Web Archive
June 26, 2006
For immediate release
Two-day Cycling Event to Attract Visitors to Western PEI this September
Tourism
The Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism for Prince Edward Island noted, “The North Cape Coastal Drive was designed based on market research, supported by product development, and is being successfully marketed.” He added, “The new touring route has produced immediate measurable results for western PEI tourism, and the North Cape Coastal Ride will build on this success.” The provincial government, through Tourism PEI and Transportation and Public Works, will contribute $43,750 towards the project.
“ACOA is pleased to support the North Cape Coastal Ride, which will benefit tourism operators by attracting visitors to western PEI,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which has contributed $27,000 to the project for off-island marketing activities. “Events like this also help promote the important benefits of physical activity.”
Winding through 49 communities and spanning 182 kilometers, the North Cape Coastal Ride is a unique and challenging event that will appeal to both elite and recreational cyclists. While the elite cyclists will hit the trail running, heading directly to the finish line, those interested in a more leisurely ride can experience a day-long cycle with many community stops along the route. You can cycle the whole thing, take in bits and pieces or stop and enjoy community activities wherever you like.
The cycling route, which will take cyclists from North Cape to Summerside, will also help create a greater awareness of the new North Cape Coastal Drive. The final finish line will be near the Summerside Wharf, located west of the market and Spinakers Landing. Cyclists, friends and family are welcome to join in the closing ceremony festivities at the Shipyard Market.
“This is a great event to showcase the North Cape Coastal Drive,” said Anne Arsenault, President of the Western PEI Tourism Association. “We wanted to create an experience for Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy the magnificent scenery and exceptional attractions in Western PEI.”
Visit www.ride-pei.com for more information and see the map at www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/northcap_route.pdf.
BACKGROUNDER
The North Cape Coastal Ride is a two-day event held the weekend of September 9-10, 2006. Participants have the option of joining the two-day event, or choosing just one of the excursion days.
Day one (96 km.), cyclists will leave from North Cape and be treated to a host of exceptional attractions including North America’s longest natural rock reef at North Cape, the traditional gathering of Irish Moss, miles of sandy shoreline and the magnificent sandstone cliffs handcrafted by Mother Nature. The charming community of O’Leary, is the finish line for day one.
Day two (86.4 km.), cyclists depart near the Mill River Provincial Park and travel east along Route 2 towards La Région Évangéline where they will experience the Island’s Acadian culture. This portion of the ride hugs the coast and leads riders to the finish line in Summerside, the gateway to the North Cape Coastal Drive.
Transportation to and from starting and finishing points will be the responsibility of the participants.
