History

2020: Seeds of a Riding Community

​

• Longwoods Bike Night established, laying the foundation for a Chatham-Kent area riding group.

• Inaugural group ride held in Thamesville, Ontario. Approximately 20 bikes participated.

​

2021: The First Rally

​

• Second annual ride held, despite COVID-19 restrictions (ride-only event).

• This ride would become the first Longwoods Rally.

• Attendance increases significantly to 70-80 bikes.

• Decision made to donate all proceeds from the Longwoods Rally to the Chatham-Kent Children's Treatment Centre.

​

2022: The Longwoods Rally Takes Shape

​

• Longwoods ride evolves into a full-fledged rally with 20+ vendors, road closures, and a downtown bike show.

• Estimated 200-300 bikes attended throughout the day. Afternoon group ride hosted approximately 150 bikes.

• Informal group known as the "Longwoods Riders" begins to take shape.

​

2023: Community Building

​

• Longwoods Rally put on hold in 2023 after cooperation from the Municipality stops.

• Longwoods Riders continue to organize weekly bike nights, charity rides, and other events.

• Growth and community engagement within the Longwoods Riders group.

​

2024: A Turning Point

​

• Longwoods Riders join a large, worldwide riding club.

• The partnership proves to be an unstable fit.

• By the fall of 2024, the Longwoods Riders separate from the worldwide club.

​

2025: Birth of the Freedom Road Riders Association

​

• Official formation of the Freedom Road Riders Association (FRRA) in Chatham-Kent, Ontario.

• 10 founding members develop the Association's Constitution and Code of Conduct.

• Significant interest expressed in establishing new FRRA chapters across Ontario by February 2025.

• Projected year of unprecedented growth and community building for the FRRA.

• Plans underway to bring the Longwoods Rally back to downtown Thamesville in 2025.

• Chatham-Kent Serves as the headquarters and home of the first official FRRA chapter.