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| THE GREFS ARE TO MOTORCYCLING WHAT THE HOWES HAVE BEEN TO HOCKEY |
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| The members of the Gref family have greatly contributed to the evolution of the motorcycle industry and still today, we can count on their active implication in the field. | |
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| The birth of a 4th generation of motorcyclists |
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| In December 1999 a fourth generation of Gref was born, a great-grandson named Edouard. Son of Charles Jr., he is the pride and joy of his grandfather Raymond. Who knows, the fruit of this long awaited birth might even take over the family business someday? One thing is certain: Edouard is already showing a true interest for this sport so highly coveted within the family. |
Edouard |
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| Charles Gref sr. (1912 - 1999) |
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| In 1937, a certain Charlie Gref was buying his first motorcycle for transportation. But as the years went by, this motorcycle of his became much more to him than a simple mean of transport, it became a true passion. A few years later, he was seen in the Trial events across Canada and in 1947, he won the Canadian championship in the expert class. From that day on, the Gref name would be associated to Motorcycling. President of the Montreal Motorcycle Club and Director of the Canadian Motorcycle Association (competition control), he continues to bring fire to his passion. However wishing for the Gref name to keep on being associated with the motorcycle field, Charlie made sure he taught his young son Raymond (who was only three at the time) the ABC's of motorcycling. |
Charles Gref Senior 1946
Harley-Davidson 45pc 1944 |
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| Raymond Gref |
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| Following in the footsteps of his father, Raymond Gref also experienced his hour of glory on his motorized vehicle. During his 8 years of competition (from 1955 to 1963), he was only defeated once. Raymond didn't have to worry about the preservation of the family reputation since his younger brother Normand took over. Raymond is the President and the founder of Moto Internationale & Harley-Davidson Montréal. Since his beginnings in 1955, he has always been very implicated in the field. |
Raymond Gref 1958
Norton 600 Nomad
Raymond Gref honoured |
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| Normand Gref |
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| Normand Gref's career was as dazzling as his father's (Charlie) and his brother's (Raymond). He has 153 trophies to show for since he first took place at a starting line. He later gave up his place to Charles Jr. and Richard (Raymond's two sons) who proudly took over by becoming motorcycle champions in their respective categories. |
Normand Gref |
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| Charles Gref Jr. |
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| Charles also has an impressive story: At 13, he had already won 4 trophies. In 1976 and 1977, he won the Miller trophy of the S.M.C.C., which is attributed to the best trialist of Eastern Canada, 26 years after his grand-father had won it himself. His experience in motocross, Enduro, acceleration competition as well as snowmobile has also earned him some Provincial and Canadian titles. As the president since 2001, Charles has successfully contributed to the growth of the family business. |
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| Richard Gref |
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| Due to his great aptitudes, Richard has mainly distinguished himself in the road race competitions He quickly made a name for himself on the amateur and expert circuits and was considered at the time as a fearful adversary. Today, he runs his own production company through which he remains very implicated in the motorcycle field. |
Richard Gref |
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