MINDEMOYA—This year’s Manitoulin Passage Ride has once again attracted hundreds of cyclists to Manitoulin’s shores, but this year there is a very positive development pointing the way on Island roads. Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates have partnered with Island municipalities, Tourism Northern Ontario (TNO) and FedNor to install large trail marker signs at eight Island locations.
The new trail markers were installed in Little Current, Sheguiandah, South Baymouth, Providence Bay, Mindemoya, Kagawong, Gore Bay and Julia Bay. A ceremony timed to coincide with this year’s Passage Ride (a collaboration between Island businesses and the Owen Sound Transportation Company to provide free ferry transit to cyclists taking part in the ride) was held on the weekend in Mindemoya.
“Each marker has a map that highlights three trail routes that connect with that community,” explained Maja Mielonen, widely recognized as the driving force behind the paved shoulders that are appearing on Manitoulin highways as they are being refurbished, and the founder of MICA.
Stephanie Hopkin, a senior coordinator with TNO joined Ms. Mielonen and Central Manitoulin Mayor Richard Stephens in the official unveiling of the trail makers at the Mindemoya site. “Wayfinding is extremely important for us at TNO,” said Ms. Hopkin. The MICA route markers are just one of a series of “wayfinding” programs being instituted across the province and in the North, in particularly across the Northwest. Those markers are assisting tourists to areas not only riding bicycles, but also in those areas with ATV trails and hiking. “We are really excited to be partnering with MICA on this project. We are really looking forward to seeing how this impacts tourism in the North.”
The TNO wayfinding project was begun two-and-a-half years ago, explained Ms. Hopkin. “We are really pleased that MICA has included maps on the markers to assist people in finding their way around Manitoulin Island and to local businesses that support cyclists.”
Ms. Mielonen said that the route markers, which stand at an impressive height, are attractive and feature detailed map information on the Island routes and services, and were constructed by local carpenter Roland Aschliemann.
As for this year’s passage ride, some 200 cyclists travelled from across Ontario and beyond to join a significant number of local enthusiasts taking part in the day’s festivities. Those festivities included stops at the Perivale Gallery, Providence Bay and a delicious meal prepared for the cyclists at the Tehkummah Seniors’ Triangle Club Hall.
Ms. Mielonen thanked a number of people for their hard work and dedication that went into making the Passage Ride a success, including her partner and fellow MICA stalwart Guy Nielen.
Following the unveiling of the markers, cyclists set out on the day’s activities, often travelling in groups of friends who had come to the Island together after hearing of the event through friends.
