Here's The Deal
There is no national governing body. There are no governing positions, no by-laws, and no bank account. Everything is being done on a voluntary basis. We're just a bunch of riding Masons, keeping in touch with each other by means of this web site and the occasional newsletter which will be sent out by email to those for whom we have email addresses, with the latest newsletters included on this site. So, if you're interested in being included on our email list for news, please send an email to Bro. Bill Knowles giving your name, your lodge, and the city or town you live in, and what your riding.
Most of our activities will be done on a local basis since it's pretty difficult to gather everyone from across Canada, or even across a province, to a meet of some kind. Our web site and newsletters will serve to keep us in touch with our riding brothers across the country and what we're doing or have done. We would do this by your letting me know by e-mail what your area is up to and I'll add it to the web site. And, if any of us should happen to be in your area, There's always the chance you could receive an email asking if you'd be interested in getting together for a coffee or just to meet in person somewhere convenient.
In concise terms, therefore, CMR will:
1. Act as a central repository for the list of Canadian Masons who ride (let us know by email if you want to be on the email list).
2. Provide the web site for posting rides that may be of interest to Masons.
3. Act as a vehicle for linking rides and riders.
4. Provide a means for those interested to purchase a decal - through Bill directly.
The year 2003 has seen us distributing the new decal which is available to any Mason who wants one at a cost of $5 by getting in touch with Bro. Bill Knowles.
A number of the Ontario brothers, along with donations from a few of their lodges and a Shriner club, have purchased a 3'x6' banner (see the home/main page) which can be used as a backdrop at a motorcycle show booth. For instance, the Toronto Supershow provided free booth space for riding clubs and CMR had a booth there in January 2003. The banner could also be used at a local gathering of Masons for a Bar-B-Q or picnic, etc., by hanging it over the edge of a table or between trees. Nothing says you couldn't get together to buy a banner for your own area as well. Bro. Len Cotton has the file available to send to anyone on the list, or you can have it made up by the same company that made the original 2'x6' one for $117.00 including tax plus shipping (at that time). It's a nice way of letting people know we exist and of promoting Masonry in general.
We Masons can put meaning into our miles by supporting rides organized as fundraising efforts for designated charities. In our home areas we could sign up for these rides as a group and pool the donations under the name of the Canadian Masonic Riders.
We currently have members in the following areas who would more than likely be pleased to ride with you. All you need to do is use the email address you will receive to send a "Reply All" to the group (changing the subject line to suit your prupose), asking for any interest in joining you on a ride of some kind. I'm not putting the group or individual email addresses on this site so that we don't end up getting spammed with junk email. And remember, this has just started in Ontario; it doesn't end there. The Canadian Masonic Riders should always have a broad national scope.
We all want this to be a truly national group, of course, so mention the CMR to all your brother Masons and get the word out. We need to bring in as many Masons as possible from across the country so we can highlight and enjoy this common passion of motorcycle riding!
