This adventure took us to Canadian Forces Base Borden, just outside Angus Ontario to attend a ride with Mike Holmes of the popular Holmes on Homes TV series. Organized in part by the OFATV and CFB Borden, the goal of this ride was to raise money for the Holmes Foundation, an organization dedicated to the promotion and education of the construction trade. It also reinforces Mike Holmes’ motto “Make it Right”.
The 220 or so riders and volunteers in attendance were split into three ride groups that were guided by people familiar with the terrain and rules of riding on the base. Because of the challenges staying ahead of a tour while shooting video and stills for PowerSportsLive, our team was led around the base by Mike Brown who’s knowledge of the terrain allowed us to skip ahead of the main groups in order to get the images we needed to tell the story. Even though I didn’t get to ride the whole thing, I did get the chance to experience what CFB Borden had to offer up. I’d definitely go back!
We did get the riot act read to us by Mike before we hit the trails, and I thought what he said was pretty funny in a “you-better-listen-or-you-could-die-kinda-way”. Basically he said “stick to the trails and don’t walk around in the bush”, and “don’t pick up anything metal!”
He then spoke about the fact that CFB Borden has been an active base for almost a hundred years with activity really picking up in the late 30’s, and that you never knew what could be lurking in the leaves. He explained that way back when, the troops were not all that excited about picking up unexploded munitions, and that old hot zones weren’t that well marked out so it was best to play it safe by sticking to the paths. Apparently, where it says “no digging” they really mean it!
Don’t tell anybody, but there was a few minutes there when I got separated form the group by zigging when I should have zagged and ended up in what looked like a range of some kind. I was pretty sure I was safe, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of having a big target on my back.
Another cool thing about a military base is all the cool things a gear head has to look at… Old Duce and Halfs, and APC were to be found, and getting a chance to see them close up was neat! Powered by a turbo 6V-71 Detroit, Mike said the APC would go about 75 kmph, and was super smooth to ride in. I bet it was hot and loud too sitting beside a screaming Detroit 2-stroke diesel. You truck guys would know what I’m talking about!
After our little stop to take a look at the old iron, our group headed back to the staging area to lay in wait for Mike Holmes’ ride group to return, and interview him for PowerSportsLive.com. Check out the link on the site for the full story.
We did get the riot act read to us by Mike before we hit the trails, and I thought what he said was pretty funny in a “you-better-listen-or-you-could-die-kinda-way”. Basically he said “stick to the trails and don’t walk around in the bush”, and “don’t pick up anything metal!”
He then spoke about the fact that CFB Borden has been an active base for almost a hundred years with activity really picking up in the late 30’s, and that you never knew what could be lurking in the leaves. He explained that way back when, the troops were not all that excited about picking up unexploded munitions, and that old hot zones weren’t that well marked out so it was best to play it safe by sticking to the paths. Apparently, where it says “no digging” they really mean it!
Don’t tell anybody, but there was a few minutes there when I got separated form the group by zigging when I should have zagged and ended up in what looked like a range of some kind. I was pretty sure I was safe, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of having a big target on my back.
Another cool thing about a military base is all the cool things a gear head has to look at… Old Duce and Halfs, and APC were to be found, and getting a chance to see them close up was neat! Powered by a turbo 6V-71 Detroit, Mike said the APC would go about 75 kmph, and was super smooth to ride in. I bet it was hot and loud too sitting beside a screaming Detroit 2-stroke diesel. You truck guys would know what I’m talking about!
After our little stop to take a look at the old iron, our group headed back to the staging area to lay in wait for Mike Holmes’ ride group to return, and interview him for PowerSportsLive.com. Check out the link on the site for the full story.
