OLD STRATHCONA CHAPTER CLAIMS NATIONAL TITLE FOR RIDE 365

By Johanna Poultney

The Old Strathcona HOG^®Chapter has taken the national 2023 Ride 365 title, winning the categories of highest total mileage and highest average mileage. Members of the Edmonton-based chapter rode a whopping 425,388 total kilometres (average 15,753 km) last year.

The Ride 365 contest recognizes and honours the passion for group and individual riding across Canada. For 2023, more than 300 people and 30 chapters registered.

Old Strathcona had 27 active riders competing for Ride 365 in 2023, logging many miles on local rides planned by head Road Captain Mike Prytula, with support from several other Road Captains in the group.

A large portion of the chapter’s road miles were logged by a group of 10 members on a trip from Alberta to Newfoundland and back over about six weeks. This trip was planned and executed by member Joan Hutchings. It was the chapter’s longest ride, and one of their most memorable, with all riders showing great perseverance through rainstorms and other variables.

One of the most exciting and anticipated rides for Old Strathcona is the annual Mystery Ride, a charity event featuring an overnight ride to an undisclosed location. One of the Road Captains leads a “goat trail” ride and members try to guess the destination along the way. The ride is usually in the 400- to 500-kilometre range, but the destination could be as close as 200 km from Edmonton. The sweeps only get next stop route information for safety.

When asked what their plans are as a chapter for Ride 365 in 2024, Chapter Director Michael Ghazi said, “We are certainly entering again. We have planned rides to Vernon for a large Western HOG meet up and ride, overnight rides to Cold Lake and Nanton, plus our Mystery Ride. Most Sundays the group meets up for a ride to a random location for lunch.”

Congratulations to the Old Strathcona HOG Chapter and good luck with Ride 365 in 2024!

For a complete listing of the 2023 Ride 365 results, click HERE.

To participate in the Ride 365 program, make sure you get at least two odometer readings during the year. Aim for one as early as possibly after January 1 and another late in the year, close to December 31. These readings are the only official way to track entries and mileage, and your dealership must enter them in the system on the day of your visit.