No one knew what to expect at this new Toronto Bike Show held at the Toronto Trade Center, December 6, 7 & 8, 2002.

The show management predicted an attendance of 30,000 for their first show, and it came very close to that goal. In all, 28,973 people attended the show. The show was very successful from all accounts and I have been informed next year's show will be considerably larger. Mark your calendars for December 5th, 6th & 7th, 2003.

All the manufacturers were present with all the new 2003 models on display. They indeed seemed to be the main attraction. With various dealers working in the manufacturers booths, several bikes were sold. It is reported that Honda sold over one hundred bikes during the three days of the show. A handful of clubs were present including of course, GWTA.

Toronto Wings organized and set up the Chapter booth. As, in most families, the GWTA family was there to help out. John Dorak from Mississauga Wings put his bike on display along with our own Bob Lash and his GL1500. The help of John and our friends from Mississauga was greatly appreciated.

A rare moment, booth empty for a few seconds.		Region J Banner.

Our booth contained a tall stand covered in our Chapter colour (red) supporting a computer monitor. A continuous slide show of more than 150 pictures taken from various events in Peterborough, Mississauga and Toronto Chapters attracted a lot of attention. Several show attendees learned more of what our club is all about from the slide show.

John's Wing with lots and lots of LED's.		Bob's GL1500 with neon lights everywhere.

On either side of the slide show display, John and Bob had their bikes all polished up and with all the special decorative lighting illuminated.

Bike Show attendees.		Bike Show attendees.

The members of Toronto Wings met and talked to hundreds of new and old friends during the three days of the show.

Paul and Kevin at the Toronto Wings display.

The exposure for GWTA created at the show will, without a doubt, benefit our organization. Tear down and pack up was made so quick and simple with everyone pitching in. Bob was even able to ride his bike home despite the cool weather. An event like this seems to bring us all together. As our motto says "Destination Friendship" was very evident.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this show successful. With everyone pitching in, the work became much lighter, and the results just as rewarding.

For those who wish some more statistics, the show occupied 120,000 square feet with more than 125 exhibitors. The average attendee traveled 66 kilometers taking 47 minutes.

Males outnumbered females by 8:2, average age of 34 years. Avid riders made up 62%, while 26% rode occasionally and 8% were considering taking it up. 78% owned a motorcycle, with sport and touring being the most popular. On average they rode 7800 kilometers and spent $1750.00 per year on their bike. 4% spent more than $10,000 at the show and 83% planned to purchase from an exhibitor spending more than $3,750.

All these statistics are from a poll taken over the three days of the show.

In Friendship,

Kevin Welch