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives and our sense of community. Watch for…

ConnecTour Chronicles: A brush with heat stroke and then hypothermia

Transport trucks, cars and four-by-fours roared by us, some so close we were showered in road spray and rocked by the wind gusts

ConnecTour Chronicles: A brush with heat stroke and then hypothermiaDoug Firby, publisher of Troy Media, is part of a group of Canadians who call themselves ConnecTour. Starting on May 28 in Kelowna, B.C. (B.C. travel restrictions derailed a planned start in Victoria), they hope to make an 8,000-km bicycle journey across the country, discovering how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives and our…

Why do city planners put bicycles ahead of people?

People who don’t have yards or nearby open spaces should come before bicyclists

Why do city planners put bicycles ahead of people?Vancouver city council is considering a motion this week to turn sections of Granville Street and Commercial Drive into European-style pedestrian-friendly malls by reducing or eliminating automobile access. This is described as putting people over cars. Reducing car traffic leads to cleaner air and quieter neighbourhoods – good things. Some local businesses will benefit. But…

Auto industry news and notes

Recycled batteries and other components, plus new models and partnerships

Auto industry news and notes[rt_reading_time label="Reading Time:" postfix="minutes" postfix_singular="minute"] It’s time for a few odds and ends in the automobile business. Acura has a new, fourth generation 2022 MDX set to go on sale later this month. The flagship SUV will feature a new exterior redesign that the company describes as “bold and athletic,” new front suspension and revamped…

Bike riders need to learn to share the road

Just because you ride a bike, that doesn’t put you on the side of the angels or make you better than the rest of us

Bike riders need to learn to share the roadIn Vancouver, my hometown, city council is using the COVID-19 pandemic to fulfil a long-held fantasy: the elimination of cars and the end of vehicle traffic throughout the city. While the rest of us are coping with one of the worst economic crisis in Canadian history and bungling along with reduced public transit and dwindling…

The two-wheel war of words: Harley or not

Show up at a Harley gathering with your Yamaha or Kawasaki and you can definitely expect the cold shoulder

The two-wheel war of words: Harley or notAs a lifetime rider who has ridden just about every kind of motorcycle ever made, and spent more time than he probably should at bars and various watering holes, I’ve narrowed bikers down to two main groups: Harley-lovers and Harley-haters. Harley-Davidson riders tend to travel in packs and gather at the same places like clockwork.…

Indian Motorcycle reborn, again

Polaris now has control of the classic name and is manufacturing a seven-model lineup. There are dealers across Canada

Indian Motorcycle reborn, againNo other motorcycle name has had as storied and controversial a history as Indian. After a dizzying number of bankruptcies, owner changes and legal wrangling, Indian Motorcycle has been re-established. This time it’s under the umbrella of Polaris Inc., which purchased the company in 2011. Polaris manufactured the now-discontinued Victory line of motorcycles, and still…

Harley-Davidson moving with the times

Changes are definitely in the wind, starting with the all-electric LiveWire sport bike. Shifting rider demographics are at the heart of the changes

Harley-Davidson moving with the timesWhen we think of Harley-Davidson, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? That unmistakable rumble that drives some people to distraction but is music to the ears of hard-core enthusiasts. It’s the company’s trademark and biggest source of controversy. It’s funny then that the all-electric Harley LiveWire is front and centre on the company’s…