When reflecting on the summer of 2008, I can’t help but remember how hectic it was. Between Alaska and Newfoundland there were many roads and interesting people that filled the pages of our magazine. Unfortunately most of the western Canadian roads were ones that I had not travelled personally, but nevertheless feel that I have been a part of the journey whether my tires were on the same stretch of road or not.
This year once again seems to be shaping up to be a whole lot of fun and travel as well.
Our first major event that we are proud to be a part of will be Atlanticade, in New Brunswick. What a great way to start the summer off—a five day motorcycle festival in Atlantic Canada—could it get any better… oh yes—it could not rain.
Last year we attended this event and came away with memories of scenic rides, great people, excellent food—smoked salmon, lobster… ummm—and just a great Maritime experience.
Atlanticade includes a wide variety of activities which start on Wednesday, June 24th and kicking it off is an Acadian Coastal Bike Cruise. There are several ‘Get Your Mojo Going’ breakfasts, a vendor village, a custom bike builders championship, a treasure hunt, show ‘n shine, burn-out competition, downtown Moncton street parties with live bands, a bike parade and a Veterans honour rally.
As you can see the event staff make sure you keep busy. An additional feature are two or three leisurely guided tours of the area showing you some of the best scenery New Brunswick has to offer.
Stu Seaton, our very own travelling journalist is going to be out and about in Moncton, taking it all in and rumour has it he might have some prizes to randomly hand out so keep a look out for him.
Liz (our graphic designer) has bought herself a new bike and it shouldn’t take too much for her to be talked into taking it on an extended road trip to New Brunswick as well. And Roger, well we know he is always ready to travel at the sound of a kickstand being lifted off the ground.
Last June at Atlanticade was where we met Paddy, our Irish friend who was travelling far and wide. As of early March 2009, Paddy has completed this portion of his travels and is safely back in the UK repairing his bike that didn’t fare near as well as he did.
Registration for Atlanticade is totally free unless you decide to take in some of the activities for which there is a nominal fee. In this case I would suggest logging onto the website, www.atlanticade.ca, and purchasing one of the package deals they have listed. You really can’t go wrong and some of the packages include event t-shirts, pins etc. which saves you a bundle in the end, which really means more gas money in your pocket. If you register early you save even more cash.
Once we drag the staff out of New Brunswick we should see many of you at the River Rat Rally, July 3, 4 and 5 in Gananoque, or perhaps the Biker’s Reunion in New Liskeard the same weekend. And why stop there, if we keep going we will eventually end up in Neepawa, Manitoba on July 10-12 for Cycle Boyz Stoney Creek Smoker Motorcycle Rally, and hey, have you noticed we are only at the second weekend of July.
It’s true—so many roads, so little time.
