I’m originally an Edmonton native but moved from Edmonton in 1997 to live overseas In Israel and then relocated to Australia for a couple of years.  Following that we backpacked Asia for a year, before relocating to Orange County California.

When I left Edmonton, population was about 750,000.  Gretzky followed me to California.  I swear, I didn’t talk him into following me.  My roots are still here with family and memories.

I didn’t begin riding until 2007. My first bike was a Triumph Bonneville.  The Second a Triumph 2010 Thunderbird.  At the Progressive Motorcycle Show in 2015 I saw my first Indian and loved the “retro look” of the Roadmaster Red and Cream! That bike is still my favorite for cross country riding!!   In 2020 I added the Indian Challenger, dark horse, to my collection.  My reasoning (excuse for purchasing the bike) was so that I wouldn’t have to remove the trunk from the Roadmaster when the wife wasn’t with me!

I can’t explain why I love the Indian Roadmaster or Challenger.  Every time I stop, someone wants to talk about the bike..their “grandfather had one”, “it’s so retro”, “love the color”, etc.).

Riding the freeways in California sure took some getting used to.  It took me about a year of riding experience before forcing myself to contend with the freeway traffic.  Traffic here is getting worse and as I get older the speed limit signs are making more sense!

When I purchased the Roadmaster, the dealer and I discussed a riding group and IMRG came up.  No one wanted to step forward to start a Chapter.   I was a RideDdirector and Group Organizer of another riding group, so I had experience in running this type of rider’s group.  I offered to found and set up the IMRG Orange County Chapter and so we began to grow!

Over 6 1/2 years I was the President of the OC IMRG Chapter.  During that time, I was in contact with other Chapter members and officers both through Facebook and in person.  A small group of us were constantly a pain in the backside of the National organizer. We were able to get major changes from them allowing Chapters to print their own materials and get shirts printed, etc. from local sources.

I joined the 1904 Chapter in order to keep options for moving back to Canada, but also because I see the Chapter as being a progressive entity in IMRG!  Plus, I actually like you guys!!

Besides being the first (although given the 1904 label) chapter, I think being involved with multiple chapters is a benefit in sharing experiences in how Chapters can work and grow as well as sharing other opportunities that I have had in my other groups.

When I first started organizing and running rides in 2008 my original riding group was about 118.  Today that same group which I still help run has over 4100 members.  The OCIMRG has now grown to over 400 registered members.

My wife and I are taking longer trips now that we are retired.  I also am involved in helping setup and run some of the Regional Indian Motorcycle events. The opportunity helping out with these events takes time (which I have a lot of) and also provides me the opportunity in giving back to the Riding community.

Recently we travelled to the WCIC in Kimberley BC.  From there we continued on to Dawson City Yukon.  The entire trip was over 44 days and 9500 miles and one oil change from when we left Orange County.  The experience was challenging, exhilarating and fabulous! The events we participated in, the people we met and experiences we shared on this trip were unforgettable.

This coming year we are planning on Tucson Rendezvous April 12, Durango Rendezvous June 9-15 and through the US and Canada to ECIC July 4-6 and back to the WCIC.  We might consider a chase vehicle for this trip, just in case.

It’s great being an out-of-town member of the IMRG 1904 as I still get notifications and comments on Facebook from Chapter Members.  In addition, if any members come out our way, we have some great riding areas which I can introduce you to.  This in itself is why being a member of IMRG is effective.  You meet people and have the opportunity to show them your part of the country!

Join me on Facebook if you have an account.  I always appreciate seeing the Edmonton Group and look forward to the Zoom meetings.  Sorry I can’t participate in your Toy Run. I don’t have a set of winter tires for the Bike 😊

Gabe Barrington-Moss
IMRG 1904 Editor