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8 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 1, 2000 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice' ' 'Cycling senior remains an easy rider At 83, Harold Martyn"s still a lover of his motorcycle, and the open road By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star If Harold Martyn acted his age, he wouldn't do half the things he does. "But when you enjoy what you're doing and are in good health, then | say go ahead and do it," the 83-year-old Blackstock resident says. Mr. Martyn recently returned home from the Great Lakes International BMW Members of America Rally in Midland, Michigan, with an award of which he's pretty proud. Of more than 6,000 BMW motorcycle owners to attend the annual rally, Mr. Martyn came home with an award for placing second in the Oldest Male Rider category. The fellow who claimed first prize was a mere seven days older. . "I was pretty tickled that | won this award. I'm the first Canadian to receive this award - and all because of my age," he chuckled. It was in 1976 when Mr. Martyn began "his second life". After he and his wife Dora sold their General Store in the vil- lage - it's now the Country Convenience Store - Mr. Martyn bought a new BMW 600. "In my growing up years the BMW was classed as the best bike in the world," he said. After riding that bike for 10 years he bought another in 1986, stepping up to a brand-new BMW 800. But he didn't trade in the older bike, instead locking it away for the grandchildren when they come of age. Since acquiring his first bike Mr. Martyn has seen a lot of Canada and the U.S. In 1980 he rode solo to the West Coast, where he joined up with his sons Blair and Ron in Vancouver. In the late 80s he and his youngest son, Todd, toured the East Coast together. And attending most of the internation- al rallies since 1976 has allowed him to see a lot of the U.S. When Mr. Martyn decided to ride alone, a distance of 600 km one way to the event in Michigan, it never was an issue with his family. Riding a machine that weighs over 600 pounds, he said he always feels quite safe. While Blair and Todd, with his wife Kelly rode too, they didn't travel with their father. "They say | get up too early for them. And besides, | wanted to visit some friends in Sarnia along the way," said Mr. Martyn. But when he arrived in Midland on July 13 he wasn't completely alone. Dora, their daughter-in-law, Jan, and grandsons Tim and Brian had driven the family's motorhome, and had already set up housekeeping. During the rally they attended semi- nars, enjoyed entertainment, visited with old friends and made new acquaintances. "The BMW motorcycle clubs are the most close-knit clubs in the world," said Mr. Martyn. This year's rally saw many fly in from Europe, and some came from as far away as Australia. Although Dora doesn't ride anymore, she lends her support by helping her hus- band pack, and sews on his badges. "Old age has made me sensible," she said. Next year the BMW rally is being held in Oregon. "If my health is as good as it is now, then | expect to be there," said Mr Martyn. "Who knows? | might win the award for being the oldest rider there." (former location of Van Camp Contracting Limited) Excavating - Grading - Site Work « Sand - Gravel = Top Soil - Triple Mix « Septic Systems » SAME PLACE * SAME GREAT SERVICE! NORTH RIDGE | EXCAVATING 90 Vanedward Dr., Port Penry [car .. (905) 985-8469 Lynne Boldt, chair of the Voices of Central Ontario (VOCO) has announced a town hall meeting to be held at the Community Everybody wants to 8 to heaven, but nobo wants to die. Es J : R, oe At age 83, Harold Martyn of Blackstock remains an avid Motorcycle rider. He recently rode solo to a BMW owners get-together in Michigan, where he was recognized as the second-oldest rider in attendance. Centre in Cambray on Elmtree Road (County Road 18) at 8 p.m, Wednesday, Aug. 2. This is in response to New Patients' Smiles Always Welcome * Dr. J. Cottrell * Dr. J. Hardy Dr. L. Gideon * Dr. C. Banfield * Dr. L. Poranganel * Dr. H. Dewar * Dr. T. King (Orthodontist) Dr. T. Mcintyre (Periodontist) --Today's Smile... -- Dental Care For The Entire Family Evening & Saturday Appointments Available Please Call 985-8451 Visit our website: www.iluvmydentist.com 238 Queen Street, Port Perry the recent forced amalga- mation of all local munici- palities under the newly created "City of Kawartha Lakes." The guest speaker will be Professor Andrew Sancton of the University of Western Ontario and author of Merger Mania, The Assault on Local Government, a consultant and expert witness who acted in both capacities in Toronto's megacity debate. In addition, MPP and Rural Affairs Critic, Mike Colle, will address the gathering. A paper prepared for Amalgamation foes holding town hall meeting the occasion by John Sewell, former mayor of Toronto, is expected to be ready for release at this event. Voices of Central Ontario is a newly formed grass- roots organization whose objective is to address public issues through the old-fashioned town hall meeting. VOCO anticipates this will be just the first town hall meeting to explore the public's interest in what has become a lengthy list of civic issues now emerging in Victoria County. 9000000000000 0000009 DID : : YOU KNOW? LY Car Wash Seniors (55 & Over) EVERY TUESDAY with gas purchase Brought to your by your Independant FULL Service Station : : * 3 Sunys * ® * ~ OPEN 24 HOURS - Ra 9900000000000 00000006 900000 90000