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The County version of the Moto Craft Festival launched at Base31 for the first time last year. It’s back bigger and better this July 24-26. Read all about it inside — along with editorial coverage, the centerspread has the full program of activities across the 3-day weekend. (Photo by Matt Sandlin)
Refinement.
It’s the genius behind the octane that keeps motorcycles purring.
It’s also what Moto Craft’s organizers are promising for the second iteration of the County version of the international motorcycle festival July 24-26.
Music. Art. Demo rides. Thrill shows. “It’s about creating an experience and it’s going to be even more refined than last year,” Moto Craft’s Alex de Cartier promises.
“The festival is coming together really nicely. Now we are just on the finer points, making connections and getting really excited about it.”
Billed as an unparalleled celebration of motorcycle culture, Moto Craft left Toronto for greener pastures two years ago — and found a natural home at Base31.
The soundtrack of Moto Craft is curated to create multi-layered experiences for every festival goer. The music reflects the diversity of the festival.
This year, the roar of motorcycle engines will be matched by the booming from the Drill Hall. Frontman John Harvey of Monster Truck fame brings The Wild High Friday, July 24. Think heavy, driven, ’70s-inspired Canadian guitar rock.
On Saturday, Montreal’s NOBRO flips the script: the Juno-award-winning, all female quintet bring a high- energy punk show.
Finally, The Jayhawks’ founding member Gary Louris brings his trademark smooth alt-country and country-rock sounds to Moto Craft Sunday for a mid-morning brunch set.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring three feature artists to the Drill Hall this year,” Mr. de Cartier said. “It is a fantastic live music venue and we’ll have a bar, more food options, and more vendors than last year.”
Those who crave big air and in-flight acrobatics will welcome pro-freestyle motocross rider Christian Martinez from the RockBottom Freestyle Motocross Team. He performs huge jumps, gravity-defying tricks, and the kind of riding that brings on the thrills and chills.
While Mr. Martinez is new to Moto Craft, mainstays the Highway Heathens bring the controlled chaos of Canada’s top motorcycle stunt crew back to the County. Expect tire-shredding burnouts, balance tricks, and precision-riding that gets even the slowest of pulses racing.
Mr. Martinez kicks things off Friday evening with a golden-hour performance before the Highway Heathens thrill show takes over. The Wild High closes out the night at the Drill Hall.
Meanwhile, the staples that make Moto Craft unique are bigger and better this year. The off-road TerreMx experience offers two ways to ride: an expanded 1.5 km motocross loop designed for flow, or a trail through the trees. That circuit trades speed for tight lines, changing terrain, and a completely different rhythm. Bring your own bike or check out the Stark Future MX and SX models, or any of the Talaria electric bikes, including the XXX, MX5, and Komodo.
For those who desire a little more pavement in the path, the Canada Rides Adventure Rally returns to the County on the Saturday and Sunday with both mixed-surface and all-paved routes. The popular BMW Motorrad demo rides are also back this year if you’re looking to test drive OEM bikes.
The latest in motorcycle art, film and culture is represented through the festival’s exhibits; a hand-picked lineup of custom builds and rare machines you won’t see anywhere else will be on display.
“The real goal is get visitors there for the entire day and the schedule is curated to reflect that aim. Come, enjoy, stay and there’s something fresh and new happening every hour,” Mr. de Cartier said, adding the event is not just for tourists.
While motorcycle enthusiasts poured in from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and all points in between last summer, the organizer hopes to see strong support from locals, whether they love motorcycles, live music, or unique experiences.
“We want to expand our reach to folks in the County and the larger Quinte area who may or may not be into motorcycles but are really interested in a different cultural experience,” he said.
“This is not just a tourist event, we want to make sure the locals feel just as welcome as the folks who are travelling in for the weekend.”
Kids 12 and under are free. For single day and weekend passes and a full schedule of events and activities, see the centerspread, and visit www.motocraftshow.com.
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