by Julie V. Watson

With ‘roads less travelled’ winding through beautiful countryside Prince Edward Island has become home to a thriving motorcycle community. 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 souring 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 touring 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," says Debbie Gamble-Arsenault, editor of MotorcyclePEI.com, a website information source for motorcyclists here at home, as well as those from away planning a visit.

When asked what attracts so many to this freewheeling form of travel Gamble-Arsenalt 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.  

New Release! Now available as a coil bound book or a downloadable PDF. check it out here

Our home province has a very activity community with several clubs and new activities being planned all the time. We suggest checking out the web sites below for up to date info.  Have a great Island experience. - Julie