What Pickle?

Wednesday found me back at a location that I had not stepped inside the doors of for 38 years, the Parry Sound Public Library. It was suggested to me from a friend that they have two "Mute Rooms". Glass enclosed quiet rooms that people can use to read, make private phone calls, or in my case, do recordings. It was great. I booked it for the max time of 2 hours and got 40 raw voice recordings done. I've wanted to do this for some time now, and it was no better time to make it happen then doing it for the new direction of the radio station. I'm going to look into these rooms in other locations in the province as well so I can do this on the road.

I hit the road on Thursday headed for Stoney Creek in the incredible heat wave we had. I stopped for a cold drink at 7pm in Vaughan and it was 43 degrees. Just stupid hot. I was lucky though as I was able to stay ahead of the rain storm before hitting my destination. The rain, wind, and incredible light show arrived about 20 minutes after parking the van. It was the first time I had ever seen pink lightening before. The elements of the world never cease to amaze me.

Part of my intended plans for this travel was to attend the Ancaster "Pickle Lovers Event". What a complete waste of time. It was more of a overrated yard sale with vendors selling their handmade trinkets and a handful of food trucks. The only thing that was pickle related was the green coloured signs leading the direction to the parking lot. Not a single vendor was selling anything pickle related, and only 2 food trucks had any pickle related items. My friend waited an hour in line to get the pickle poutine, and only 2 hours in on the first day, they had sold out of their deep fried pickle on a stick. How? How can you be sold out of pickles 2 hours in during an event that this supposed to be based on pickles?? Honestly, I'm sure if I looked around my van, I probably have more pickles in there then you would find anywhere on the fairgrounds. People were pissed and so disappointment. The FB reviews are filled with negative posts and there are people returning today to demand their $5 entrance fee back.

I'm now parked in Brantford until Wednesday morning. A good friend of mine is getting eye surgery on Monday morning and has to go for a check up to make sure all is good on Tuesday. I'm being chauffeur and support system for a couple days. It gives me an excuse to stay idle for a couple days and do some much needed production work for the radio station.

Hope you are all enjoying this incredible weather, but stay safe and hydrated.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Movin', Shakin', & Wraslin'

Just got back to Parry Sound late last night after 5 days on the road in southern Ontario. Lots to see and do. One of the highlights was celebrating not only my 8th year with the company, but Crossfire Wrestling was also celebrating 14 years in business with their event "Bring The Heat XIV". I was first introduced to them in 2017. It was Canada's 150th Anniversary and a big celebration was being held on the main street in Smithville. The Mayor had reached out to me, knowing I was a wrestling fan, and asked if Crossfire could use my shop for their wrestlers as the ring was going to be set up right out front of my shop. 

Of course it was a YES! For any fan, how much more awesome could this be? Well, long story short, it blossomed into a wonderful friend/sponsorship. The first few years my shop became a sponsor and a selling location for tickets. Then I started the radio station and gave them free advertising for their events and pushed promos via my social media. Then 3 years ago, Chris LaPlante (owner of CF) asked me if I ever did camera work as they were short a person for the show that was coming up. So there I was, ringside filming the action. The childhood dream of being ringside and that close to the action finally came true. For 3 years now, I've been ringside, or on the actual ring filming the action, doing back stage interviews and promos, did colour commentary when needed, and actively scouted new talent. It just never gets old. With each event that I go to, it's with the heart and excitement of the 8yr old boy that could only dreaming to be part of the action.

Speaking of excitement, more good news came my way while on the road. After 4 years of applying every 6 months with persistence, RiderRadioRocks.com finally got accepted to be a station on TuneIn. This is so huge. In every means of which you listen to music, you will be able to get the station. There are over 75 million users daily. The exposure and prestige of being part of this organization opens many doors for the station. With the new re-launch of the station, timing couldn't be any better.

The cable for the motorcycle arrived while I was away, so with any luck and God willing, I'll be able to get that put on, get the back tire changed and finally be able to get it on the road. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Suffer No More

GUTTED doesn't even touch the surface of how I'm feeling. Please bare with me if I jump all over this post and it doesn't make sense but rather then trying to collect my thoughts, I'm going to post while the emotions are raw. 

I woke up to the news yesterday that my good friend Doug Ducklow passed away. Looking back, we met in our early years and I can't put my finger on exactly when it was, but it was an immediate connection of the "Doug's". Of course, both being gingers was just the icing on the cake. Life has taken us in many different directions but when time would permit and we could, we would get together for coffee and have a "Doug Summit". 

Some of the greatest and diverse conversations in my life came from coffee and "meeting of great minds". Doug would like to remind me all the time how great it was to be a "Doug". Plagued by many health issues from a child, eventually it lead to him getting a kidney transplant over 10 years ago. During one of my early Cancer Ribbon Tattoo events, he booked his appointment with me and was adamant that there was no one else that he would consider to do this tattoo for him, marking his transplant and paying tribute to his donor. CHCH TV also showed up while he was there and did a cover story of him and his journey.

Through his many struggles, travels and successes, he was always larger then life but so humble in doing so. The battles were hard and he loved even harder. He always took it on the chin and pushed forward. One of his famous quotes was "life's tough...get a frickin helmet!". That battle helmet was worn better then anyone else that I have ever met. 

You will see many posts today across FB with many stories about Doug. He was one of a kind, loved by all that met him, and changed minds and lives along the way. He lived his life his way and was never afraid to tell you his opinion on the matter.

His knowledge and experience in the "van life" was my greatest influence and book of knowledge that I could lean on in living the life that I'm currently doing. He held my hand pretty much most of the way with my build, correcting ideas that I had and encouraging so many others. In the true sense of the word, Doug defined the word "Nomad".

No longer being able to make that one last physical trip to Australia (that was his end goal), I'm sure he has made his journey to see his "Momma", taking her by the hand, and they are both basking in the sunshine on one of the beaches there.

Doug, you were one of a kind, touched the world and people more than anyone I've ever met, and a complete honour to call you my friend. You live in the hearts and minds of all who met you.

I will take great comfort in my journey's knowing you are watching out for me, and "taking the wheel" when needed lol.

For the last time until I see you again, as we always said in parting ways..."I Love You Brother".

MaryLea & Rosie

Tonight's venture took me on the road to Vaughan. I have to be in Brampton for 10am tomorrow so rather than fighting the traffic for over 3 hours early in the morning, I only have an hour from here.

I decided my stop for the night would be the Innisfil Enroute. Spotting another van similar to mine, I decided to pull in close to it. A very chipper lady hops out and introduces herself. This is when I had the privilege of meeting MaryLea and her travel companion Rosie. She is 69 years old, has been traveling since 2021, and has been to all 50 states and all of the provinces. The only one she has not been to is Nunavut as you have to fly in to see it. Michigan is home to her and Rosie, and ironically, she on her way to Magnetawan. Fate has it like 2 ships passing in the night. 

These are the great moments of being on the road and meeting new "van life family". Strangers but hearts full of immediate friendship and stories of the road.

Time to hunker down. Morning comes early heading to Brampton then on to Stoney Creek, and landing in Brantford for the night.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Long Time Coming

To carry on from my previous post on Sunday, the bike is still not done. However, great progress has been made. Apparently, my idea and concept to move the clutch from the foot to the hand was right. However, it was pointed out to me, with the great help and suggestion of my friend Jason, that the clutch latch itself was not pulling itself far enough to disengage the clutch. So after a bunch of reworking the current cable, a decision was made to replace it with the correct cable just to be on the safe side. So that is on order but won't be here until Wednesday. Not going to do me much good as I leave Wednesday morning for the sunny south for at least 5 days. Sunday is the next Crossfire Wrestling Event and I can't wait. This month marks my 8th year with the organization. Fingers crossed, the right cable will arrive and I'll be on the road next week with the bike.

As far back as I can remember, we have only had one radio station in town. Growing up, it was an AM Station called 1340 CFBQ. At some point, it was bought and was changed over to a FM Station called 103.3 CKLP. Again, it ran for many years by a local gentleman but was then sold to a big Radio Corporation and is now Moose 103.3. There is the REZ station that came along in the last few years, but overall, "The Moose" and 103.3 has been the only game in town. Now being here for the last 6 months, and looking forward to planting my feet here, it's time for changes. BIG changes. For those of you who do not know, I have had my own online radio station for the last 4.5 yrs called RiderRadioRocks.com. It was the very first radio station dedicated to the motorcycle enthusiast. With lots of hard work, support, marketing, and doing events, I have won 8 awards including the Canadian Choice Award for the Best Radio Station for both 2024 and 2025. My primary market was Southern Ontario. The way I look at it, why not bring it to the market that I'm living in and give "The Moose" a run for it's money? Competition is healthy in any market or business. Keeps everyone honest and makes you work harder.

So today I launched the new RiderRadioRocks.com. Kind of the same concept, but I don't care what you ride. Motorcycle, boat, recreational vehicle, etc. The new market is Central Ontario. We will be the go to radio station for all that live and visit "God's Country". It's time for the Moose to move over - We're taking the wheel...

There will be lots of new information in the coming weeks through our website and FB page. Be sure to follow along on our journey and enjoy some great music along the way.

I hope the mosquito's aren't as bad as they were last night. I've never seen them like that so far this year. It went from zero to a billion in the span of 5 mins. Usually I get a couple in the van but last night I'm sure I killed at least a couple dozen of them. Maybe this hot spell will finally put them to rest.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Sunday Morning Coming Down

I'm almost there. The bike is finally all put back together after a lot of patience, prayers, and a few swear words. I just have to adjust the clutch cable to get it to work right and I should be on the road. It was just way too hot yesterday to work on it. Besides, my Brother and family held a surprise BBQ birthday party for his mother-in-law which took priority over the the bike. Good times and a great feast was enjoyed by all.

Today starts with my Mom and I attending church. My nephew now tags along as well which is really awesome to see. No pressure, and chooses to do so on his own terms. Then, I'm pretty sure it's off to finish the bike. It's not quite as hot today and would be awesome to finally head out on a ride. I hope you are all having a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Nothing Goes As Planned

It seems to be my luck over the last 6 months, that any ideas I have, or plans, never goes as planned. God gifts me great ideas but decides that I need to learn the long or hard way.

Today's continued frustration was my motorcycle. Rather then boring you with all the details, in summary, I'm changing the clutch from the foot pedal to a hand clutch lever. In principal, and on paper, it looks fairly simple. Take the clutch cable off, disassemble and remove the foot clutch pedal, put the new hand clutch lever on, and attach the clutch cable. Boom. Done.

However:

- I have to borrow or buy tools to do it

- the first clutch lever I ordered didn't arrive

- i had to make my own nipple to fit the lever

- the hole I made to fit the oversized cable wasn't big enough 

- I lost the nipple and had to make another one

- the cable wire won't stay in the nipple I made

So now I've borrowed a soldering iron to solder it in the morning and hope I can guide it in, adjust and finally see if my attempt even works. Bright ideas...lots. Successful solutions...not so many.

On a much brighter note, last night I went again over to Huntsville to watch my nephew play hardball. It's his first year and it's a big learning curve. However, he finally connected with the ball last night for the first time and hit it well over first base. Although the outfield caught it, it was a shining moment celebrated by all. Each game he improves and enjoys it immensely. 

Off to bed. Morning comes early. Gotta get this bike on the road as it's supposed to be a beautiful weekend. It's Poutinefest here this weekend so I'm sure that will take care of the dinner menu for me tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Productivity

 And tonight's view is the inside of a Timmie's in Parry Sound. Laptop running, surrounded by a handful of strangers conversing about the days issues, life's problems, and issues of the world. Myself, earbuds in, going through literally thousands of emails of new songs sent to me for consideration for the radio station. That's one cool thing about having RiderRadioRocks.com, is all the new music I get access to before it goes public. I really need to start doing more of this and adding new content into rotation for my listeners. I've been neglectful the last 6 months with the constant changes and other things I've been focused on in my life.

Speaking of other distractions, I still haven't gotten my motorcycle on the road yet this year. It is the latest I have ever been with a ride and not on the road since having the bike. I made progress today though. I made my way over to Huntsville to pick up a motorcycle lift. It makes working on the bike so much easier for this old fella. Once I change the clutch from the foot to the handle on the shifter, I just need to get the back tire changed and I should be good to go. Of course, it needs some TLC as it's dirty AF but nothing a couple hours of cleaning won't fix. It's really driving me crazy now that the nicer weather is here and seeing everyone else out and about. My time will come. Focus. Focus.

Anyways, just thought I'd check in. I'm really trying my hardest to keep to a daily post at the least. Hope you are enjoying it.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

Here I Sit

So this is what it's like most nights. Sitting in a parking lot (usually at Walmart), after 10pm enjoying the quiet of the night. There's usually a handful of other campers/trailers or people staying in their vehicles spread out across the area. Many people have asked if I'm scared or concerned for my well being. Really. I'm not. As much as we are complete strangers, there is a weird sense of family among us. Some are more friendly then others and strike up small talk when given the opportunity. Others keep to themselves (usually the retired crowd) as the have just made a pitstop for the night.

This has become my most favourite time of the day. The calm before bed. When I get tired, I tuck my stuff away, get changed and cleaned up, and climb into bed. I lay still and thank God for the roof over my head, the clothes on my back the food in my stomach, and the love that surrounds me in my life. It's a deep seeded appreciation for how simple life can be. All the physical items I require in life fit within 50sq ft. Like the important lesson my Brother taught me 5 months ago...it's just stuff.

I wish you all had an opportunity to experience the freedom and peacefulness of what I experience daily. Your 9 to 5 would quickly change to 7am and alive!

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

WELCOME!

For those of you who have already been following me along the way the last 4 months, please humour me as I catch everyone else up that has decided to join along in my journey.

I'm a 51 year old Canadian male who went through a break up after 4 years back in January of 2025. At that point, I needed a set of wheels and a place to live. My boys have grown, and being an entrepreneur of a couple different businesses, I spend much of my time on the road. Because of the economical situation that Canada is in, rent prices are ridiculous and buying a home is almost impossible. My free spirit way of life as most of it has been, lead me to look into alternatives that would fit my lifestyle and afford me a way of life that suits me best.

I originally bought an old RV back in January which turned out to be a lemon and I sold it back to the person I purchased it from. The search continued. Then I bought a Ford E350 short bus. As great as what this was, it was a killer on gas. Sold that. As the learning process proceeded, I found my current ride. A 2008 Ford E150 Van. Sure, a bit smaller and a bit more of a challenge but it is by far, the best fuel economy vehicle I have ever owned. Such a great ride, and the previous owner had already fully insulated it with the idea of doing van life with his wife as well. They camped in it a couple times only to find out that it wasn't really her thing lol. I lucked out and got a good head start in the new trend sweeping across North America...VAN LIFE.

There's been a few issues with the engine which have been worked on and it's now running so smooth. Yes, typical of the year and nature of a van build, there some rust that needs to be attending to, but I'll be doing that before the colder whether comes this fall.

In the meantime, I've been travelling around Ontario, working, acquiring new items for the build, and working on it as I go along. At this point, I'd say the interior is about 80% done. There's no real rush as I want to do it right, rather then over spending and do it wrong. The support has been incredible especially from my Mom, my Brother and his family, and my "Bestie" Connie and husband Chris. None of this would have been possible without them.

I started with posts on my FB account about my ventures, and it was then suggested to me to a video channel so others could follow along as well. So I did dip my toes into a YouTube Channel. To catch you up on things to this point, you can check it out at Way Of The Road Chronicles - YouTube. What I found, is that I'm not really good at posting as often as what I would like to but I've had great success with doing a Blog in the past. It's easier to post on the fly as things happen, and making videos is not always easy to do depending on where I am and what is going on. So I hope this forces me to do it more often, without excuses, and forgetting stuff when I did make my videos.

I hope you enjoy my journey and I really appreciate you following along. You can always drop me a line at:

wayoftheroadchronicles@gmail.com or text me 905-941-4355 and say hello.

Like wise, if you are feeling generous or want to sponsor my adventures, you can send me items that you would like to see me use or try out while on the road and doing my build to:

Way Of The Road Chronicles

c/o Doug Newton

80 James Street, Embro, ON Canada N0J 1J0

I'll be sure to give you a shout out and acknowledge you awesome kindness.

Just remember, tomorrow is another day...

It's the way she goes...