Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sept 05/01) - Maybe it's just a guy thing.

Obsessing over nice cars and bikes, with owners doting on them to the point, some wives will attest, that it seems there are two wives in the family.

David Brothers says he's an exception to that, with his 1935 Ford Coupe providing a great way for him and his seven-year-old daughter Shelby to spend time together.

"We usually go for a ride every evening," he says.

The Coupe hasn't torn him away from family duties because it was mostly restored when he bought it sight unseen almost two years ago, after it's northern Ontario owner died. The rare, curvy-lined "ZZ Top" car could be worth $60,000, and usually garners awards at show and shines.

The popular events provide an outlet for grown men to drool over the dream car or bike which evaded them as freedom-seeking teens.

Not any vehicle will do, although there are no hard and fast rules. Think of it as the opposite of Yellowknife's ugly truck contest.

For the first time, the city's 32 bikers are organizing a show and shine, and a core of local vintage car enthusiasts will also be there. It will take place Sept. 8 at Forty Below Golf.

"Yellowknife has some of the most beautiful bikes and old cars," says club partner Bob Dunsmore.

The event is all for a good cause, with funds being donated to Stantion Regional Hospital and school lunch programs.

The show and shine will be in conjunction with a bike poker run and children's events like face painting.

"If it's OK with parents, we're going to offer some kids bike rides," says Bong Ramirez. He's a member of the brand new NWT Biker's Association. It was formed as a way to formalize Yellowknife's closely-knit biker community.