The Blackfoot, a powerful indigenous tribe of the Piegan, Blood and Siksika bands, embody resilience and unity. Their name lives on in Calgary, carved into its core with Blackfoot Trail – the lasting symbol of strength and legacy.

In 1970, Bruce Cameron and the original owner established Blackfoot Motorcycle Ltd. as a Honda dealership, inspired by the competitive spirit of the Blackfoot, on Blackfoot Trail and 42^nd Avenue SE in Calgary. Mere blocks away, Blackfoot Motorcycle Park boasted 88 acres of riding trails and motocross tracks, captivating racers and off-road enthusiasts from across Western Canada.

Between 1988 and 1991, a powerful new partnership was forged: President Douglas MacRae, Vice President Jason Mitchell and Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Chambers – a partnership that continues to this day. These men, all in their 30s, were driven by a deep passion for motorcycles and the powersports industry. Having competed in various racing forms and riding and touring whenever possible, they didn’t just work in the business – they lived, ate and breathed it.

They forged a mission statement that fueled their success for over 50 years, anchored in genuine customer care and service, driven by a team of passionate, expert motorcycle enthusiasts in every role.

Blackfoot Motorcycle, with its iconic, “Wheel and Feather Logo,” quickly became synonymous with motorcycle enthusiasts. Not only was it a top-performing store, but it also dominated the racing scene, competitive with the best. Blackfoot recognized the vital need to strengthen grassroots programmes, fueling support at both the National and local levels.

From humble beginnings and attention to every detail as well as top riders on the podium in all disciplines, Blackfoot continued to grow.

With a total of just under 4 acres of land, 45,000 square feet of retail space with adequate customer and staff parking, over 250 units on display and a selection of over a million dollars of parts and accessories, Blackfoot Motosports was the Premiere Powersports Dealership in Canada.

Blackfoot Motosports’ presence was everywhere – on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, the Ring of Fire at Calgary Flames games and on the radio and in the Calgary Sun & Herald.         

It truly was a magical era for Blackfoot Motosports for racing and sales and marketing success that will probably never be repeated. The mantra of winning on Sunday and selling on Monday could never have been truer.

In 2012, in response to global financial instability, the partnership pivoted from volume sales to focusing on customer service and retention. This decision resulted in the decision to discontinue snow-mobiles, watercraft and power equipment product lines and focus on mainly motorcycles and related parts, accessories and service.

This shift in business proved crucial in elevating the dealership’s reputation for exceptional service from 2011 onward, as they completely renovated and rebuilt Blackfoot Certified Service. They also played an integral role in establishing the Alberta Mini Road Racing Association (AMRA). Blackfoot continued to partner with Yamaha and Southern Alberta’s Institute of Technology (SAIT) to build a street riding training centre and school.

Additionally, they developed an off-road training centre, launched Kawasaki’s Off-Road Learn to Ride programme and implemented a BFR grassroots racing and riding support team with over 150 members at Wild Rose Motorcycle Park.

This decision also fueled the growth of Blackfootonline.com an e-commerce online store with customers nationwide turning to the brand for their parts and accessory needs. The partnership travelled globally, attending key shows in Italy, Germany and the US to secure exclusive, high-quality products that met the evolving needs of their many loyal customers.

In addition, the Blackfoot accessory team designed, tested and developed the proprietary Octane branded street apparel brand that they had manufactured in Europe, providing industry-leading adventure and touring riding gear and apparel to motorcycle enthusiasts nation-wide.

Recognizing the challenge of providing 5-star service to customers while offering the manufacturers broad product range, the partnership made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on motorcycles – and returned to their roots and the passion that fueled their success from an early age – motorcycles.

Though the original 3 partners sold the parent company and retired in February of 2023, the Blackfoot partnership legacy continues through BFD Moto, led by partner, Dean Thompson. They are an authorized full line Husqvarna and Gas Gas motorcycle & Ebike dealership, WP Suspension Service Centre and continue to represent the heritage of the Blackfoot brand.

Reflecting on their careers dating back to the mid-1970s, Douglas MacRae, Jason Mitchell and Patrick Chambers are always ready to reminisce about the pivotal role they played in shaping and driving the powersports industry in Canada over the last 50 years.

Above all, they take the most pride in the enduring partnership they’ve built over the years, fostering lasting friendships and relationships with loyal staff, OEM representatives, aftermarket distributors and the incredible racers who helped shape the Blackfoot Motorcycle, Motosports and Racing Dynasty from 1970 to 2023.

After more than 50 years of relentless dedication to selling, servicing and racing, they are deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in making this extraordinary legacy possible.

                Wheel and Feather Forever!!!