MANITOULIN—The highways and byways of Manitoulin Island were filled with cyclists this weekend as the 2025 Manitoulin Passage Ride got underway, bringing more than 280 cyclists to enjoy the wonders of the Island over the two-day event.
The cyclists enjoyed a full two-day ride with mechanical support provided by Rebecca Laurenti, and included ride insurance, a tour of the Cup and Saucer (where lunch was served) a Saturday evening dinner and dance (with music provided by Nettish) at the Mindemoya Community Centre. While travelling the breadth of the Island, the cyclists enjoyed a tour of the Manitoulin Brewing Company facilities.
Throughout the two days, cyclists enjoyed support stations with light snacks each day along the three flagged route options each day. To ensure safety and the enjoyment of the riders, “sweepers” travelled the routes on both days.
The Manitoulin Passage Ride was the brainchild of the organizers from Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA), primarily MICA president Maja Mielonen and her partner Guy Nielen.
While passage on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermorry at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to the South Baymouth terminal on the southern shore of Manitoulin is no longer free, ferry operators the Owen Sound Transportation Company has supported this year’s jerseys and will be selling them, along with MICA, to help support the Passage Ride. The new jerseys bear a stylized image of a turtle on the back created by Island Anishinbabe artist Duncan Pheasant.
photos by Michael Erskine
“It is wonderful to see so many excited to tour and experience our wonderful Island,” said Ms. Mielonen. “Cycling experience is so different from travelling by car.” She explains that the experience is so much more personal and you are in touch with the environment around you when you experience it on a bicycle.
