“Moment of Thunder Tribute” to Roar at Daytona Bike Week Honoring Fallen Military Brothers and Sisters

The biker community to show appreciation for those lost fighting for freedom.

(Daytona Beach, Fl.) – March 1, 2010 – Bikers, Veterans, friends and family will gather on Saturday, March 6th at 3:30pm at the Broken Spoke Saloon, 1151 North US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach, Florida during Daytona Bike Week to launch the Moment of Thunder Tribute, a one of a kind experience to honor military brothers and sisters who have fallen in the name of freedom.

“As a largely symbolic and emotional statement, Moment of Thunder Tribute will be a roaring spectacle like none other, when participants fire-up their bikes and rev their engines in unison for the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” says Peter Robertson, co-organizer of the event. “It will be a record-breaking event that will bring together thousands in a spirit of community and remembrance.”

The event, which has inspired national attention, comes at a time when more family and friends are looking to express a sense of gratitude and loss.

Moment of Thunder Tribute was inspired by a similar event held in September 2009 to honor Brad “The Wrench” Ruel, a celebrity bike builder and owner of The Wrench custom bike shop who died in 2009. Many also turned out to remember loved ones and find closure, creating a huge emotional impact that continues in 2010 to honor all who have died through personal sacrifice.

“There’s a recurring theme here with Moment of Thunder,” says Kevin Sirotek of Orphan. “More people are coming forward to join us in this important event.”

“We are Moms and Dads, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors, relatives who all share a common experience. Moment of Thunder gives us the opportunity to find that sense of unity and closure,” says Karen Ruel of The Wrench, wife of the late Brad Ruel.

The 2009 event created an enormous stir at the Wharf Rat Rally in Nova Scotia, and was considered the highlight of the show, with participation by attendees and exhibitors being much larger than what promoters had expected. Turnout was so large that the event was reported as one of the most memorable experiential moments to be staged outside of a large-scale corporate event, with wide-scale press coverage from local radio, TV, newspaper, and magazines, and tremendous buzz generated through social media outlets including Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube.

The Tribute was developed and is sponsored by Orphan, who is building the premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, builders and manufacturers, offering exclusive content and access for enthusiasts and enabling the industry’s top talent to spotlight their work. A Moment of Thunder Tribute bike is currently under development, which will be unveiled in the next few months as part of a collaboration with Orphan and The Wrench.

For more information, contact Dylan Moller of Orphan at 866-550-2511.

About Orphan
Orphan is building the premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, builders and manufacturers. They will offer exclusive access to original programming that goes behind the scenes at builds, rallies and industry-specific events, enabling the industry’s top talent to spotlight their work while interacting with the expanded motorcycle community. If you build, ride or just love the noise, Orphan is the ultimate destination for you. Orphan is a subsidiary of Illinois Auto Electric (IAE), founded in 1915 with its roots in the automotive industry. IAE has become one of America’s largest independent sales and service facilities of outdoor power, transportation and industrial equipment. With the continuity of dedicated family leadership, IAE has provided all of its customers with high quality products and services for nearly 100 years.
http://www.theorphan.com/

About The Wrench
The Wrench Custom Bike Shop is both moniker and persona of owner Brad “The Wrench” Ruel, who passed away on July 14, 2009. The Wrench is a destination known for its passion for custom built bikes and frames, with a national reputation for excellence in design and quality builds spanning over 15 years.
www.thewrenchonline.com.

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Digby hosted the fourth annual 2009 Wharf Rat Rally once again this year and the rumble of motorcycles could be heard a long way off. Those who attended from all over the Maritimes had positive comments and enjoyed the weekend. Comments made about the event were: awsome, spectacular, good family event, good hospitality and many are booked to come back next year.

We heard that Privateers Sou’West representative Gary Dixon said he has chased rallies from Daytona Beach to New York’s Americade to Laconia and never experienced anything better than Digby’s Wharf Rat Rally. Wharf Rat Chairman and co-founder, Peter Robinson, said the weekend was fantastic with thousands more people and bike attending this year.

By mid- morning, Montague Row and Water Street was reduced to one lane of bike traffic as bikes lined both sides of the streets as well as he middle. Bikes were parked from Needs Conveninece down through to the end of Birch Street. Those traveling into town by car found parking places along the side streets. Traffic out of the downtown area was at a snail’s paceas both bikes and other vehicles attempted to make their way to the various events throughout town.

Saturday’s events included such activities as a biker’s breakfast, at the Digby Wesleyan Church, bike demo rides, Highland Games, Street Punishment and Motocross stunt shows as well as a “Moment of Thunder” tribute to celeberty bike builder Brad Ruel who passed away five weeks ago.

Vendors displayed their wares along the waterfront, in the marina parking area and beyond while music from various bands kept the crowds entertained at the marina.

Click here to view the article and photos from the Digby Area Tourism Association.

It is with sadness that I report that Custom Builder Brad Ruel has died yesterday of a heart attack. His shop “The Wrench” in Sarasota, Florida has been around since 1995 and Brad has been building radical custom bikes since 2000.

He became a familiar name in the industry through his custom work and custom parts. He was also one of my clients. Brad was one of the most approachable builders, just happy that people enjoy his creations. He was 43. My condolences to his family and friends.

Click here to view post and comments about the legendary designer ‘The Wrench’ from Cyril Huze’s Blog.

The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby NS has done it again!
Huge crowds, streets and exits jammed and the people there are happy for it.
They are loving the tourism dollars that are flowing.

Try what they are doing here in Alberta and you’ll get shut down so fast it will make your head swim! I did and it got me NO WHERE and fast.

Although the organizers faced a few hiccups along the way they are successful because they have the whole town and region working with them.

This is what happen when community works together – sweet success…
Congratulations Digby! You have done it again!

If you have a moment, I’d love your feedback on some additions to our web site.
Log in at www.beltdrivebetty.com tell me what you think…I’d love to know.

If you are riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, stay hydrated, ensure your motorcycle is in good repair and please use respect with that throttle hand!

Click here to see article and video from Belt Drive Betty’s Blog of The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby NS.

A festive spirit prevailed as Digby continued to play host to the thousands of bikes, bikers and the steady stream of sightseers all day Saturday.

By mid-morning, Montague Row and Water Street was reduced to one lane of bike traffic as bikes lined both sides of the streets as well as the middle.

Bikes were parked from Needs Convenience down through to the end of Birch Street while tse traveling into Digby by car found parking places along the side streets of town.

Traffic out of the downtown area was at a snail’s pace as both bikes and other vehicles attempted to make their way to the various events throughout the town.

Saturday’s events included such activities as a biker’s breakfast at the Digby Wesleyan Church, bike demo rides, Highland Games, Street Punishment and Motocross stunt shows as well as a ‘Moment of Thunder’ tribute to celebrity bike builder Brad Ruel who passed away five weeks ago.

Vendors displayed their wares along the waterfront, in the marina parking area and beyond while music from various bands kept the crowds entertained down at the marina.

Click here to view the article and photos from The Digby County Courier.

What started off five years ago as a small event with 750 motorcycles has transformed into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in Atlantic Canada.

Organizers say 17,000 motorcycles and more than 50,000 people are expected at this year’s Wharf Rat Rally that began Wednesday and runs through to Monday, Labour Day.

Adults and children alike will be able to enjoy burnouts, Jet Ski stunt shows, motocross shows, and more.

“There is a kids’ bicycle show-and-shine, plus a rodeo,” said rally executive director Peter Robertson.

He feels the event draws large crowds because of celebrities who take part and everything is free to enjoy.

There will be a memorial for the late Brad Ruel, a well-known bike builder from Florida, Robertson added. Ruel attended the rally last year as a celebrity bike builder.

A number of bike builders from Florida will make the trip up for this year’s event.

The Jet-Ski stunt show takes place throughout the weekend, and freestyle motocross expert Paul Smith returns this year and will include flips in his show.

“He came second in Canada at the super-cross show in Toronto,” said Robertson.

Also making a guest appearance is Dan Haggarty, who portrayed Grizzly Adams in the TV series, and Alain Touring, the 2008 Canadian bike building champion.

Robertson is hoping the local community will show its their by coming to the event.

The Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association works with a budget of $500,000 and usually breaks even each year, said Robertson. He adds that the town has benefitted by approximately $3 million in revenue over the past four rallies.

Schools in Digby are closed today, Sept. 4, because of crowds in town.

Click here to view the article and photos from The Digby County Courier.

Five years ago the Digby, Nova Scotia Wharf Rat Rally was just a small event with about 750 motorcycles. Today it is the largest motorcycle rally in Atlantic Canada.

This year’s rally held September 2 to 7, attracted 17,000 motorcycles and over 80,000 people, organizers say. Local radio news is reporting that last year’s event drew approximately 60,000 people.

This year, enthusiasts were able to enjoy burnouts, Jet Ski stunt shows, motocross shows as well as a kids’ bicycle show-and-shine, plus a rodeo reported the Digby County Courier.

This year the rally was dedicated to Brad Ruel aka ‘The Wrench’, a celebrity bike-builder from Florida who passed away earlier this year.

“He was one of the greatest bike builders/designers who garnered respect as an innovator and just an all around nice guy,” says the Wharf Rat Rally website.

Centreville, Nova Scotia bike builder Randy Perry and his bike ‘KLaR’ attended the rally this year and said he had a “great time.” He likes to build custom bikes with a theme. ‘KLaR’ features an actual horse saddle as a seat.
He said, “KLaR had many admirers,” and added, “If someone would like a Palomino or a Zebra, I can do it for them.”

Click here to view article and photos from the Digital Journal.

Use this blog to share memories about Brad and his unique insight on the world of Motorcycles and Choppers.  Also share your ideas about his designs, stories, and encounters you had with Brad.

Let Your Engines Roar!

Industry Celebrity Bike Builder’s Life to be Honored with the Brad Ruel “Moment of Thunder” Tribute

…Brad “The Wrench”  Ruel, to receive dedication at the 2009 Wharf Rat Rally…

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada…The 2009 Wharf Rat Rally will pay tribute to industry leader Brad “The Wrench” Ruel in the Brad Ruel “Moment of Thunder” Tribute on Saturday September 5^th at 12 p.m. The rally is Atlantic Canada’s largest motorcycle rally and will be dedicated to Ruel. In the “Moment of Thunder” all attendees will be asked to fire up their bikes and rev their engines in remembrance of the respected bike builder’s life, which was taken suddenly at the age of 43 on July 14, 2009.  With over 60,000 attendees and 17,000 bikes this is set to be a roaring spectacle like none experienced before.

“Brad was one of the greatest bike builders/designers in the motorcycle industry. His passion for bikes was unyielding and he loved to share his enthusiasm with people of all ages,” said Peter Robertson, Head of Promotions for the Wharf Rat Rally. “He has undoubtedly garnered respect as an innovator and we are honored to pay tribute to Brad by dedicating the rally to him and hosting the Brad Ruel “Moment of Thunder” Tribute.

Ruel, commonly known as “The Wrench”, has a robust roster of accomplishments including being a three time Easyrider National Champion, a Rat’s Hole National Champion, and was named “Most Popular Builder” on Metric Revolution’s Bike Build Off television series. His popularity extended further into television media as he was on multiple episodes of shows including Two Guy’s Garage, American Thunder and Born to Ride. Ruel was additionally featured as a bike builder of Broken Spoke films and the movie Chopper World. In the literary world, the master bike builder was chronicled in over 60 magazines nationally and internationally and was also featured in the books Anatomy of the Chopper and The History of Choppers.

“He had a driving ambition and a fearlessness that was second to none. Brad didn’t just desire to be a winner, he was a winner. He never once contemplated the possibility of losing – it simply was not a consideration. And to that end, he developed a work ethic and a set of morals that shall serve as a standard for all who came to know him,” said Karen Ruel, Brad’s beloved wife.

For more information on the Brad Ruel “Moment of Thunder” Tribute or to learn more about Brad “The Wrench” Ruel, visit www.momentofthunder.com.