PROVIDENCE BAY—The Eighth Annual Ride Manitoulin event, held this past weekend (July 13-14) in Providence Bay, once again proved to be very successful with the benefactor being the Alzheimer’s Society for Sudbury-Manitoulin-North Bay and Districts.
“This is our eighth annual Ride Manitoulin event and we had about 100 bikes in this year’s event,” said Randy Bowerman, a member of the event committee. He explained that through last year’s event, Ride Manitoulin was able to donate $4,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society, with all monies staying on Manitoulin Island. This year the event proceeds are again going toward the Manitoulin Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Society as well as Manitoulin Pet Rescue.
There was great music provided throughout the weekend, with the Railroad Steel Band on hand Friday evening. On Saturday evening Robbie Shawana took to the stage, followed by the Tim Woodcock Band later in the evening.
The bikers took part in the poker run event, picking up their ‘passports’ at various locations on the Island. The poker run locations included Gamiing Gas and Convenience, Split Rail Brewery, AOK Store and Gas Bar, Green Acres, Manitoulin Resort, Andy’s Store and the Wikwemikong Economic Development Commission, the Sandfield Country Kitchen, Finn’s Gas Bar, Paul’s Esso and Buie’s Store. Each paid participant receive a passport and had to get at least five different stamps from the 11 optional stops.
A motorcycle show and shine event was judged after the always popular biker games.
If there was one disappointment with this year’s event, said Mr. Bowerman, it is the limited numbers of local motorcycle riders taking part. “We would like to see more Island bikers take part. We do have some that support us, but we must have between 3,000-4,000 bikes on Manitoulin Island but we don’t seem to be able to get the locals out to support us. We encourage everyone to take part next year.”
There was great food available for all those in attendance and a beer garden was set up throughout the weekend.
