Before the play we were about town having dinner when I stumbled upon Perth County Moto. Jeff O'Neill, the co-owner, was in there and we had a nice chat about vintage German police leathers and my Triumph Tiger.
Looking over PCM's website, Jeff and his wife Lindsay seem to be focused on a side of motorcycling that you don't often see: vintage and DIY. Everything motorcycle related near me is pretty much a box store or dealer (which is like a box store but with higher prices). Looking into PCM's approach makes me wish I lived closer to Stratford. The Englander in me finds himself a stranger in a strange land when it comes to DIY; it's not generally a North American mindset.
There is a younger side to motorcycling culture that embraces DIY and gets excited about customizing older machines. Some turn their noses up at this new approach and call it hipster, but I dig it. Perth County Moto seems to be all in on the custom DIY scene. They even have a custom build going on on their blog and look like they support spannering nights.
PCM has a variety of Biltwell new gear, Bell Helmets and some other less common manufacturers for sale. I tried on Biltwell gloves but wasn't thrilled with the feel, but they're a pretty budget item and I'm getting pickier with gloves (Speed & Strength aren't cheap, but that's the new standard). I wish I'd had more time to look around, but I was on a dinner and show schedule.One thing that did stand out was the used leathers on a rack at the back. The green German Police leathers immediately jumped out at me, but alas, they were designed for a very small German police officer.
If you're looking for out of the ordinary gear, Perth County Moto is worth a stop. In my brief time in there I managed to find a nice Triumph patch (they have a big selection of classic badges along with a pile of sticker options). I'm sure I'd have bought something else had I the time. Fortunately, we're back in Stratford for shows several more times this summer.
How best to get out to Perth County Moto? Well, load up for a lovely ride through Southern Ontario countryside, get into Stratford early and have a look around PCM, then go out for dinner at one of the many nice pubs or eateries within walking distance. Once you park up downtown, it's all easily walkable. I'd also suggest having a look at the Black Swan Brewery (they make a wonderful English Pale Ale) before you catch a show and then ride back home under the Milky Way while working in some funky new gear. Perth County Moto gives any motorcyclist a reason to ride out to Stratford this summer.
