Split-The Early Years

The ride to T.O. was always a nice ride. Coming straight out from the old trail to the road, then riding down RT 10, through Brampton into heavier traffic into T.O. was like riding through time. The contrast in each scene was magnificent. The bellowing exhaust notes from the BSA, BMW and Gary’s Harley along with the higher tones of Chris and Paul’s Oriental two and four strokes blended together creating a chorus of chaos. The smell of gas and burning oil, the sound of  chain  and shaft driven revolving spoke wheels moved through the natural country like a scene in a glass globe. The senses of the six people on the five motorcycles would burn  into our conscious the sensation only a motorcycle can give. 

  We rode into T.O. high on the ride alone. Liz would tell me which way to go and then she would hand signal for the four bikers following us. In turn, all five bikers would hand signal our intentions to the alien city traffic. We were making the scene. From the freaks on the streets to the working class people, we drew their attention. There was no Hollywood make up or one piece of clothing that was fake. We were genuine ‘saddle tramps’.  We decided to check out the Roshdale building before we hit the streets to bum change.

  We parked near Roshdale, a huge apartment type building. I’ve never been to Haight Ashbury, but if someone took a picture anywhere around Roshdale, I don’t think anyone would know the difference. Walking into the building was like walking into a comic book. They had their own security and the ‘man’ was not welcomed. Once we got passed security we were free to go anywhere in the building. I could not believe that something like this could exist in a world governed by laws. The place was like the epicenter of the psychedelic world. It was ‘in your face’ to the straight people.

  Every color imaginable was painted on the walls, along with rainbows and signs that meant only something to the individual that painted them. Almost every room had a sign on it like “acid here” or “speed here.” A lot of doors were left open and different scenes in the rooms could be seen by anyone walking the halls. Freaks were walking around obviously stoned. Some were in groups playing music, both in the hallway and in the ‘private’ rooms. One room had an orgy going on.

  “Liz, I can’t believe this place. I’m really wondering about you now.” I said in jest.

  “I’m just as shocked as you are. I’ve never been inside here before. Honest.” She replied. “I knew, well everyone knows where Roshdale is!”

  “What the hell are we doing in here?” Paul asked. “I feel like this place will be raided at any time!”

  “I think your girlfriend has been around the block a little more than she led you to believe, Mart.” Chris teased.

   “I swear,” Liz said, “I’ve never been inside here before!”   

  “Well, you and Larry were right!” Gary said to Liz. “This place is blowing my mind!”

   You could not find one spot in that huge building where you couldn’t smell marijuana. People laughing would echo down each hallway.

  “How do you spell radical?” I asked Liz. She looked a little frustrated at the question.

  “Man, I’m paranoid as hell!” Pete said. “Let’s get out of here.”

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