PROVIDENCE BAY—The sounds of motorcycles will fill the air this weekend as the annual Ride Manitoulin event arrives at the Providence Bay fairgrounds and the roads of the Island.
“In the last couple of years we’ve had 100, 110 people. This year we’re hoping to get that as well and hoping to get locals out to help with the cause, especially for the entertainment,” said event organizer Ann Auxier (Noble).
The rally takes place on July 19 and 20 and registration costs riders and passengers $30. There will be live entertainment in the evenings for a cover charge of $10 if community members want to come out to dance. There is also a beer garden on site.
Ride Manitoulin has been running annually since 2011. It is an event for a good cause—proceeds go toward the Alzheimer’s Society on Manitoulin Island.
There is on-site rough camping available and all registration is taken care of when riders arrive in-person. There will be a poker run around Manitoulin and a guided scenic run that takes riders to some of Manitoulin Island’s favourite spots.
The event has drawn interest from riders from around Ontario, including contingents from Orillia and Hamilton that will be making the trip north.
Ms. Auxier said she most enjoys seeing all the bikes out in Providence Bay and all the camaraderie that comes along with riders meeting up for some Island fun.
“They’re all good guys and we never have any trouble. Everybody is really friendly, and I love meeting new people,” said Ms. Auxier.
There is an open Facebook group called ‘Ride Manitoulin Public Group’ for anyone seeking more information about the event.
