Clare's Events Update during COVID-19

Clare's Events Update during COVID-19 August 25, 2020 

Hey everyone –  Just want to reach out and say all of us at Clare’s have really missed you this summer. Covid-19 struck us all and put the world to a stop.There were many difficult decisions to make with business and event operations, but we had to do it to ensure all of our customers remained safe and healthy.

It was such a time of un-normal (if that’s a word) to get through but with time, Clare’s was allowed to re-open and serve their customers. However, there still are many rules in place to keep everyone safe. Hand sanitizing stations are set up at each of the entry ways, plexi had to be installed around each of the cash tills, customers and staff have to wear a protective face covering before entering the dealership, social distancing measures are put in place and lots of cleaning is going on. 

A real odd concept for me was that Clare’s had to cancel all their events. I have been coordinating these events for so many years that I thought OMG! What’s going to happen?! All events were cancelled due to Covid 19. I don’t think I’ve ever said anything like that in the entire time I’ve worked at Clare’s. It’s just unheard of. Usually, I’m running around, super busy, inviting customers, booking bands, calling clubs, charities and special guests as well as hosting demo rides and partnering with many other rides and events. We couldn’t participate in any of them!

Normally Clare’s Cycle & Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara participate and host up to 30 events in a season. Clare’s H-D had a winter workshop in January and a chili cook off in February. Once March rolled around, we ran the H-D Engine Performance Workshop.

For Friday the 13th in March we never went to Port Dover. We always go to Port Dover for the traditional Friday the 13th rally. Instead, we stayed in Niagara and hosted a FREE HOTDOGS BBQ at Clare’s H-D - It sure wasn’t the same as riding to Dover with Clare’s Cycle and 97.7 HTZ-FM on the Annual Clare’s Thunder Run to Dover.

March 24th, 2020 would have been Clare’s Spring Open House, but that’s the day COVID 19 took us on lockdown. So there was no season kickoff party. That’s a big day and Clare’s looks so forward to it. It’s a great event for everyone to get together after a long winter. All the new bikes were displayed and the new parts, accessories and merchandise were ready to be seen. There were no hugs, no sales, no donuts or coffee. Just a big ol’ Closed sign. It was a very unsettling  time.

April is the month where the poker runs and charity rides start happening. The Welland County MC hosts the 1st ride of the season with the Poki Barbi Dan – and unfortunately, Clare’s couldn’t participate in that ride. The Barbi Poki Dan was also cancelled because of Covid 19.

Clare’s Harley-Davidson and St. Catharines Coffee News host a Speed Networking Event in April. This is an event that allows you to connect with other businesses. It’s a fast-paced networking event which allows participants to interact in a series of brief 1-2-1 sit-down chats. It is a great way to let others know who you are and what. But... We had to cancel this one too because of Covid 19.

Once May rolled around Clare’s was permitted to run the business again, but not for in store shopping. We had to do everything with email pre-order, pre-pay and curbside pick up.

The 1st Saturday in May is always scheduled for the International Female Ride Day but even that ride was postponed until August. Clare’s did not participate this year, which was totally odd, seeing we have been participating since 2007. Things just aren’t the same or 2020.

Clare’s Cycle and Sports hosts Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and KTM demo rides and BBQ each May and... like the rest of the events, we had to cancel them. There were no demo rides of any brand in May 2020 for Clare’s Cycle or Clare’s HD of Niagara.  Harley-Davidson

On the last Saturday of May Clare’s Cycle and Clare’s HD sponsor the Welland County Speedway Motorcycle races, but this year we weren’t there. Nobody was there! The track sat empty with no cheering crowds or excited fans. No food booth, no fresh cut fries and no motorcycle racers or races. It’s been so different. These are events we all love going to and participating in. Let’s hope we can get them all back for next season.

In May we also missed Deseriee’s Ride,  BRO’s Cover the Kids Ride and the Fort Erie Swap Meet.  

All great events and rides with great purpose. Every ride and event out there is going to a good cause. I truly hope these charities and support groups didn’t lose out.

Niagara Hog Poker Run was suppose to be on Saturday June 6th, Baccus Ride for Fathers Day was re-scheduled and Clare's missed the  Guardians of the Children ride. I’m starting to sound like poor Eeore from Winnie the Pooh.

 

June, July and August are big event months at Clare’s HD. This is when Clare’s Bike Nights Start. Clare’s Bike
Nights are Niagara’s Longest Running Bike Night. They run from the first Thursday in June til the last Thursday in August. 13 weeks of events. They’ve been running faithfully since 2002. Bike nights were postponed for June and by the time July rolled around, Clare’s decided to cancel until further notice. All the bands were scheduled to play, the guest riding clubs were invited, the food trucks were on standby but... like the rest of the season – we didn’t do them. Everyone had to be notified that the event was cancelled for 2020. We may of had some rain-outs over the years but never a completely cancelled season. 

Some July and August events that Clare’s wasn’t at this year due to Covid cancellations were LCMC Show and Shine, R.O.C.K. Ride, the Lymphoma Ride and Ride For Dad

This week August 27th we would be wrapping up bike nights for the season. Can you believe the summer went by so fast. Covid 19 may have closed down the world for the time being, but to me it sped up the clock. Even without all these events, the time flew by so fast. We really missed seeing everyone, hugging everyone, singing with the bands, eating at the food trucks, playing games and giving away prizes. We really did. We hope we can all connect again soon and continue to support each other and all the special causes we care about. We're open,  so come by Clare’s and see us. Let us know your still all out there. It would be great to see you!!

Happy Riding & Safe Travels!
From the promo desk at Clare's Cycle & Sports and Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara.
Lisa Taché