The Freedom Riders Motorcycle Association of Northern Ontario was formed on February 19th, 1989 after the Bikers' Rights Organization (B.R.O.) Sudbury ceased operations, and was incorporated on March 13th, 1989. The club was briefly known as Northern Thunder but the name was soon changed to Freedom Riders. Jim Macleod was the founding president and the club had 56 members in its inaugural year. Gord Bailey was the only member to belong to B.R.O., Northern Thunder and the Freedom Riders.
Each season the Freedom Riders participated in both the Garson and Sudbury Santa Clause parades with a float fully decorated and adorned with motorcycles. This tradition continues today with the Club's participation in the Sudbury Santa Claus Parade every March.
For many years the club held an annual fund raising B.B.Q. at the Val Est Loeb's grocery store in Val Caron and also hosted a Poker Run and a "Steak 'n' Beans.
Since 1994, the Freedom Riders have held their Annual Freedom Rally at the Mine Mill Campground on the Civic Holiday long weekend at the beginning of every August. Over the years, we have had motorcyclists attend from New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Jersey, Ohio and North Carolina, as well as from across Ontario and even as far away as Belgium. Proceeds from the rally and other fundraising have been donated to local children's charitable causes.
Freedom Riders have attended the Temiskaming Ride for Sight Dance, the Ride for Sight Pennant Run, the Ride for Sight, the Ottawa Rally in the Valley, the Temiskaming Road Riders Rally, Sturgis, the Waterloo Wings Cyclefest, the Temiskaming, North Bay and Sudbury Toy Runs, The Toronto Bike Shows and many other BBQ's, rides, parties and other gatherings. Members also make pilgrimages to the big rallies including Laconia, Americade, Daytona Bike Week, and Sturgis.
As you can see, we have a long history of enjoying motorcycling while also making worthwhile contributions to our community. We are always on the lookout for new members who feel the same way.