The motorcycling bug hit Rudi Sr, our founder, back in the late ‘40s, when he was a teenager living in Hungary. After settling in Edmonton in 1957, his very first major purchase was a used motorcycle for about $50.00. He has not been without two wheels since.
Early days in Canada, spent racing scrambles, which is now known as motocross, introduced Rudi to the world of motorcycling. This became his lifelong passion and just a few years later, his business.
On April 1st, 1968, Rudi opened the doors of Scona Cycle & Sports in a small location just off Whyte Avenue, in the old Yardbird Suite. Within two years, the CZ, Bultaco and MotoGuzzi lines were dropped, and the focus turned to carrying only the Honda line, a line that we have stayed true to, for the past 40 years. In 1970, after having outgrown the first location, Rudi moved the store down to 100th street and Whyte Ave, to a building that is now home to Tasty Tom’s restaurant. It took about 5 years to outgrow this location and move on down the street to the building that is now “The Cat’s Glass” studio. Rudi’s involvement in racing helped to grow the business to its present size. He decided to “take the plunge” and build for himself, the current location at 95th street and Whyte Ave., in 1979. We have come close to moving on, as at times, the space is limiting.
Growing our business as a single line Honda dealer has allowed us to concentrate efforts on a brand that we believe in. Despite the fact that the business has grown to its current size over the years, but baby steps has been our claim to fame. We’ve never wanted to sacrifice our personal service for over-the-top growth.
Rudi’s daughter and son have now partnered with him and continue to grow the business that they’ve grown up in. The experience that we are able to share, suits the seasoned motorcyclist and is invaluable to the new rider.
Several staff members have been with the company for better than 20 years. Several for nearly 10 years. And most are involved in some form of motorcycling.
Rudi Jr has spent many seasons on two wheels – whether participating in the Numb Bum (24 hour ice relay race) and winning it with his team, or racing in the Canadian National Motocross series of events, and earning one of the top positions in Canada, back in the ‘80s. More recently, he has discovered Super Motard and 6 hour ice race challenges are less challenging physically, and a whole lot of fun!
Our staff members are diveres in their interest in the sport of motorcycling, and participate in local events such as the Numb Bum 24 hour Ice Relay Race, the Edmonton Motorcycle Roadracing Association’s Road Race series, the 6 hour ice relay races, Vintage bike flat track racing, hare scrambles, US GP RU road racing circuit, numerous motorcycle touring trips throughout the world, and many more planned for 2010! Visit our blog for more info on touring Alberta, BC, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and more.
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