From behind the iron gates under the letters “Falcon Ridge,” in the town of Whitby, Ontario, two large German Shepherds approach, snarling, barking, and bearing their teeth. They appear to be more than adequate to protect the 200-plus rare motorcycles that repose in various buildings throughout the property. But when their master, Bar Hodgson, turns them back with a silent hand command, then advises them it is alright, they suddenly flash big doggie smiles and become my new best friends.

Born in Toronto in 1938, Hodgson (pictured here) became infatuated with motorcycles in 1953. Like many North American youngsters of his age and era, he was powerfully influenced by the mythical figure of the motorcycle tramp depicted by Marlon Brando in “The Wild One.” Hodgson recalls, “Motorcycles meant freedom and adventure to me. That movie was about living outside the boundaries of the ordinary, and the motorcycle was a vehicle that could take you there.”

Hodgson's first shot at the freewheeling lifestyle of motorcycling fell somewhat short of the glamorous Triumph ridden by Brando. Rather, it was a used Corgi scooter for which he paid $15.00. To make matters worse, his father vociferously disapproved and ordered him to return the bike. The Corgi's prior owner refused to return Hodgson's money, but offered to take back the scooter in trade for a rifle. Left with little choice, Hodgson dragged the rifle home, only to upset his father even more. As a result, the original transaction was let stand, and young Hodgson was allowed to keep the Corgi. From this humble beginning he stepped up to a 1939 BSA single, then a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird, which he bought from George Chuvalo, the Canadian heavyweight boxing champion who once went 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali. Hodgson had arrived, since this Triumph was not so different from Brando's bike in the movie that started it all.

Hodgson began drag racing and speed tuning, and opened a business building custom motorcycles, drawing his influences from the California custom cars and motorcycles depicted in magazines of the period. In December, 1972 he received a Kawasaki franchise and opened Superbike Center in Scarboro. He recalls, “Yvon DuHamel was making a big name for himself racing a Bob Hansen tuned Kawasaki triple in the AMA Formula 750 series and in Canada under the sponsorship of F. Manley Corporation, the Canadian national Kawasaki distributor, and he came to the grand opening as our celebrity guest.”

In 1976, Hodgson bought the Toronto Motorcycle Flea Market and moved it indoors, into the Toronto International Center. Hodgson says, “I did it because motorcycle dealers were not allowed to exhibit in the Cycle Canada Show. I thought that was wrong and short sighted. I decided to do a better job, and I created my own show that catered to retailers like myself.” Hodgson's vision of how to structure a motorcycle show proved correct, because it eventually took him away from retailing into fulltime show promotion. Today, presented by Bar Hodgson Productions, the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is now in its 30th year, and has become the benchmark for Canadian motorcycle expositions. Hodgson explains his success: “It better fits my personality than the day-to-day of retailing. I am a good project guy, and I like to work on a complex operation and see it come together in a spectacular production that fulfills the needs of many exhibitors.”

Through the SUPERSHOW, Hodgson established his name as an outstanding organizer and promoter. As a result, individuals in the Canadian motorcycle industry approached him in the mid-1990s with encouragement to take charge of motorcycle racing activities at Mosport Park. At that facility, Bar Hodgson Productions promoted the Mosport round of the Canadian National Superbike Championship and managed 20 track days per year for six years. During this period, Hodgson started his own belated road racing career when he began competing in vintage classes.

With success at hand as a race promoter and show organizer, Hodgson began to invest in collectible motorcycles, and today the complexity of his operation is evident in the busy offices that blend seamlessly into an array of rare vintage machines that fill every spare corner of a large building on his gated property. Hodgson's desk practically disappears behind a vintage Whizzer and an exquisitely restored Victoria Bergmeister. His wife Hedy answers inquires and processes show applications while surrounded by NSUs and Nortons. A staff member stuffs promotional mailers within reach of a 350cc works Velocette that is one of only four built to win the 1949 and 1950 world championships. Beyond the doors that separate his office from his shop are rows and rows of stunning motorcycles, many of which are highly pedigreed racing machines. In the lofts above are memorabilia and a resource library that will rival any in North America.

Yet, this extensive collection is not just one man's self-indulgence, hidden behind iron gates. Rather, it has become a strategic component of Bar Hodgson Productions. Dubbed the “SUPERSHOW Collection,” the bikes provide a mobile museum which is a key attraction at the SUPERSHOW, and are moved throughout Canada to promote Hodgson's interests. To this end, Hodgson created in 1998 a non-profit foundation through which the collection and mobile museum are managed. Hodgson says, “I don't know when we will have a bricks-and-mortar facility open to the public. In the mean time, it is very satisfying to be able to take segments of the collection to different venues, wherever they are needed and will be appreciated.”

Hodgson's keen interest in motorcycle history embodies a desire to see great Canadians receive their due for outstanding contributions to the sport. In fact, during our visit, 1981 Canadian Superbike Champion Lang Hindle (pictured right) drops by. He reminisces about his bike and personal riding gear, which are part of Hodgson's collection, and the two men begin to outline Hodgson's latest project, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Hindle explains, “Motorcyclists have been recognized in the Canadian Motor Sports Hall of Fame, and we are appreciative of that recognition, but that institution has not been able to really focus on motorcycling to the extent it deserves.” Consequently, the newly created Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame will host its first Gala Banquet and induction ceremony in May, 2006. The event has broad and enthusiastic support, since the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, representing clubs and federations throughout the large nation, has already signed on as its major sponsor.

At 67, Bar Hodgson shows no sign of slowing down in his quest to promote motorcycling in Canada, honor its history, and achieve the recognition that he believes its champions and industry leaders deserve. For more information about the 30th Annual North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, scheduled for January 6 through 8, 2006, click here.

SUPERSHOW is a registered trademark of Bar Hodgson productions.

By Motohistory author Ed Youngblood, article reprinted with permission from http://www.motohistory.net 11/14/2005

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