Drumheller is known for many things, but one that is undeniable is that the scenery, the roads and the services for motorcyclists are irresistible.
    From weekend warriors to charity rallies and club get togethers, hardly a summer weekend goes by that the rumble of v-twin isn’t heard on the road in the valley.
    Could Drumheller be Canada’s most “Rider Friendly Community?”
    Nominations are open for the  2016, Canada’s Most Rider Friendly Community contest, sponsored by Community Futures and the Rider Friendly Business Association.
    Linda Buchamer of Top Rocker is a member of the Rider Friendly Business Association and believes that Drumheller could easily be considered for the contest.
    “We are known as a rider friendly community, so why wouldn’t we promote ourselves like that?” she asks.
    “We have really nice scenic routes, we are within an hour and half of a lot of major centres so it’s a nice day destination,” said Buchamer. “We have the river, we have the valley, we have winding roads, we have Badlands, and we have a lot to see. And there is the attractions that you can see along the way.”
    She says Top Rocker as a business focuses on visiting riders.
     “We are a destination, and that is our sole focus, but there are lots of businesses in town that are rider friendly, even if they are not rider specific,” she said.
    This year they hosted a rally on April 30 (in support of Brandon Hall), which attracted 165 bikes and 300 riders. They also hosted the International Female Ride Day on May 17 and had 110 participants. They also hosted the spring and fall Cannonball Run Rallies which brought in between 200 and 400 riders at each event.
    The Last Chance Saloon and the Rosedeer Hotel has almost become a pilgrimage for motorcyclists.  Paula Sutherland says there are plans to submit a nomination. This summer, along with the locally organized Motorcycle Madness, they have had visits from a number of groups.
    “The Drumheller Valley, anything I hear from riders, it is not only scenic, but there is enough to offer riders, with some of the local vendors,” she said.
    To submit a nomination, go to Riderfriendlycontest.ca. Nominations opened on September 17 and they close on December 31.The winning community will be announced on May 4, 2017.
    This is the second annual contest. Last year Two Hills, Alberta was the winner.

    This week is Fire Prevention Week, a time for the community to show support for the men and women who risk their lives for the safety of our community.
    The annual event, this year runs from October 9-15. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait Check the Date!”  This is to remind Albertans to replace their smoke alarms every 10 years.
    “Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Quite simply, because smoke alarms are your best tool for safety in your home but they are taken for granted,” said acting Fire Commissioner Spence Sample. “Research shows us that a properly installed and working smoke alarm can cut the chances of dying in a fire in half.  Yet we know that too many homes in Alberta do not have this life-saving device and in too many homes they have been disabled.”
    To mark Fire Prevention Week, Firefighters in the area will be promoting their message of safety. last Sunday, October 9, the Munson Fire Department hosted its annual breakfast at the new Munson Hall and saw about 190 come through for the event.
    The Drumheller Fire Department, comprised of halls in central Drumheller as well as Rosedale and East Coulee, are hosting an open house this Saturday, October 15, at the Drumheller Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This annual barbecue is done in concert with Emergency services.