At the start of any road trip there's a certain amount of trepidation. Leaving the comfort of home can reduce your feeling of security.

When on a road trip the one thing that gives a sense of belonging is your motorcycle. I relied on my 2001 Buell Blast and an enthusiasm for motorcycling to ease into this group road trip.

The first Canadian BRAG Touring Rally from June 6 to 8th, 2003 was an experience not to be forgotten. I enjoyed meeting new and wonderful people, mingling with like-minded individuals; from the first night in Whistler meeting twenty-plus participants, to the final day at Race City in Calgary watching SuperBike racing.

Marcel Cloutier from BRAG (Buell Riders Adventure Group) organized a brilliant motorcycle road trip. Buell riders ventured from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Washington State and parts of British Columbia to take part in this organized rally.

As it turns out the thrills weren't just on the bikes. The first night in Whistler BC was fantastic, with Erik Buell speaking at the opening ceremonies. That was definitely a highlight to this BRAG event. Erik Buell humbly spoke some words of wisdom before succumbing to fan requests to autograph anything from the shirt on their back to helmets and motorcycles. Yes, I was star-struck like everyone else!

There was also a celebrity among Canadian riders, Len Creed, owner/editor of Canadian Biker Magazine who attended the entire BRAG event. The opportunity to ride and socialize with him provided a glimpse of the man behind the mag.

Having the Buell Demo team as our sweeper truck took the worries out of riding. An opportunity to ride a demo Buell and have the Demo team trailer your motorcycle to the next destination was available for the entire event.