From war surplus Harley Davidsons to lifelong bonds, the story of our local motorcycle club is one of camaraderie, adventure, and enduring friendship.
Rainbow Riders was believed to be born in the aftermath of World War II, when returning veterans discovered they could acquire surplus motorcycles—mostly Harley Davidsons—at remarkably affordable prices. What started as a practical way to own a bike quickly became something far more meaningful: a gathering place for riders seeking freedom and fellowship on the open road.
Our documentary features six remarkable individuals who joined the club in their teens during the early 1960s. Over the decades, these riders built lives and legacies far beyond the motorcycle community:
Dave Hunt– Owned and operated a florist shop in Stratford and served as Mayor of Stratford for 12 years
Bob Nothof – Owned and operated Robica Manufacturing, a metal fabricating business
Bill Strawbridge– Partner with Frank Humphrey in a small engine repair and tool and die shop
Bob Buchanan owned and operated a heating/air conditioning company operating as Buchanan & Hall
Norm Huggins – High school teacher in Listowel, ON
Terry Huggins – Senior executive with the Ontario Public Service
What began as youthful adventure—the thrill of riding, the freedom of the road, the camaraderie of the club—has proven timeless. Decades later, that friendship still carries on, connecting these men across all the years and life changes in between.
Join Us for the Screening
April 23, 2026 – 7PM – ARDEN PARK HOTEL – $20. per person – See EVENTS poster for details
Meet some of the riders, watch their story unfold, and celebrate a remarkable chapter of local history.
After the documentary screening, enjoy a meet and greet with some of our interviewees, and explore photos and memorabilia from those early days of riding together.
A story of brotherhood, freedom, and the ties that bind us.
STRATFORD TODAY – ARTICLE April 14, 2026 – New documentary traces decades of Stratford’s Rainbow Riders motorcycle club
BEACON HERALD – ARTICLE April 16, 2026 – New documentary tells the story of former Stratford motorcycle club
VIEW THE TRAILER
Rainbow Riders Documentary
Director
Andrew C. Brown
Producer
Jayne Trachsel
Nancy Musselman
Produced in association with
The Stratford & District Historical Society