My 1st 'DIY Moto' Holiday Party!
If you’re an Ottawa area motorcycle enthusiast, DIY Moto is a wonderful resource filled with the best people that you should have on your radar.
I’ve learned some stuff about my bike and made some new friends through various social meet-ups (and from just bumming around the garage) like the seasonal ‘Moto Social’. This was my first year attending DIY’s Christmas Party and it was a lot of fun!
Here are some pics from the night:
Shout out to Birling for supplying some awesome raffle prizes - I WON THE TOQUE! <3 <3 <3 This glorious raffle victory is made even more sweet as the toque I’ve been wearing for years, which is in dire need of retirement, comes from Birling’s predecessor, Antique (the OG Bank St. days). An additional shoutout to Sasquatch Soaps for their donated goods (which I ALSO won)! I’ll be smellin’ lovely in time for the holidays, so thank you!
Weird Dream Alert: The House of Epitaphs.
Could the anniversary of a friend's passing be influencing my dreams in an EPIC way? The answer is: yes.
It's been two years since the passing of an old friend and former radio college. I had a dream about Lloydminster last night, actually. It felt very real. I was leaving Lloyd, prepping for the long drive home and on my way out of town I drove by a cemetery. I had to stop. I had to pay my respects.
Drove in through the gates and realized this wasn't your typical cemetery. This wasn't doom and gloom and headstones and crying - this was more like Rochester, New York's "House of Guitars".
The place was packed with people: friends, family and fans looking for specific epitaphs. After what felt like hours of rooting through headstones and rock memorabilia, I had to ask for help. I consulted the cemetery's legend/map. I found his name and it was in the "Ace of Spades" area of the bad-ass mausoleum. I later, consciously, realized if such a cemetery existed, he would be in the Guns n Roses area... for sure.
I never did find my friend but it was a cool dream. Very vivid. I don't know why that dream came to me last but when I woke I realized that the date of his passing is almost here. He was 33 and is missed by many.
IMO: The Party that was Amnesia Rockfest, 2016
Amnesia Rockfest 2016: wow. WOW. The (not so little) Music festival that could: DID. I am blown away at the massive improvements that were rumored to have been implemented. I got to see them and experience them in Montebello Friday, June 24th.
Pre-planning was made easy thanks to the Amnesia Rockfest app. There were loads of security, volunteers and on site staff who were always friendly and willing to help. Lines moved quickly and there were plenty of places to sit and/or rest. I saw a number of persons in wheelchairs & with walking aides in the crowd this year, too. I have a pretty crummy physical disability which can make festivals daunting. The effort put into site planning with accessibility in mind was obvious. Thank you, party planners!
I was absolutely blessed with an All Access Media pass. This was my first experience with such VIP access - I only found out towards the end that "All Access" means you can literally stand on stage while the band plays (Yah. Literally found out during blink-182's final few songs)! Next year, should I be so lucky, I will definitely take advantage of that perk for better pictures!!
Amnesia Rockfest 2016 - Friday, June 24th @ VIP "Oasis" section... Amazing! Highly recommend saving up for the Oasis package!!
Speaking of perks; the Oasis pass gave festival goers access to a POOL! On site!! While taking a refreshing dip (the first of many) I could easily hear The Used from the Budweiser stage. Didn't miss a second of the rock while keeping cool and staying energized.
Line ups for the washroom in VIP section of Budweiser stage, Amnesia Rockfest 2016: the bathroom line ups were INTENSE!!
Tips & suggestions to future concert goers: Save your pennies and splurge on a VIP package, wear comfortable shoes and sun protection (hat, cool clothes and sunglasses), bring along some cash and a positive attitude and you are GOOD 2 GO.
The beer was reasonably priced and having vendors with trays sell on foot through the crowds was GENIUS.
All staff I ran into at Rockfest this year (crew, security, vendors) were smiling, helpful and seemed like they were genuinely happy to be at a truly awesome happening.
Even the highways and roads to and from the Chateau and through Montebello were fairly "easy breezy".
Obligatory late night poutine from Frite Maison, Amnesia Rockfest 2016
NOFX on the Budweiser stage during Amnesia Rockfest 2016 - they were my favorite performers!! I also took the pontoon with Fat Mike!
Amnesia Rockfest, I don't know how you did it (Better planning? Consultation? Valuing the public's input? Extreme hard work and determination!?) - but you DID IT! This festival has significantly levelled up in my opinion. Years ago when I had experienced the "mess in Montebello", I swore I'd never EVER be back. Well, the rumors had me wondering if it COULD ever improve and curiosity (plus a solid line up) had me saying "Yes. Let's do this!" I am so so SO glad I took a chance and went. I'm already trying to plan ahead for next year - looks like the Chateau Montebello is already booked through til 2019... Now I truly understand why.
This year's lineup was my high school soundtrack; NOFX (killed it. My fave performance of the day) Sum 41, Against Me!, Billy Talent, the Used, Turbonegro and blink-182 were just a taste of the bands I watched all in the span of 10h at Rockfest.
Snapchat footage from Friday, June 24th at Amnesia Rockfest