10/06/2026
JOHN’S RIDE OF A LIFETIME!
95 years young — and back on a motorcycle!
There are some moments that are simply unforgettable… and this was one of them.
Our very own 95-year-old resident, John Hutzcal, was recently granted a Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime — a wish that brought him back to something he has missed dearly for many years: riding a motorcycle.
After a motorcycle accident in 2016, John could no longer ride the way he once did. But when asked what he would wish for, his answer was simple: he wanted to get back on a motorcycle again — even if it meant riding in a sidecar.
And that wish became a reality.
With the incredible help of Argyll Motorsports, John was presented with a HUGE swag bag filled with motorcycle apparel, a cap, neck warmer and so much more. He also received a Suzuki leather jacket from Donovan, a member of the Edmonton Motorcycle Riders group, along with keychains and Suzuki decals from other riders.
A very special thank you to Liane Langlois, who was my initial contact and helped connect us with Adam Waters, John’s motorcycle driver and a member of the Edmonton Motorcycle Riders Facebook group.
And then came the riders…
What started as a wish for one man quickly became something much bigger.
Members of the Edmonton Motorcycle Riders group came out to support John, creating what truly felt like an entire motorcycle family surrounding him. There were riders, bikes, laughter, stories, photographs and an incredible amount of heart.
A huge thank you to Jackie, our photographer, for helping capture these memories, and to EVERYONE who came out to be part of John’s special day. You helped make this more than a motorcycle ride — you made John feel like he was part of the riding community again.
And we can't forget John's McDonald's!
A huge thank you to John's local McDonald's, who generously supplied three coffees for all of the riders. What better way to fuel a group of motorcycle enthusiasts before hitting the road? Your generosity was very much appreciated!
And then there was the ride…
When John was asked how long he wanted to be out riding, his response was:
“Well, not all day… but at least 2 hours.”
With a little help from his friends to get comfortably settled into the sidecar, John was ready to go. He headed out with his motorcycle family for an incredible adventure — taking in the sights, the sounds and, of course, the feeling of being back on the road again.
At 95 years old, John showed us that sometimes the best memories are the ones that get a little wind in your face.
Most importantly, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime. Without your support, generosity and willingness to make John's dream a reality, this wish would never have happened.
To everyone who helped make John's day possible — from the first phone call, to the riders, the photographers, the sponsors, the gifts, the coffee, the planning and the miles on the road — thank you.
You didn't just give John a motorcycle ride, you gave him a memory he will carry with him forever.
Happy 95th, John — and here's to many more adventures!
