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Blackfoot Motosports - Class of 2024

Vada — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:37:17 +0000

Blackfoot Motosports - Class of 2024 Vada Sun, 03/23/2025 - 12:37

They lived, ate and breathed motorcycles

The Blackfoot, a powerful indigenous tribe of the Piegan, Blood and Siksika bands, embody resilience and unity. Their name lives on in Calgary, carved into its core with Blackfoot Trail – the lasting symbol of strength and legacy.

In 1970, Bruce Cameron and the original owner established Blackfoot Motorcycle Ltd. as a Honda dealership, inspired by the competitive spirit of the Blackfoot, on Blackfoot Trail and 42^nd Avenue SE in Calgary. Mere blocks away, Blackfoot Motorcycle Park boasted 88 acres of riding trails and motocross tracks, captivating racers and off-road enthusiasts from across Western Canada.

Between 1988 and 1991, a powerful new partnership was forged: President Douglas MacRae, Vice President Jason Mitchell and Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Chambers – a partnership that continues to this day. These men, all in their 30s, were driven by a deep passion for motorcycles and the powersports industry. Having competed in various racing forms and riding and touring whenever possible, they didn’t just work in the business – they lived, ate and breathed it.

They forged a mission statement that fueled their success for over 50 years, anchored in genuine customer care and service, driven by a team of passionate, expert motorcycle enthusiasts in every role.

Blackfoot Motorcycle, with its iconic, “Wheel and Feather Logo,” quickly became synonymous with motorcycle enthusiasts. Not only was it a top-performing store, but it also dominated the racing scene, competitive with the best. Blackfoot recognized the vital need to strengthen grassroots programmes, fueling support at both the National and local levels.

From humble beginnings and attention to every detail as well as top riders on the podium in all disciplines, Blackfoot continued to grow.

With a total of just under 4 acres of land, 45,000 square feet of retail space with adequate customer and staff parking, over 250 units on display and a selection of over a million dollars of parts and accessories, Blackfoot Motosports was the Premiere Powersports Dealership in Canada.

Blackfoot Motosports’ presence was everywhere – on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, the Ring of Fire at Calgary Flames games and on the radio and in the Calgary Sun & Herald.

It truly was a magical era for Blackfoot Motosports for racing and sales and marketing success that will probably never be repeated. The mantra of winning on Sunday and selling on Monday could never have been truer.

In 2012, in response to global financial instability, the partnership pivoted from volume sales to focusing on customer service and retention. This decision resulted in the decision to discontinue snow-mobiles, watercraft and power equipment product lines and focus on mainly motorcycles and related parts, accessories and service.

This shift in business proved crucial in elevating the dealership’s reputation for exceptional service from 2011 onward, as they completely renovated and rebuilt Blackfoot Certified Service. They also played an integral role in establishing the Alberta Mini Road Racing Association (AMRA). Blackfoot continued to partner with Yamaha and Southern Alberta’s Institute of Technology (SAIT) to build a street riding training centre and school.

Additionally, they developed an off-road training centre, launched Kawasaki’s Off-Road Learn to Ride programme and implemented a BFR grassroots racing and riding support team with over 150 members at Wild Rose Motorcycle Park.

This decision also fueled the growth of Blackfootonline.com an e-commerce online store with customers nationwide turning to the brand for their parts and accessory needs. The partnership travelled globally, attending key shows in Italy, Germany and the US to secure exclusive, high-quality products that met the evolving needs of their many loyal customers.

In addition, the Blackfoot accessory team designed, tested and developed the proprietary Octane branded street apparel brand that they had manufactured in Europe, providing industry-leading adventure and touring riding gear and apparel to motorcycle enthusiasts nation-wide.

Recognizing the challenge of providing 5-star service to customers while offering the manufacturers broad product range, the partnership made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on motorcycles – and returned to their roots and the passion that fueled their success from an early age – motorcycles.

Though the original 3 partners sold the parent company and retired in February of 2023, the Blackfoot partnership legacy continues through BFD Moto, led by partner, Dean Thompson. They are an authorized full line Husqvarna and Gas Gas motorcycle & Ebike dealership, WP Suspension Service Centre and continue to represent the heritage of the Blackfoot brand.

Reflecting on their careers dating back to the mid-1970s, Douglas MacRae, Jason Mitchell and Patrick Chambers are always ready to reminisce about the pivotal role they played in shaping and driving the powersports industry in Canada over the last 50 years.

Above all, they take the most pride in the enduring partnership they’ve built over the years, fostering lasting friendships and relationships with loyal staff, OEM representatives, aftermarket distributors and the incredible racers who helped shape the Blackfoot Motorcycle, Motosports and Racing Dynasty from 1970 to 2023.

After more than 50 years of relentless dedication to selling, servicing and racing, they are deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in making this extraordinary legacy possible.

Wheel and Feather Forever!!!

Al Perrett - Class of 2018

Vada — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:33:21 +0000

Al Perrett - Class of 2018 Vada Fri, 01/25/2019 - 13:33

From the day that Al was offered a ride on a 250 BSA, he was hooked

From the day that someone offered Al Perrett a ride on a 250 BSA, he was hooked. He was only 14 but thought that motorcycles were awesome. Motorcycles however, would have to wait as his love of skiing got in the way. He competed from the age of 16 until he was 22, even trying out for the Olympics in 1961.

Al tried working at various jobs but was not enthused and his brother suggested he go into the motorcycle business. In 1966, he borrowed $4000 from the bank, bought five little Suzukis and opened a small shop in Richmond. It didn’t take long before he moved to larger quarters selling Yamahas. Money was tight but Al bought out Tyne Side Repairs, a long-time established dealership. This purchase saved his bacon as he had truck loads of parts for sale and was soon able to pay off the bank as well as Deeleys for the Yamahas. He was even able to move to a larger location.

Al purchased a Montessa and started motocross racing at Totem Raceway in Aldergrove. MX was OK but Al’s preference was cross country and he raced the Ashcroft cross country event numerous times, coming close but never winning.

In 1972, Al sold his Yamaha shop and moved to Kamloops starting Kamloops Honda. Now he was able to compete more and won his first cross country race.

Dan Amor talked Al into going to the Six Days Trials in Italy in 1974. All he had was an XL350 which he put aluminum bars on, Koni shocks and a Snuff-or-not muffler. He made it to day 5 but crashed, landing in the hospital for a couple of days. Al thought this was such a great event that he continued to race the ISDT over the next decade. At the Isle of Man in 1975, he earned a Bronze medal and a Silver in Austria in 1975. He entered the 1977 Czech event and the 1980 one in France but broke down both times and did not finish. Day 5 must have been his unlucky number as his DNF’s and crash all happened on that day.

Al was so impressed with the ISDT events that he organized two-day qualifier events in Kamloops and encouraged a lot of the local riders to go to the 6 days. He also did a lot of trail work with many dedicated riders and organized many races over the years.

In 1973 and 1975, Al was offered a Harley-Davidson franchise and turned it down. In 1977, Don James made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – 6 prepaid Harleys, no interest, pay when you sell them and ship them back collect if it doesn’t work out. This was one of Al’s best business decisions.

In 1986, a disastrous fire destroyed the business. Robyn Muglich, a longtime employee and Shirley Perrett worked tirelessly with Al without pay, to salvage as much as they could. Things worked out and the business slowly grew and thrived again.

Kamloops Harley-Davidson was the sponsor for the Harley Owners Group from 1988 to 2016. This chapter raised $850,000 for Muscular Dystrophy. Their poker runs have been amazing with one event raffling off ten Harleys. Over the years, the dealership donated many gifts as well as cash to local charities. These donations as well as the HOG events helped to support and benefit the community.

In 1990, Al rode his first Baja 1000 and finished! He was hooked! He has competed in 17 Baja races with different team mates over the years winning class 50 and 60 numerous times. His last race was in 2012. Al grew to love the Baja and eventually bought some property and built a small house there where he spends his winters.

In 2003, Al wanted to start a small ride for close friends and family at Sun Peaks. It is called “Round the Peaks” and has been an annual event ever since.

Many riders have been inspired and encouraged by Al over the years which he didn’t realize until lately when people started to express this to him.

Al is very proud that he survived 50 years in the motorcycle business through some very tough times. According to Malcolm Hunter, “His customer service is legendary and has been the cornerstone of his success from the start.” The business grew from 2-4 people and had 28 employees when he sold to Barnes Harley-Davidson in 2016.

Al is grateful he could follow his passion for motorcycles as a career.