It's already a popular program on Rogers cable and now the TV show, In Search of the Ultimate Two Wheel Classic, will be seen on REV TV Canada's Motorsports & Automotive Destination 24/7.
REV TV announced a 10-part series of the show will air every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., with the first episode already shown on June 27.
The series is produced by Alliston resident, Alan Masters, who is also the host, and Don Coulombe.
The show features classic motorcycles that Masters and Coulombe have found at various places in the region.
The program was a web-based show produced by the two men before being picked up by Rogers. The move to REV TV means it will be available nationally with an option to be shown in other countries.
During the show, Masters speaks to the motorcycle owners about their classic two-wheel rides and gets some history on the bikes. He also explains the unique history of each motorcycle and takes each one out for a spin himself.
Finding rare and vintage motorcycles isn't all that difficult for Masters. He is well known in riding circles, clubs and organizations, and already knows many of the owners who have vintage bikes hidden away or under wraps in a barn or restored and waiting for their time in the motorcycle spotlight.
Locating vintage rides for the show is a matter of reaching out to friends and acquaintances he knows through his connections to the different groups.
Masters is a member of the Vintage Roadracing Association and the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group.
“Members know people – and they know people,” he explained of locating classic and rare motorcycles. “If I'm in a conversation, people will say they know someone who has something rare.”
The show is popular among both motorcycle enthusiasts as well as others who like to tune in just to enjoy the banter and the guests, and the nice scenery on the rides.
Masters is a life-long motorcycle rider with experience in racing and he has also taught beginners how to ride as an instructor with Humber College's learn-to-ride program.
“I started riding when I was 12,” he explained. “My dad was a speedway rider back in England before he went into the Royal Air Force. I'm one of nine kids and my whole family rode motorcycles. My mother rode motorcycles, my brothers all rode and one sister. I have a son and a daughter who ride and all my grandkids ride.”
The show began as a web-based show around 10 years ago, with a view to getting it on television.
“When I was working in the corporate world, I was developing commercials for my company at the time as part of my marketing position,” Masters explained. “I ran into someone who was developing our commercials for us, and because of my motorcycle background which they knew about, he asked if I wanted to be a host on Go Riding TV with CTV.
"After the show was cancelled, one of the videographers at the time, Don Coulombe, who was a motorcycle enthusiast, asked if I would like to do a motorcycle show with him. We got together and started producing shows. With my history and background he suggested we do something on classic motorcycles.”
For the show, Masters researches the bikes and writes the scripts. Coulombe is the chief videographer, director and editor.
Masters has all sorts of racing in his background including classic motorcycles, and has done motocross and road racing.
He currently rides a high-performance Honda RC 51 sport bike built by Honda Racing that requires a special licence and insurance because of its superior capabilities. It's not the kind of motorcycle an average rider could tame.
He doesn't just talk about classic motorcycles, he lives the lifestyle as well.
Masters is restoring a 1966 G15 Dunstall Matchless that he acquired. It had been sitting in a warehouse for 35 years. He is currently restoring it to its past glory.
The new show on REV TV will bring many of these old motorcycles to viewers.
“In Search of the Ultimate Two Wheel Classic is a perfect series to add to REV TV,” said Mike Garrow, president of the network. “Alan and Don bring such insight and passion with this series that is it is sure to be a hit with our viewers.”
The show also features a 'Behind the Garage Door' segment that sines a spotlight on another two-wheeled masterpiece.
In Search of the Ultimate Two Wheel Classic will be broadcast every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
