We here at CMG like to have a good-natured laugh from time to time. Among the few highlights of Mark Richardson’s dull, dreary life is scheming up an April Fool’s prank each year. He caused more than a bit of a stir in 2019 by proclaiming Motorcyclists banned from the Cabot Trail after protests from RVers and locals. Readers were outraged by the attack and residents were concerned about the potential loss of revenue to the local economy. The poor tourism board was inundated and overwhelmed with angry phone calls and emails all week. Mark connected with them personally to smooth things over, but they failed to see the humour. To this day we aren’t exactly in their good books. Understandable, I suppose.
Earlier this year, we published what has become our most read article to date regarding Ontario’s helmet law reversal. Evidently readers were so excited by the news that they failed to notice the date, or actually read to the end of the piece where we admitted that it was indeed a farce. As if the idea of Ontario Premier Doug Ford owning a Vespa wasn’t enough to tip them off that it was satire.
Taking things one step further, we received a tip this week that a resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario was pulled over by police after he and his passenger were seen riding without helmets. When questioned, he was adamant that a reliable online source confirmed that the helmet laws had been reversed. Oops!
What’s the morale of the story? Always consider the source of the information you’re consuming, be skeptical of anything you read on April 1st, and don’t take advice from Mark just to be safe. We can’t wait to see what he’s got planned for 2021.
Speaking of helmet laws, I actually saw a rider in a Turban in Oakville the other night. I waved, he waved back.
At least you now know you are considered a reliable source. Bjohnston4