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In 2001, the GVMC Executive felt that the Club needed an extra Run to complete the Riding Season, so it was decided to set up a Run for the weekend before Thanksgiving. Because of the proximity to Thanksgiving, they thought it would be nice to have a turkey dinner in the clubhouse, at the end of the Run. Thus, it was called the “Turkey Run" with the first one being organized by Len Stenersen for the Fall of 2001. It was hugely successful with everyone enjoying the idea of a full course dinner at the end of the Run and became a regular event with Len continuing to organize the Turkey Run for 2002, 2003, and 2004. During this period, the Club mourned the passing of several long term early club members culminating with the death of Barry “Bear" Illingworth. At this time, the Executive decided that we should have a Run dedicated to the Club Pioneers. Therefore, the Turkey Run became the Pioneer Run. Pat Peters, long time friend of Barry, donated a totem pole statue that belonged to Barry to become the topper for a Pioneer Run trophy. Len Stenersen set up this first Pioneer Run, trying to use as many pioneer roads in the Lower Mainland as possible, with a few questions for riders to answer along the way, and of course the popular turkey dinner at the end.
For 2005, Bob Vickers took over the organization of the Pioneer Run turning it into an Observation Run by adding more questions along the route, while still trying to keep some historical aspect. The Pioneer Run continues in this format, the routes changing from year to year, but always trying to use lots of scenic, twisty backroads. The emphasis is on having a fun ride, more than a contest, but there are trophies given out to the riders and passengers with the most correct answers, and the full course dinner continues to be a highlight of the event.
Current Information on the Pioneer Run
16th Annual GVMC Pioneer Run
Please plan to join us and mark Sunday,September 29, 2019 on your calendar for the 16th Annual GVMC Pioneer Run for a great motorcycle ride (maybe the last of the motorcycling season).
Starting from the GVMC clubhouse at #306 - 9785 192 Sreet, Surrey.
Sign up from 9am - 10am. First rider out at 10am.
This is an observation road run (with questions to be answered along the way), on some of the best "twisties" in the Fraser Valley. Answering the questions is optional, for those who just want a fun Sunday ride.
Includes a full course dinner at the Clubhouse at the end of the run, with presentation of trophies for winning riders and teams (rider and passenger).
Cost - only $20 (plus applicable service charge if signing up via PayPal).
Pre-register by September 18th to confirm dinner.
The Pioneer Run is dedicated to the memory of all those loyal and hardworking club members who have passed on, but who had a tremendous part in forming the GVMC into what it is today.
Check under Past Events and in the Photo Gallery for information and photos from previous Pioneer Runs to see the fun had at this event in the past.
Event Comments: 16TH Annual 2019 Pioneer Run Epilogue
It was a cool, slightly overcast start to the day. As the day progressed the skies cleared for a nice bright sunny day with a high of 18⁰C. There was a good turnout for the ride with 26 signups plus 2 dinners only. Most everyone enjoyed the ride and route. There were a few small complaints about the route sheet, but not too many. Oh well, room for improvement next year. Some riders just enjoyed the ride. Other riders and passengers answered the questions.
This year’s winners were:
Solo 1ST place – Phil Blackburn 2ND place – Dave Seifert 3RD place – Chris Carey
Teams 1ST place – Jackie Heppler & Jim Sloat 2ND place – Donna Serne & Frank Hartung 3RD place – Wendy Lum & Richard Brown
Extra prizes were donated this year by Holeshot Motorsports Rider for first place solo received a $25 gift card Rider & passenger for first place teams each received a $20 gift card
