Motorcycle and boat show put some summer in the winter

   One-Tank Trip published on Dec. 31/11

  

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Put some summer in your winter if just for a day and go for a spin to the motorcycle show in Mississauga or paddle around at the Toronto boat show.

   Get your motor running

   The North American International Motorcycle Supershow is an adrenaline rush with hundreds of the latest bikes along with the oldies but goodies.

The North American International Motorcycle Supershow will unveil the 2012 lineup of bikes along with showing vintage and collector cycles.

   The show opens Friday (Jan. 6) and continues through Jan. 8 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.) in Mississauga. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

   This is the largest show of its kind on the continent, amounting to a “motorcycling extravaganza,” said publicist Colleen Swider.

   Along with hundreds of exhibits, there is the unveiling of 2012 motorcycles and a huge display of “non-current and pre-owned bikes, aftermarket parts and accessories, rider apparel and helmets.”

   There is also performance equipment, trailers, travel destinations, custom bike builders and leather fashions.

   “Special guests, fashion stage shows and live bands, theme restaurants right in the show and more than 70 club displays add to the atmosphere of fun and excitement,” Swider said.

   Liz Jansen’s Women Riders' Forum is a combination workshop and networking opportunity for both the experienced and novice biker.

   A fun attraction is the Mods and the Rockers to view scooters and period cafe racers, plus a restored Aspey Vespa three-wheeler, made famous by the British youth sub-cultures in the 1960s.

   The Century of Motorcycles has a “spectacular display” of Vincent Black Prince motorcycles.

   This includes the first public unveiling of the 1955 Enclosed Series 'D' bike, the Lost Singapore Lightning, a rare blue Vincent Comet and others.

   Tickets are $18; $5, ages six to 12; free to age five, available at the door (discounts online). Free parking and a complimentary copy of the International Motorcycle Magazine. www.supershowevents.com; 1-888-661-7469

   Catch a wave

Kids can paddle around at the Toronto International Boat Show.

   Head out to Canada’s largest boating and recreational show for some wakeboarding, fishing and paddleboating fun.

   The Toronto International Boat Show makes a splash from Jan. 14 to 22 at the Direct Energy Centre (100 Princess Blvd.) at Exhibition Place. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays.

    With the “largest indoor lake in Canada,” the show is “packed with awe-inspiring boats to see and tour, free seminars and demonstrations, marine accessories ranging from canoes and kayaks to fishing rods and wakeboards,” said publicist David Holmes.

Try wakeboarding at “The Lake” or watch the pros at the Toronto International Boat Show.

   Here’s his Top 10 list:

   - Go wakeboarding with free lessons, practices and demonstrations on “The Lake” using the Sesitec System to pull riders.

   - Pro-Rider Wakeboard show features the flips, tricks and stunts of the pros as they crank up the action on the Lake.

   - Kids Boating Zone offers a fun-filled paddleboat ride on the mini-lake specially designed for youngsters.

   - Duma the Waterskiing Dog, always a crowd pleaser, is a Jack Russell Terrier who skis and drives a boat.

   - Abby Sunderland, the youngest person at age 16 to sail solo around Cape Horn and almost around the world, will speak about her adventures.

   - Go Fish is where kids can catch live trout with Fish TV’s Leo and Ron while adults can hone their skills at the Great Canadian Fish Tank.

   - Go boating with the Lake open to enjoy paddleboating, kayaking, canoeing and inflatable boat rides.

   - Canadian Yachting’s Island Village nestled among the colourful sailboats is an oasis with the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean with palm trees, tiki huts and lounge chairs.

   - Henry’s Fish House returns with a taste of Muskoka’s famous fish and chips.

Crowds check out the latest at Canada’s largest boating and recreational show in Toronto.

   - Boat deals: This is the “best place to buy a boat with exceptional show deals and unbiased expert advice to help decide on a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget,” Holmes said.

   Visitors can get their Pleasure Craft Operator Card on-site and find everything to accessorize their boats.

   All activities are free with admission at $18, ages 17 to 64; $15, seniors; free for kids to age 16; $20, unlimited weekday evenings from 4 p.m.; $25, two-day adult pass; and $19, two-day senior pass. Special preview night, Jan. 13, is $100. Save $3 on tickets online: www.TorontoBoatShow.com; (905) 951-0009

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com