MINDEMOYA—Manitoulin has become one of the premier cycling destinations in Ontario thanks to the work of Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA). Despite the setback entailed in the loss of free passage aboard the Chi-Cheemaun ferry for cyclists, the venerable Manitoulin Passage Ride attracted 210 cyclists this year, bringing with them an economic impact for Island businesses north of $330,000.
“We surveyed the cyclists this year and found that, on average, they spent around $635 per person,” said Maja Mielonen. “Taking the 126 surveys and projecting that across all the cyclists gives us a pretty accurate figure.”
The cyclists arrived on Friday evening for the two-day annual cycling tour event, upping the amount of time spent touring Manitoulin considerably, noted Ms. Mielonen. “They were able to head out in the morning rather than waiting for the ferry to dock on Manitoulin from Tobermory.” Better yet, many of the cyclists booked accommodation on the Island rather than Tobermory, as has been the case in previous years.
The lack of free passage aboard the ferry meant that many cyclists came by motorized vehicle, which produced a positive impact for the rest of Manitoulin. Instead of beginning at the Owen Sound Transportation Company terminal in South Baymouth, this year’s starting location was moved to Maja’s Garden Bistro in Mindemoya and many of the cyclists took the opportunity of spending a rainy-day Sunday investigating the environs of Gore Bay by automobile—but not all.
“Some took advantage of the opportunity to drive to Gore Bay in their cars, but some decided to ride their bicycles,” said Ms. Mielonen.
Among the Island partnerships with the Passage Ride was with Immaculate Conception Church in M’Chigeeng, where the cyclists could take in the amazing artwork of Leland Bell adorning the walls as well as the numerous Anishinaabe carvings on the site before heading to a catered lunch (supplied by Elliot’s in Little Current) at the new gazebo in Kagawong.
Over the course of the weekend, entertainment was provided by Nettish and her Amazing Little Band in Mindemoya and other musicians (including at Split Rail Brewery in Gore Bay, another MICA partner).
The Island came out in force for the event, with some 20 volunteers helping to ensure the event went smoothly. All of the routes (short, medium and long) were well marked and had a bike mechanic on hand to assist with any issues with the bicycles.
The three cycling routes took participants to Mindemoya, Providence Bay, Kagawong and Gore Bay, while many stayed in the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current during their visit.
“We have around 60 percent of our cyclists return each year,” noted Ms. Mielonen.
The future of cycling tourism on Manitoulin looks bright, especially since it is an integral part of the Great Lakes Cycling Route, an expansion of the Georgian Bay Cycling Route spearheaded by MICA’s efforts.
During the course of the summer, Ms. Mielonen and her partner Guy Nielen host numerous cycling groups that explore all regions of Manitoulin, bringing low-impact tourism and its vital contribution to the local economy. Asked what fuels their efforts, Ms. Mielonen admits that it is definitely a passion. She hopes to see the rest of the provincial highways on Manitoulin receive paved shoulders and the extension of that paving through to the rest of the Northwest of the province to complete the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in a safe and compete manner.
