Would you like to receive GVMC
mail outs? To register simply fill in the form below:
Your privacy is important to
us. Any information given
to us, by you, is for our internal use and
will under NO circumstances
be shared with, or sold to a third
party.
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 full course 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.
In 2019 Don Bowman took over the Pioneer Run following in Bob's footsteps and following his format. Now 2026 Bob Vickers is back and organizing the Pioneer run again.
Current Information on the Pioneer Run
23rd Annual GVMC Pioneer Run
Please plan to join us and mark Sunday, September 20, 2026 on your calendar for the 23rd 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 Street, 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 Dinner at the Clubhouse at the end of the run, with presentation of cash prizes for winning riders and teams (rider and passenger).
Cost - only $25
Pre-register by September 13th 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: 2026 GVMC Pioneer Run
This year's Pioneer Run held on Sunday September 20,2026 was lucky enough to have excellent weather, sunny and warm. We had 15 riders take part, 9 riding solo and 3 couples riding 2 up. Everyone seemed to enjoy the route full of twisty winding roads in the Lower Mainland.
As usual there were several questions to answer along the way, although anyone who did not want to answer and just enjoy the ride was welcome to do so.
A full dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes and veggies followed by apple caramel cake and ice cream was served at the Clubhouse after the ride. 4 more members came out just for the dinner.
Cash prizes were given to the winners - $40 for 1st place, $20 for 2nd and $10 for 3rd.
This year's winners were: Solo 1st place - Phil Blackburn, 2nd place - Don Bowman, and a tie for 3rd between Wes Jamison and Dwight Harris.
Team 1st place - Donna Lockhart & Frank Hartung, and a tie for 2nd place between Jackie Heppler & Jim Sloat and Virginia & Vern Billing.
Many thanks to everyone who came out to participate, to my wife Margie for helping prepare the food, and to Julie Blackburn and June Busch for helping serve.
