Mosquito Beemers: Photos

Toronto Motorcycle Show, 2005

The unofficial trip report, as chronicled by John Weston

Day 1

On Thursday around 2PM we were lucky enough to meet up with Dick and Donna who were walking out of the Bond Hotel as we were pulling up. Susan would be proud to know that within 30 minutes of arrival, we were already in route to the Eaton Center, a huge 4+ story mall that spans two city blocks about a half of block from the Bond Hotel. Dick and I, who had very little say about the matter, managed to keep up on the power tour escorted by Donna. Donna and Jen formulated attack routes and purchasing strategies for the coming shopping spree(s). Dick and I knew enough to keep quite so that there wouldn't be any difficulties the following day when it was our turn to go to "the show" as labeled by Donna and Jen with half a scowl on their faces.

Donna suggested dinner at the Donatello a short walk from the Eaton Center (that's what she said anyhow). Much to my delight, Donatellos was not open for another 45 minutes when we arrived so what better to do than waste some time in the Irish Pub two doors down. A pint of Guinness later and it was time for dinner. After a very nice dinner, Dick and Donna retired to the Hotel and John and Jen decided that a taxi assisted pub crawl was in order. First stop was the Irish Embassy Pub. A great pub with very tall ornamental ceiling but it was packed due to a private party so space was limited. A couple of Guinness later and it was off to the sister pub of the Irish Embassy, P.J. O'Brien's. P.J. O'Brien's was up a flight of stairs and tucked into a couple of smaller rooms of an older building. A very nice atmosphere and the food smelled terrific. Another Guinness later it was time to move on. Next stop as recommended by a nice young lady behind our hotel's front desk was McVeigh's at Richmond and Church Streets. This turned out to be the favorite and where we decided to end the crawl and spend our time. McVeigh's is more of traditional family style pub off the tourist path that featured a live acoustic Irish duo that were amazing. A few more Guinness were had before it was time to call it a night.

Day #2

Everyone was up early, except for John but we made it to the convention center just as the show was opening up. The show was very nice. It did not appear to be as big as the Cleveland show but nice nonetheless. Dick and John ogled every bike and scooter in the place except for one brand, you can guess which one. The BMW booth was nice although the new R1200GS was a no show. Charley Boorman from the GS show Long Way Round was there. He was very occupied so we only saw him in passing. The new Gold Wing was at the show. What a machine it is and very comfy. We spoke with some Loonie Tics that were manning the MOA booth. About two hours were spent at the show and then it was on to lunch. A guest service lady at the convention center recommended a path down some steps across the street. At the bottom of the steps was a huge food court with hundreds of people and some small shops. It was a surprise to see all the people in this underground food court.

One of the highlights to the trip was an afternoon visit to the Distillery District (http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com).Here is a short description of it:

The Most Remarkable Venue in Canada

Founded in 1832 by Brother-in-law William Gooderham and James Worts, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery eventually became the largest distillery in the British Empire. Set on 13 acres in downtown Toronto, the forty plus buildings constitute the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America.

The Distillery is now a pedestrian-only village entirely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. Internationally acclaimed galleries, artists' studios and workshops, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as live music, all form part of this new landmark cultural centre. In addition to the history, arts and culture, The Distillery has been the location for over 800 film and television productions in the past decade, including Chicago, X-Men, Against The Ropes and The Hurricane, making The Distillery District the most popular film location in Canada.

It was a remarkable location. Each building had shops, artist studios, restaurants and we also found a coffee shop and chocolate factory. You could find anything from leather furniture, paintings, prints, custom made furniture made on location, to jewelry and the most amazing shop which was a stained glass shop that used one of the biggest buildings. Outstanding items were on display ranging in price from a couple hundred dollars to a half million dollar revolving piece. On your first visit you never know what shop you will find behind each door you go through. A must see location no doubt.

Then it was time for a trip back to the hotel to recuperate until dinner. John used this time to take his first ever subway ride. The amount of people under ground using this transportation system was unbelievable. The trains ran every couple of minutes and were packed with people.

We met up with Larry Ward in the hotel lobby before departing for dinner. Jen had seen a commercial for Red's Bistro and Bar and it was a consensus that dinner would take place there (http://www.redsbistro.com). They advertised an extensive wine selection with 77 wines being available by the glass. A short cab ride to the financial district and we were at our dinner location. This was not quite a bistro and bar like one would find around here. We were taken to the upstairs dining room complete with white linen table cloths and enough glasses and silver wear at one table for an army. The atmosphere was fantastic and the food was delicious. So much for the wine by the glass between the four of us two bottles of wine were no challenge. A fantastic cheese cake desert was shared between Jen and Donna while John and Dick partook in a cheese plate with a Stilton cheese selected by Dick that was terrific.

Where better to finish the night than back at McVeigh's (http://www.mcveighspub.com/). Dick and John enjoyed a few pints of Guinness while Jen and Donna had some whiskey and sours and vodka and cranberry drinks. The Irish Folk band Celtic Cross provided the entertainment. A little after midnight or so we called it a night and returned to the Bond to the rock slab beds that were awaiting. Good thing for the Guinness huh?.

A great time was had by all and I'm sure a return trip to Toronto will be in the works, maybe when it's a little warmer though. Donna and Dick had plans for a winery tour on Saturday and Jen and John stayed in Seneca to donate some money to the local economy via the casino.