UrGat 2007

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http://paradise.islandmusings.net/index.php/weblog/comments/urgat_2007/

The Gathering

Thumpthump - thumpthump - thumpthump.  The hills and valleys of Prince Edward Island began to echo with the deep visceral rumble of finely tuned Russian road machines.  Mothers held their daughter close, and fathers frowned.  (OK OK, it was more of a whirrrr, whirrrr, clicky clicky - and Moms and Dads were laughing and pointing) ...and so it began, as on Thursday, Maritime Ural riders made their way to the Charlottetown waterfront.  As we arrived at our chosen meeting place, pretty young girls rushed from the clubs (appropriately dressed for the +30 degree temperature) to cast admiring glances on the passing bikes. (That part is true, but we kept our helmets on so they could not see our age)

Thursday evening offered us a chance to meet and get to know each other.  Travelers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI arrived at differing times - all to settle in for cool beverages, iced oysters on the half shell, mussels and other selections to suit each taste.

By 1130 most of us were yawning and heat-beat, so we wandered back to various accommodations, agreeing to meet the following morning, with intentions of riding to the Greenwich National Park. 

As we were waiting for Rod and Sue to arrive the following morning, we received a call that they were broken down with ‘vapour lock’ and Rob and Craig rushed (relative term on Ural) to lay on hands, nod knowingly and threaten.  It worked, and we made it back to the group with the realization that Rod and Sue’s bike was still not running right.  The morning temp had now reached 28 and was on the way to a record PEI high of 34 - close to 40 in Craig’s driveway where we worked on Rod’s bike.

..and so the impromptu tech session started.  Blow air back through Rods fuel system, try to balance the carbs, consume fluids and generally mutter in Russian.  The bike still was running poorly when Guy suggested that perhaps we had an ignition problem.  (note to self, it is difficult to balance carbs when bike is running on one cylinder).  Yep, carbon core wire has crapped out and a race to the local Yamaha shop solved with a new set of cooper core wires.  Installed, replaced the fuel lines and bike was good to go.  Did I mention is was now 34 degrees? 

The chief Ural mechanic shows his best profile:

At this point, we realized that it would be unwise to go to the National Park, given the heat and lack of shade on the salt marshes.  Thus, we settled for a ride to to the shore.

Only other Ural owners will understand how much we all enjoyed working on Rod and Sue’s bike while the temps approached the dangerous level - never losing our sense of humour (or what was left of our sanity).

The Ural flag was proudly mounted, and as 5 of the 8 expected owners has arrived, the ride commenced.

 

The ‘Ural informed’ will note that the second bike from the left, is a 1955.  It should also be noted, that after Harvey’s year long restoration (still in process) this bike ran as well as any.

As the humidex passed 40 degrees, it was obvious that there was little to do other than make an emergency ice cream run, followed by a return to Craig’s for fluids and steaks.  As Hector the Wonder Dog was unable to join us, Craig’s personal protection dog, Que, took up position to guard the inner circle.

While wise old Que watched the inner circle, 11 month old Trek patrolled the outer perimeter to keep the riff raff out.

The Director of the PEI Chapter of HOG extended an invitation to visit the Orwell Historic Site as his guest on the following day and and to lead us on a ride through the country side.  As he joined us Friday night, and sat in the middle of a ring of Urals, he commented that now he knew how Hitler must have felt as the Russians circled Berlin.

 

We were awaiting the arrival of Lutz and Terri who has been delayed in their departure from Halifax.  At the evening progressed, it was obvious they would arrive quite late and had no idea how to get to their campsite.  As a result, Rob and Craig made the hour ride to the PEI end of the bridge, to meet Lutz and Terri and lead them to the campsite.  As Rob and Craig parked to await the arrival of Lutz and Terri, two local police cars arrived behind us - with flashing lights etc.  While the cops were after someone else, I am guessing that Lutz and Terri were somewhat concerned to exit the bridge to see their guides lit up by flashing police lights.

At 1 AM, it was time to call it a night. 

Saturday morning came early and we met for breakfast to prepare for a ride though rural Eastern PEI.  Breakfast, then a ride to Charlottetown to meet PEI Hog Chapter Director, Tom, who had offered to lead us to some of his favourite ride locations and then host us at the Orwell Historic Site (where he is Site Director).

With a salute to all we were off.

Once again, it was hot as the blazes of hell, but the machines ran flawlessly and we enjoyed some beautiful country roads :

Point Prim was the midway stop, where we encountered the predictable UDF.  I think Lutz was close to selling a new bike to a tourist from Quebec.

Tom and Craig managed the hike to the top of the lighthouse to get this picture.  One might assume (incorrectly) that Tom and Craig were the most fit, instead of just being the best looking:

The Orwell Historic Site is a treasure.  It is a glimpse into the life of PEI in the late 1800’s and one immediately sense a feeling of stepping back in time.  It is impossible not to relax.  It truly is a wonderful place to visit.  We were met by the cook, who had prepared home made ice cream with strawberries, the Orwell world famous butter milk scones and lemonade.  As the temp was above 30 - all was welcome.

As Lutz and Terri enjoyed a quiet moment, one can almost imagine them discussing the enormity of what they had unleashed on the motorcycle world of the Maritimes.

 

All good things must end, and it was time to motor off to the home of Squire Christopher and Lady Noella who has left early to prepare and evening of hospitality.

For those who have not met Christopher and Noella - Christopher is an absolute gifted cook and Noella is a superb hostess.  It has the promise of a good evening, and we were not disappointed.  A bucket of beer on ice, an overflowing pot of steamed mussels, salads and a very special (known only to Christopher) chili made with wine.  Craig’s good friend Jack Daniels came for a visit (did you know that JD goes well on ice cream?).  It was also Sue’s birthday, so ice cream and cake was served followed by great big honkin cigars provided by Lutz.

Here, Sue is joined by some biker trash that made his way into the party:

The Ural flag, which was provided by Lutz and Terri was carried proudly.  It sufferred some slight ripping, and in true WWID fashion, duct tape will be provided.  Lutz suggested that the flag remain with the organizers of Urgat 2007, to be passed to the organizers of next year’s event in 2008.  Thus, the flag is tucked safely away on PEI, and will be delivered to NS next year.

I continue to be amazed at what a wonderful group of people are in the Ural family.  I have yet to meet one who has not become a friend.  When Rob and I (and subsequently Christopher) began to organize this event - we had a few simple goals.  Have fun, enjoy each others company, sip a dram on occasion and ride our bikes.  To that end, I think we accomplished our goal.

Finally, Christopher agreed to be tasked with creating a limited edition Urgat 2007 T-shirt.  He gets full credit for coming up with what we think is a unique design.  We wear them with pride.

I hope we all make it to Nova Scota next year.

On Friday, and following breakfast, we will ride to Greenwich National Park.  Greenwich is approximately 70 KM from Charlottetown and ride will be through some of the more scenic areas of PEI.

The Greenwich Dunes area of Prince Edward Island is a 900 acre natural treasure internationally recognized for its unique dune system, its wide variety of bird species and rare plants found in its marshes and woodlands, and the nationally important Aboriginal and Acadian archaeological sites. Located on the western end of the peninsula separating St. Peters Bay from the Gulf of St Lawrence.

We can spend a couple of hours (more or less to suit the group) and then return to the Brackley Beach area for a welcome BBQ.

Plans are starting to fall in place.  Gathering 2007 will take place in Prince Edward Island during the summer of 2007.  Firm dates have been selected.  The event is planned for July 27-29 2007.  The goal of this gathering is to:

• bring together as many Ural enthusiasts as possible so we can get to know each other, exchange tips and compare bikes
• promote Ural by having a group of bikes visible to the public with the hope of increasing awareness of, and interest in, the brand. Also, of course, we intend to have a lot of fun!

We are hopeful that visitors from Ural Russia will be joining us as well as representatives from Ural Canada.  There is an emphasis that all is in the early planning stages and everything is very much subject to change.  At this point only the dates are firm.

We have established a tentative schedule which is outlined below:

• THURSDAY JULY 26th DAY 1


• Those who are able to arrive on Thursday meet in the late afternoon/evening for drinks, supper and socializing.



• FRIDAY JULY 27th DAY 2



• Meet for breakfast. Morning ride with an extended lunch stop in one of the many attractive villages on the Island.
  
  Return to Charlottetown to meet up with new arrivals for an evening barbecue.



• SATURDAY JULY 28th DAY 3



• If a representative from Ural is able to be with us the morning will be set aside for any presentation, discussion or tech session they might have to share with us.
  If this is not possible then we will have a shorter tech session of our own, sharing tips and comparing accessories on our various bikes.
  
  • (Tentative) After lunch we will take a leisurely ride to Orwell Corner Historic Village for a glimpse into the life of PEI during the 1800’s.  Orwell Corner Historic Village opened in July of 1973. Orwell was named in 1769 by Surveyor General Captain Samuel Holland in honour of Lord Francis Orwell, British Minister of Plantations. Much of the early settlement took place at Orwell Cove and as fields were cleared and roads improved settlement moved inland. The small crossroads community was founded in the early nineteenth century by Scots that arrived on the Island with the Glenaladale Settlers brought out by Captain John MacDonald, as well as families that came from the Isle of Skye, County Monaghan in Ireland and United Empire Loyalists. Many of the current residents in the Orwell community are descendants of these early pioneers. In 1970 the Provincial Centennial Commission, various departments of the Provincial and Federal governments and dedicated volunteers in the community set plans into action and the site was restored to the late nineteenth century. The buildings were furnished with artifacts from the Provincial Collection and it opened to the public in July of 1973.

    Currently it is owned by the Province of Prince Edward Island and administered by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation and the Orwell Corner Pioneer Village Corporation with support from various departments of government as well as generated revenues.

    We can spend a few hours enjoying the peace and tranquility of Orwell, and we will make it known that others who have an interest in Russian motorcycles, and bikes in general, will be welcome to stop by an chat about these uniques machines.

    We will depart to another location (to be established) for dinner and socializing.




• SUNDAY JULY 29th DAY 4



• Farewell breakfast followed by a ride for those who don’t have to start for home.