2016 Kootenay Hootenanny - July 22-24, 2016 - Official Thread

[BlackHole]

Just a reiteration of local "news". Meaningless whining from ignorant folks who want simple solutions to their incidental discomfort. Like I said the noise issue will not be addressed or solved in our lifetime. The whiners are just adding more useless noise, none have actually proposed a useful, workable solution.

I actually agree that there is a problem with trend-humping, leather-chapped fashion lemmings that know little about actually being able to ride a motorcycle but that's beside the point. Further, I've always surreptitiously cringed when starting up my full TBR race VFR or even my Racefit slip-on SDR. Until I hear one of the shotgun equipped, dew-rag brethren firing up his/her potato-potato lump. I think both my bikes pass the 83 dB limit but then they'll find something else to complain about... like how I ride around these days on one wheel. Pantywaists the lot of them.

[34468Randy]

Just so that those who are not in the know, do know, this seems to be more directed at Harleys with the baffles cut out. But, there are some of our type bikes that are modified to make them louder. That is still illegal and enforceable. The decibel reading has nothing to do with the charge. Section 7A.01 Motor Vehicle Act Regulations covers that. Create Unnecessary noise and that is an offense. Deliberately doing something to your bike to make more noise is unnecessary. Screaming along the roadway maintaining near red line, is not necessary. Much the same as squealing your tires in your Camaro. Same thing.

Just a heads up to everyone. I am not debating this.

[BlackHole]

Just so that those who are not in the know, do know, this seems to be more directed at Harleys with the baffles cut out. But, there are some of our type bikes that are modified to make them louder. That is still illegal and enforceable. The decibel reading has nothing to do with the charge. Section 7A.01 Motor Vehicle Act Regulations covers that. Create Unnecessary noise and that is an offense. Deliberately doing something to your bike to make more noise is unnecessary. Screaming along the roadway maintaining near red line, is not necessary. Much the same as squealing your tires in your Camaro. Same thing.

Just a heads up to everyone. I am not debating this.

And I'm not picking an argument... err.. debate but I'm not getting what you're saying.

First off, the issue from the point of view of the folks that are initiating it (the M/C noise petition) is that too many motorcycles make too much noise. They're not engaging discussion in arcane, technical arguments about how or why, they just want the noise to stop. This is not particular to the Kootenay, it has been played out in many, many jurisdictions across North America over the last 20 years. And gone nowhere, not been solved in any way anywhere. If it had you can bet that the solution would have been adopted like wildfire spreading.

You are correct, Randy, in that the largest. most obvious target of their ire is the Harley and the aforementioned trend-humping fashion lemmings perched there upon. That is likely because most of the petitioners can't even spell Ducati let alone identify what it is. Further, I would challenge you to find more that one in a hundred bikes where physical surgery has been done to the OEM exhaust. The Harleys in question as well as pretty much anything else are wearing aftermarket exhausts, not hack-saw modified pipes as we used to do in the 60's. And also, my exhausts are modified in the name of performance, not noise. In fact I've repacked my TBR twice to keep the noise down. I do realize that the do-rag, big-twin crowd adheres to a different paradigm.

This (modification vs replacement) is important because the BC statutes address physical modification of the OEM exhaust but NOT replacement. There is nothing that prevents one from buying and installing an aftermarket exhaust and there is nothing that establishes noise levels for those. You can't buy an OEM exhaust from even Honda for a 30+ year-old motorcycle so you must go aftermarket. And the law recognizes and does not prevent this. Logically, I might say.

Lastly, the particular statute you reference is pretty short and vague so here it is:

7A.01 No person shall start, drive, turn or stop any motor vehicle, or accelerate the vehicle engine while the vehicle is stationary, in a manner which causes any loud and unnecessary noise in or from the engine, exhaust system or the braking system, or from the contact of the tires with the roadway.

This is clearly written to address the behaviour of the operator with respect to squealing tires, burning out and revving the crap out of the engine for no reason. It does NOT prohibit the driving of a vehicle in a safe and sedate manner complying with all posted speed laws whether that vehicle is equipped with any modification, exhaust or otherwise, that may or may not meet other statutes. Any cop can write up a violation for any reason but if one writes you up for having a noisy exhaust while you're not contravening any other traffic laws and cites this statute then this will be tossed in the first 30 seconds in court. And I do have some experience here.

Regardless of all the forgoing, as I alluded to previously no one is going to have any issues with noise in the near, medium or long term future. What's salient is that the cops have perhaps taken heed of the complainants and are stepping up general enforcement of the non-ambiguous traffic laws. Wouldn't be the first time, it's been a while so we've gotten pretty relaxed around here. it's looking like this summer a little extra attention to the posted speeds is going to be beneficial. And I'm sure that many have never done otherwise and therefore have nothing to adjust for. Me, I'm an idiot and my new goal in life is to not have to buy a front tire before I die. Forks seals yes. rubber, no.

Edited April 11, 2016 by BlackHole

[superfunkomatic]

I think the key is don't be a dick.

If you're not speeding excessively, making excessive noise, or racing on the street with your knee down, you'll be fine.

I haven't had any issues with RCMP in the many times I've been to Nelson. I have, however, seen plenty of them. The issues arose from residents especially on the approach to the town before the bridge. The locals do phone in speeders and not so surprisingly the RCMP show up. I have seen this first hand on a few occasions - someone rips past me at double-plus speeds and when I see them down the road the RCMP have them and are writing tickets.

I see what the locals are upset about - 120 db exhaust noise on their lakeside property, reckless car drivers and riders, and people who treat the public roadways as a race course. Would you want your family near a road that is used by road racers? If you are civil and respectful, I don't think you'll have any problems.

We'll all go. Have fun. And be good visitors. The alternative is performance awards. No thanks....

[superfunkomatic]

On a completely different note. I received a call from the local Powerhouse Honda and I'll be taking a test ride on the new Africa Twin DCT on May 14th. No firm date but my bike, which is a manual, should arrive late May or early June. So I should have it with time to spare for the meet - knock on wood for good luck.

[digitallyhip]

On a completely different note. I received a call from the local Powerhouse Honda and I'll be taking a test ride on the new Africa Twin DCT on May 14th. No firm date but my bike, which is a manual, should arrive late May or early June. So I should have it with time to spare for the meet - knock on wood for good luck.

I eagerly look forward to the writeup, Mike!

[Tyke]

Me too Mike. I am seriously considering this bike next year. Don't think I could get one this year even if I wanted.

[BlackHole]

This RCMP press release was in the local news today:

Big fines for excessive speed – RCMP warning
April 18, 2016 TMTVNews.com

The West Kootenay Traffic Services/Nelson IRSU have seen an increase in our excessive speed on the roadway.

In the last week we have stopped and seized 13 vehicles for 7 days for exceeding the posted speed limit by 40 km/hr. If you are travelling in excess of 40 km/hr you can be charged for excessive speed with a fine of $368.00 and points or if more then 60 km/hr $483.00 plus points. On top of the fine your car will be seized for 7 days, costing you storage and a tow bill.

With the nice weather comes fast driving but we are warning the public to obey the speed laws. We are out there watching and no tolerance will be allowed for excessive speed.

Now I agree with what Funkie said earlier: if you behave you won't have any problem. But this is worth paying attention to for a few reasons not the least of which is that they are getting serious on the zero tolerance. Ride like I do and get impounded. But also ride reasonably like most of us do, maybe a little over the limit, ride the pace, and still get busted because they are writing up anyone for anything over.

This is early days and who knows how it plays out over the next 2 months until the Hootenanny. Most likely, as in the past, they'll back off after a couple of weeks. Anyway, just remember to check on the situation before we all convene.

Edited April 18, 2016 by BlackHole

[digitallyhip]

"If you are travelling in excess of 40 km/hr you can be charged for excessive speed with a fine of $368.00 and points or if more then 60 km/hr $483.00 plus points. On top of the fine your car will be seized for 7 days, costing you storage and a tow bill."

Um, I certainly plan on exceeding 40km/h and perhaps even 60. Hopefully Nelson RCMP needs to hire a (better) proofreader.

[34468Randy]

"If you are travelling in excess of 40 km/hr you can be charged for excessive speed with a fine of $368.00 and points or if more then 60 km/hr $483.00 plus points. On top of the fine your car will be seized for 7 days, costing you storage and a tow bill."

Um, I certainly plan on exceeding 40km/h and perhaps even 60. Hopefully Nelson RCMP needs to hire a (better) proofreader.

Good eye. Of course it is meant to say "over"

[BlackHole]

I can be a real idiot, more so now that I ride a DukeR, but the north shore (3A) and the Crawford Bay to Creston routes are some of the best rides in the country. And used to be 80kph (50mph) for the length. It was fun at that speed, even spirited riding (safe but using the strength of the bike) was 100 kph (60mph) which wouldn't get you a second glance from the heat unless it was a pimply-faced newby graduated from being a frustrated theatre usher (and I have had my run-ins with those).

Now these roads are mostly 60 kph (40 mph) which is mind-numbing slow and exacerbated by the self-appointed civilian highway guardians which seem to abound in this part of the world, doing 50 -55 kph and staring in their rearview the whole time. Usually wearing some kind of hat... beware the hat on an oldster or a pants-dropping youngster.

So I used to be content riding at the limit or maybe 20% above. Now I can ride my bicycle on the downhill stretches faster that many of the cagers and it drives me to pass them at warp speed because I can. Anywhere and anytime. Further, if I'm going to be nailed for exceeding, because it's just slower than dying now NOT to exceed, I'm at least going to get my money's worth. I ride most of it any day at the same speed that I have for years but NOW I get nailed and get impounded. And do I have to spell out that many who are impounded find that when collecting their ride there's extensive damage? Point of this rant is that killing flies with a sledge hammer can backfire. Most of the folks I ride with here are not extreme (and are old like me) but do not like the nonsense and draconian beat-down. And we now ride MORE aggressively that we ever did.

Arsey-Empee and proof-readers? High hopes from a group who taser a guy (4 times) to death for brandishing a desk stapler or shoot a 22 YO kid in the back of the head for mouthing off when confronted about having a can of beer at a hockey game.

Edited April 19, 2016 by BlackHole

[jimbob]

hmmmmmm.

I have made numerous trips to nelson, creston, castlegar, trail, kaslo , new denver, nakusp, revelstoke and numerous laps beyond that, and I have never had any tickets or trouble, nor have i heard of any one else having big problems in bc.. i do not ride like a slow poke, but i try to not be obnoxious either.

just my experience.

looking forward to loads of fun!

[superfunkomatic]

hmmmmmm.

I have made numerous trips to nelson, creston, castlegar, trail, kaslo , new denver, nakusp, revelstoke and numerous laps beyond that, and I have never had any tickets or trouble, nor have i heard of any one else having big problems in bc.. i do not ride like a slow poke, but i try to not be obnoxious either.

just my experience.

looking forward to loads of fun!

Precisely, to quote Will Shakespeare - "Much ado about nothing...." We'll be fine. You play that far above the speed limit, you pay - fine, impoundment and in your future insurance installments. Your choice. Have fun, but not too much fun.

[jfviffer]

hmmmmmm.

I have made numerous trips to nelson, creston, castlegar, trail, kaslo , new denver, nakusp, revelstoke and numerous laps beyond that, and I have never had any tickets or trouble, nor have i heard of any one else having big problems in bc.. i do not ride like a slow poke, but i try to not be obnoxious either.

just my experience.

looking forward to loads of fun!

I agree, goes without saying vfrd group is always been a great group of respectful riders who knows the appropriate time and place.

In BC area that is truly over patrolled with ridiculously low speed limits is sea to sky hwy west van to Squamish and we are nowhere near that.

Can't wait counting the days!

[Veefer800Canuck]

Can't wait counting the days!

See you there Jeffy Jeff!

[Polarbear]

"If you are travelling in excess of 40 km/hr you can be charged for excessive speed with a fine of $368.00 and points or if more then 60 km/hr $483.00 plus points. On top of the fine your car will be seized for 7 days, costing you storage and a tow bill."

Um, I certainly plan on exceeding 40km/h and perhaps even 60. Hopefully Nelson RCMP needs to hire a (better) proofreader.

Will be long trip to Nelson from Vancouver below 40 km/h...

C

[digitallyhip]

"If you are travelling in excess of 40 km/hr you can be charged for excessive speed with a fine of $368.00 and points or if more then 60 km/hr $483.00 plus points. On top of the fine your car will be seized for 7 days, costing you storage and a tow bill."

Um, I certainly plan on exceeding 40km/h and perhaps even 60. Hopefully Nelson RCMP needs to hire a (better) proofreader.

Will be long trip to Nelson from Vancouver below 40 km/h...

C

But we are good citizens, so we'll just spend three days getting there.

[superfunkomatic]

Just want to confirm whether the following people want t-shirts or not, and if so, what is their size. I haven't received payments for these ones but if you're still interested you can pay me at the event or send me PayPal at superfunkomatic@gmail.com. The shirts will have each attendee's name printed on the back. Sorry, no ladies sizes as they are generic this time.

• SquamishVFR
• 34468Randy
• V-Fore
• Steve B
• VF1000e
• QDawg & Erin
• DigitallyHip & Emily
• Belfry
• Olive? (You coming?)

[Belfry]

On 03/04/2016 at 0:13 PM, MaxSwell said:

What?!  And give up all that anoying-to-civilians noise?! Hehehe indeed. 

Good news, MaxSwell. If you were counting on cam noise to scare deer (not that its worked too well in past ...), the government and some B.C. companies are working on a high-tech forest rat detection system.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2016/04/20/deer-sensors-tested-on-bc-highways

[MaxSwell]

5 hours ago, Belfry said:

Good news, MaxSwell. If you were counting on cam noise to scare deer (not that its worked too well in past ...), the government and some B.C. companies are working on a high-tech forest rat detection system.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2016/04/20/deer-sensors-tested-on-bc-highways

Thanks Belfry  ->

Yeah. The deer don't give a hoot about the gear noise. Unless it attracts them!

And I do feel sorry for the forest rat bastages that I KIA'd! (nose grows tremendously and pants burst into flame).

  

[Thumper 8]

Hey Mike et al, long time no see all my VFR friends!  Mike, thanks for the email a few months ago - sorry, I did not reply.

I think I may be able to get away and join you guys & gals - not sure yet on timing, but you may see a rather dirty Triumph Tiger 800XC in your mirrors :) 

I can always wear a shirt from previous meets... and the Hume or Adventurer will be fine for a last minute decision.  I think they still both serve cold beer!

Would be great to spill some beer, swap lies and catch up with old friends...

Tony.

[Sparrow75]

Registered!  

I'll buy anyone a beer that brings their good ol'VF to the party! ;) Cheers!

Arman

[superfunkomatic]

15 hours ago, Thumper 8 said:

Hey Mike et al, long time no see all my VFR friends!  Mike, thanks for the email a few months ago - sorry, I did not reply.

I think I may be able to get away and join you guys & gals - not sure yet on timing, but you may see a rather dirty Triumph Tiger 800XC in your mirrors :) 

I can always wear a shirt from previous meets... and the Hume or Adventurer will be fine for a last minute decision.  I think they still both serve cold beer!

Would be great to spill some beer, swap lies and catch up with old friends...

Tony.

Good to hear from you, Tony. It would be great to have you join us. There's still space at the hostel if you're interested.

[superfunkomatic]

Here are the finalized designs and colours for the t-shirts. I've ordered the shirts today. 

T-shirt Orders - Samples (Cotton Gildan Super T-shirt)

[Cageless-in-Seattle]

Hey, not bad.  Thanks for the preview of my shirt. 

Kevin