The CAV/VAC FOUNDING

This biography of the co-founders of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units

(The CAV) and subsequent Units will explain the birth of this great organization. It

began with two military veteran motorcyclists meeting at a Charity Ride in 2003. These

two individuals were combining their love of motorcycle riding and at the same time

were drawn to continue supporting their community after their military service. The

instant bond on meeting at this ride, was a confirmation of the brotherhood forged by all,

soldiers, sailors, or airmen during their military experience. These two riders were PM

’Trapper’ Cane and JSY ‘Doc’ Lebrun.

PM ‘Trapper’ Cane MSM, CD, born in Cobourg Ontario enlisted in 1970’s in the

Canadian Armed Forces, soldiered with Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry and

the Canadian Airborne Regiment on numerous United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty

Organization Operations, worldwide. A lifetime motorcyclist, he knew too well the fate

that met many military survivors; one moment in time he was serving in the Pathfinder

Platoon, as a Sniper, Mountain Warfare Instructor and recently top candidate of the

CAF’s Advanced Recce Patrolman’s Course. The next moment he was paralyzed after

a 180 ft free descent after a parachute collapse on operations. Retired medically in the

1990’s after 18 surgeries and 2 years in hospital, motorcycling was the only physical

remainder of his old life.

JSY ‘Doc’ Lebrun CD, was a third-Generation soldier in his family and became a

R22eR ‘VanDoo’ Soldier. Born in Quebec City he enlisted in the 1980’s. Qualified for

most of what the Infantry offers, served operationally at Oka, Cyprus and, while in

France, was the first Canadian to successfully engage a target with the Eryx Missile.

Later at Medak Pocket he survived an ambush during which he was wounded, and after

multiple surgeries stayed with his Regiment for a few more years. He was a cross

country motorcyclist and was recently introduced to the thrill of dodging 18-wheelers

and pot holes instead of trees and jumps and it was his interest in “How do you get a

bunch of military riders together to enjoy this adventure”, that caused the initial meeting

in his garage, the day after that initial charity ride. "I want to get closer to my way of life

again (Doc)".

As Trapper says Doc was the spark, I was the punky old dried out tinder that lit the big

fire that became the C.A.V.’’ [did we mention that Trapper was a Survival Instructor in

Winter/Jungle Warfare?] At any rate, Trapper’s years of road riding and observing the

good, bad and ugly of organized riding, led to the first constitution and the symbol that is

The CAV, a WW2 dispatch rider [from a recruiting poster] and the name/acronym, ‘The

CAV ‘Canadian Army Veterans’. This came to Trapper as he and Doc rode side by side

on a beautiful summer day. Trapper yelled over to Doc “Remember this day, remember

this spot, this is where it started”, Doc was asked to get a Vest for a Crest and as the

manufacture of a custom crest had a minimal order of six, Trapper and Doc proudly

sewed on their Identification as The CAV and at that point there were four extra

crests…They laughingly said- ‘In 10 years if it’s just the two of us, then so be it”.

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Immediately; however, veterans and still-serving riders alike began to come aboard-

from Central Canada and to the East and West Coast’s –veterans and serving riders

“Got It” and proudly saw their own identity!

The CAV has grown to a national level riding group, with members from every province

and Units from sea-to-sea-to-sea, gaining ‘Strength and Honour’ as each kilometer rolls

by. The units and thousands of riders, both Veterans and Supporters, riding with the

CAV/VAC, have helped direct over 10 million dollars nationwide for community needs.

The future look’s bright and all roads are clear as the mission continues.

Finally, the two Cofounders of this Great 'Family' wish it said aloud, that neither felt that

what they did was special, they were simply the first to do what thousands of patriotic

Canadians, now identified as Riding Veterans or Supporters, would have eventually

done. The co-founders have been humbled many hundreds of times by the Character,

the Class, Strength, and Honour that their fellow CAV members have brought to the

organization. Their families, the Veteran Supporters and the many Canadian heroes that

have joined, ridden with, and continue to serve this great country are the real heroes

Since the Canadian Army Veteran (CAV/VAC) Motorcycle Units were started in 2003,

they have assisted, and continue to assist, numerous charities in achieving their

monetary goals. Charity Event Riding and Community Support Events are an integral

part of many of our members CAV/VAC Adventure-No one 'Has' to participate in these

as members but there are always those willing to assist International, National, and

local charities. There are certain charities such as ICROSS and the Tony Stacey Centre

for Veterans Care and the Motorcycle Ride for Dad that the CAV/VAC supports directly

with all the monies raised going directly to these charities. The CAV/VAC also assists

other events such as the Red Ride and Ride for Dad by providing volunteers and

participating in the rides. The CAV/VAC will continue to support charities and

fundraisers. All members are to be congratulated for the continued support that they

offer.

History

In 1941 a recruiting image was used to identify a type of Canadian citizen that was

needed to serve in Canada's Military. It depicted a mounted soldier, on a motorcycle,

with the image of his ancestors surrounding him in the form of a ghostly mounted

warrior Cavalryman. This image was entitled in French and English as: "Notre Armee A

Besoin De Bons Canadiens/Our Army Is Looking For Good Canadians".

Many Canadian Veterans have formed into tightly knit Units to continue the Traditions

and Bonds formed in War and Peace. These Unit's origins were a common respect for

its member's histories and needs. The C.A.V was formed by Canadian Army Veteran

Motorcycle Units whose common history was as motorcyclists, on and off duty, serving

our Country in every Theatre and Operation, and the need to continue that service as

motorcyclists.

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We are Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) Motorcycle Units, a national brotherhood of

Canadian Army, Air Force and Navy Veterans plus RCMP Officers who are motorcycle

enthusiasts. We volunteered and earned Canadian Forces and RCMP qualifications.

We served in communities, regiments, on bases and ships in Canada and overseas.

Now we volunteer mounted on motorcycles across Canada, supporting each other and

our communities in charity rides and events.

Members gather in Units named in tribute of Canadian Battle honours. The C.A.V. ride

as Canadian Veteran Motorcyclists, gaining strength and fellowship. Our Mission is to

provide our members with a Unit to continue service to each other and our Communities

and Country. We are not a gang, or a club. We are a Brotherhood of Canadian Army

Veterans, mounted on Motorcycles of all different types. There are other Military

Veterans Organizations and we support them, but we stand alone united under our

connection to all Military Motorcyclists, past and present.

We maintain the values of our uniformed service - those of integrity, legitimacy, honour

and strength into our veteran's duties to our community.

Ours is an honourable veteran's organization. The physical hardship we endured, the

mental discipline we needed to conquer obstacles has made us stronger, smarter, and

uniquely qualified to continue serving our communities and country. We hope to keep

alive the bonds formed during our military service.

Our philosophy, guidelines and rules can be found in The C.A.V Constitution.

About

The Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units brings together veterans, supporters, and motorcycle enthusiasts who share a deep respect for service, camaraderie, and community. We honour Canada’s military heritage while building meaningful connections on and off the road.

Rooted in loyalty, remembrance, and brotherhood, our units create a welcoming space for those who value freedom, discipline, and shared purpose. Through rides, events, and community involvement, we continue the spirit of service beyond the uniform.