by Julie V. Watson

with photographs by John C. Watson

With ‘roads less traveled’ winding through beautiful countryside Prince Edward Island has become home to a thriving motorcycle community and a very popular destination. Enthusiasts enjoy being in the open air, part of the environment around them. It’s the scents, the feel of mist on the face, the oneness with nature; a feeling described by some as soaring the highways and byways with the two-wheel machine beneath them becoming an extension of their body as they sweep around curves and settle into straight-aways.

Touring is so easily enjoyed in Prince Edward Island. With the countryside never more than 15 minutes away from any downtown and little traffic congestion, the Island is attracting more and more motorcyclists each summer. Some haul their bikes behind an RV, others pack what they need in saddlebags and enjoy the adventure of the road.

Visitor or local, they are as diverse as the bikes they ride. Many enjoy a solitary experience. Others ride two-up with a soul mate behind. Still others enjoy organized group runs taking pleasure from travelling with like-minded people and mastering the skills required to ride in formation.

"Motorcycling is a lifestyle that appeals to people from college-students to empty nesters, to mature riders," says Debbie Gamble-Arsenault, editor of MotorcyclePEI.com, a website information source for motorcyclists.

When asked what attracts so many to this freewheeling form of travel Gamble-Arsenault says that for some it’s a way to pay less at the pumps, but more often it is the lifestyle choice. "The joy comes from the sense of unity and the sensory overload riding provides; you relax and notice things you wouldn’t when in a four-wheel vehicle, often referred to as a "cage" by avid bikers."

Although tour motorcycling may seem a solitary recreation to the non-biker, due to the perception that conversation is impossible, it is in fact a very social community of individuals who seem to enjoy talking about rides taken and rides planned as much as actually travelling. Personally, as a passenger, I’ve seldom felt closer to my spouse than when riding the bike. Our movements become synchronized.

The sense of camaraderie is hard to equal. The common bond is strong, although enthusiasts do break down into their own unique interests. For some it is roads travelled and adventures lived. For others it is the mechanics of the bike. Yet others are bonded through type of bike, be it Gold Wing, Harley Davidson, or one of the others. Conversation inevitably turns to how they run, and the fine tuning that makes each one unique to its owner.

In Prince Edward Island a number of clubs organize activities and bring like-minded folks together. No where is the coming together of those who love the freedom of being on the road on their two wheel machines more evident than at club planned rallies, rides or runs. The majority of organized events also act as fundraisers for charity such as the annual "Run for the Dogs" which funds seeing eye dog training. An example of those clubs and their work includes:

PEI MOTORCYCLE TOURING CLUB - Active for over 20 years, it was formed to develop and promote safety, friendship, good will, and a favourable image with the general public, both on and off-Island. This family-oriented club holds summer rides, and winter get-togethers. Each Labour Day weekend, PEIMTC hosts the Island Rally at Vacationland RV Park in Brackley Beach attracting upwards of 400 touring enthusiasts from far and near. PEI Motorcycle Touring Club, maintains a fund used to help those who have to travel off Island for medical treatment. Money is given where it helps the most - with hotels, with travel, to cover ambulance costs, to pay bills.

GWRRA CHAPTER "A" PEI - With the motto, "friends for fun, safety and knowledge" the Gold Wing Road Riders Association stands for an atmosphere of fun, safety, and knowledge to Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycle owners, as well as non-Gold Wing owners. The Association provides a culture which fosters shared values, team concepts and camaraderie.

PEI HARLEY OWNERS GROUP (HOG) - The PEI HOG Chapter has been active in raising funds and providing toys for kids in need for most of its existence. Members participate in many events raising thousands of dollars for various children’s charities including Camp Gencheff and the Children’s Wish Foundation. Weekly pick up rides are open to anyone who loves to ride motorcycles.

 

One of the most popular tours for motorcyclists takes in the area commonly referred to as the "Northshore". Begin your tour from either Kensington or Charlottetown and enjoy these highlights as you make the loop. (One nice thing about living on an Island, all roads eventually circle back to where you started.) This scenic drive is also enjoyable in a car.

Its an easy route to follow. First stop is at a Visitor Information Centre to pick up a map. Head out of Charlottetown towards Brackley Beach. Watch for the signs for the Vacationland campground. This is the site of the annual Island Rally hosted by the PEI Motorcycle Touring Club which hosts some 400 visiting touring enthusiasts each year. Worthy stops include The Dunes Studio Gallery.

Turn right onto Highway 6 - you are going to stay on Rte 6 until New London. Coming into North Rustico turn down beside Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant and head down to the wharf. Follow the road right to the end, but don’t go off the pavement. Sand lies ahead

Park your bike and take a stroll. There is a Fishery Museum here, you can head out in a kayak, or stroll up past the lighthouse, enjoy the café where mussels rule. As you head back towards North Rustico village and Rte 6, there is a parking area on the water side of the road (gravel). Before you get back to the Rte 6 intersection haul over for a look at fishing boats and a great place to buy lobster (cooked). Take time to chat. The folks are friendly.

Watch for signs to the PEI National Park for a lovely run along the clifftops overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This ride is spectacular in the evening as the sun sets in the west. Folks gather at the Cavendish to watch it set. If you wish to avoid paying the toll into the Park return to Rte 6. The roads join up in Cavendish.

Exiting the Park at Cavendish turn west, or you are in Anne of Green Gables country, and a host of fun attractions, shops, golf courses, restaurants and such. Just keep your eyes peeled for what appeals! Continue on Rte 6 through Stanley Bridge to New London where you turn onto Rte 20. Be prepared for more fabulous views of the bays and Gulf of St. Lawrence as you continue through French River and on to Malpeque, then Kensington. From this point you can take Rte 2 back to Charlottetown, or head off exploring.