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Vancouver Harley Davidson dealer Fred Deeley is given credit for starting the “300 Miler” in 1930. It was a true test of man and machine in those days, held on gravel and dirt roads, with many riders finishing long after dark. Photos of the 1938 start, taken at Stanley Park, show a long line of smiling riders on Indians, Harleys and British bikes, wearing leather helmets and peaked caps, all with numbered vests bearing a sponsor’s name (“Export”).
In 1948 it was re-named the “Caribou Trails”, and went through many changes over the years. Often it was held as a one-day enduro, sometimes a two-day ride, or a ride plus a field meet the next day. For a few years in the late 1960’s it had simultaneous starts in Vancouver and Bellingham, finishing 300 miles later at an all-night campout and party. A high point of the rally was the 50th anniversary in 1980, when 702 riders, many with passengers, braved the rain soaked streets.
The Caribou was conceived as a challenging event, and has always retained the tradition of a 300 mile endurance ride.
Current Information on the Caribou Trails Run
89th Annual GVMC Caribou Trails Run
The Greater Vancouver Motorcycle Club Invites You To Our 89th Annual Road Ride Saturday August 17th to 18th, 2019
MARK YOUR CALENDARS...
Saturday August 17th to 18th, 2019 for a great motorcycling weekend.
Timed Event complete with checkpoints Ride at your own pace over some of the best roads in B.C. Compete for awesome prizes in an event that focuses on your love of riding. Course is approximately 530km Overnight at the Quality Inn in Merritt B.C. All makes, riders & styles of bikes welcome Bring along your buddies, and be ready to meet new ones
START LOCATION: GVMC Clubhouse - Unit 306 - 9785 - 192nd Street - Surrey - B.C.
END LOCATION: Merritt Quality Inn in Merritt B.C.
Accommodation at the motel is self-booking - mention GVMC
To reserve call 1-250-378-4253 Website - Quality Inn Merritt
SIGNUP: Sign Up Fee - $50.00 per person
You can sign up on the GVMC website www.gvmc.ca via Pay Pal plus applicable service charges or at the Clubhouse on the day of the event. Your paid entry includes a Continental Breakfast Saturday and Saturday Banquet Dinner, Trophies and Prizes.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE: 6:30 - 7:30am - Signup and Breakfast 7:30pm - First Rider Out 8:00am - Last Rider Out 4:00pm - Last Rider In 4:00pm - End of Run Refreshments 5:00pm - Awards and Dinner
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Own Pace - Homeward Bound
INFORMATION:
Phil Blackburn - (604)534-7560
Check in the Photo Gallery for pictures of previous Caribou Trails Runs.
Event Comments: 2019 CARIBOU TRAILS RUN The 2019 Caribou Trails Run was held on August 17th & 18th. The clubhouse was open for breakfast at 6:00 am; followed by registration. By 7:00 am there were 15 sign-ups, with 8 motorcycles and 1 car entered into the timed route. The riders drew numbered cards indicating their starting positions, and at 7:30 am the 1st rider was off, with the others following at 3 minute intervals.
They proceeded up to the checkpoint in West Vancouver where Bill T. collected their card and noted their time. The route then took them up Hwy 99 north to Pemberton and up to Lillooet, down Hwy 12 to Lytton, up Hwy 1 to Ashcroft, and over Hwy 97C to Merritt, ending up at the Quality Inn. There was cold beer, pop, water, and snacks for everyone when they arrived and had their time recorded.
The restaurant set us up in a private room where we enjoyed a delicious Teriyaki meal followed by the trophy presentations.
Congratulations to Don B. on placing 1st, Dave S. for placing 2nd, Barry C. for placing 3rd, Marilyn W. for placing 1st passenger, John T. for winning the rabbit, and Gayle D. for winning the turtle.
Following the presentations we held a draw for the door prizes that were kindly donated by generous dealers, and then we had a group picture taken.
I would like to thank the following for their contribution towards the run. Julie B. for help with breakfast and transportation, Bill T. for help with the checkpoint and transportation, Jim B. for help sourcing trophies, Dave S. for sourcing some door prizes, Jackie H. for taking pictures, Richard B. for printing posters, and John T. for his help in setting up the final check-in site (only because he was there before anyone -including me).
A big thanks goes out to all the dealers who donated door prizes, and thanks to everyone who participated.
As next year will be the 90th anniversary of the Caribou we look forward to having a lot more riders. Stay tuned for any information on the 2020 running of the Caribou Trails. Phil Blackburn
