PROVIDENCE BAY—This weekend, July 18-20, will mark Ride Manitoulin’s fourth annual motorcycle rally at the Providence Bay arena and fairgrounds.
“This year’s rally promises to be an exciting event in the heart of Manitoulin,” states an event press release. “Motorcyclists and enthusiasts will find a fun-filled weekend of motorcycle rides, live entertainment, a gallery of retail and food vendors, as well as activities and a variety of information.”
“We are excited to have The Rock Harley Davidson from Sudbury, recently under new ownership, joining us this year as one of our featured vendors,” Ride Manitoulin Chair Brian Mitchell told The Expositor. “Because of when the new owners purchased the business, they were a last minute addition to the weekend, but have indicated that they hope to be heavily involved in our future rallies.”
“We are looking forward to our involvement with Ride Manitoulin and are hoping for a long and happy relationship with the group in the years to come,” said proprietor Greg Erixon in the release. “We will be there for the weekend and hope to meet and gain many new friends.”
Other sponsors this year include Ted and Barb Culgin, Randy Noble Construction, BMO of Mindemoya, Billings Township, Trailside Sports, Manitoulin Transport, Anchor Inn Hotel, My Friends Inn, the Northeast Town, Chocolate Works, Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club, Mindemoya Home Hardware, the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, Rhema Renovations, Buie’s Grocery, C Pearson and Sons Excavation and Haulage, Mindemoya/Manitowaning/Little Current Guardian Pharmacies, CTV and the Meldrum Bay Inn.
There will be live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night, starting at 9 pm. ‘Jo Po and Blackwater’ will hit the stage Friday night while ‘Green River,’ a CCR tribute band, is scheduled for Saturday night along with an Island Showcase Music DJ.
Gates will open Friday, July 18 for registration at 4 pm, with vendor alley opening at 5 pm. Points of interest rides will start at 6 pm, followed by Jo Po and Blackwater at 9 pm.
Saturday will start with Becky’s biker breakfast at 7 am at the Providence Bay Curling Club, while gates and registration will open at 8 pm.
The scenic guided tour, as well as the adventure ride, will depart at 10 am, while the vendors’ alley and beer garden will open at 11 am.
On Saturday afternoon, biker games will start at 2 pm with the show n’ shine at 5 pm and Green River kicking off the night at 9 pm.
“All proceeds this year will be donated to the Manitoulin Health Centre ‘Sweet Slumbers’ campaign to replace hospital beds at both the Mindemoya and Little Current sites,” added Mr. Mitchell. “It should be a great weekend, with a lot of fun activities to raise money for a good cause.”
Weekend passes are $25 or $5 for a day pass, with free camping available with the purchase of a weekend pass.
To register or for more information visit www.ridemanitoulin.ca.
