I learned to ride in 1994, and was quickly bitten by the long distance riding bug. I bought a Honda ST1100 and began to ride solo Iron Butt Association rides such as the SaddleSore 1000. I toured extensively and participated in competitive long distance road rallies. I assisted the IBA in creating a challenging solo ride titled Trans Canadian GOLD.
Riding the Trans Canadian GOLD in 2004, I set a record crossing Canada by motorcycle - 59 hours and 36 minutes.
I finally realized my dream to ride the Iron Butt Rally in 2001, where I finished in 32nd place with a gold medal. I rode the rally again in 2005 and finished in 25th place again with a gold medal. I also rode and finished the 2009 IBR.
I purchased my first KLR650 in 2002 when I began to look for other avenues for adventure, and places to go that the ST wasn't suited for. I upgraded to the 2002 KLR I have now in 2004. My first big adventure with it was riding through the Trans Labrador highway. I wrote articles about my adventures that have appeared in various publications.
To increase my enjoyment of the sport, and to improve my riding skills, I have taken the FAST Riding School phase I and II. I have also taken the off-road training course at Clinton Smout's CMTS.
I enjoy both of these motorcycles very much. My wife has also recently started riding, and now owns a very nice Yamaha XT225 and Suzuki Burgman. She recently passed her Ontario M2 exit test and has her full motorcycle license.
Great movie Thane! Well done.
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