For the first day of the Ride, 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 Western P.E.I. Tourism Association has offered to provide a nutritious breakfast for participants as they begin their cycling experience. The charming community of Tignish offers a wealth of history, culture and architecture and the community is providing a rest stop with juice, water and a warm welcome. If riders find the weather too warm, the local fire department will be on hand to “hose down” those needing to be refreshed.

Then it’s on to Miminegash, where the community will provide beverages along with timbits provided by Tim Hortons. Local organizing committee members are hinting at a “surprise” in the community to keep the momentum of the Ride participants on course. Once riders arrive at West Point, more refreshments are at hand, provided with down-home hospitality of this tight-knit fishing and farming community. The final stop of the day comes at O’Leary where community members will be hosting a barbeque at the O’Leary Centennial Park.

Day two, cyclists depart near the Mill River Provincial Park after enjoying a breakfast provided by Rodd Mill River Resorts, and travel east along Route 2 towards La Région Évangéline where they will experience the Island’s Acadian culture. A stop for refreshments in Enmore provides the fuel needed to get to Abram’s Village and then on to St. Nicholas Road for a quick beverage. Riders will enjoy this portion of the ride which hugs the coast and leads to the finish line in Summerside, the gateway to the North Cape Coastal Drive. A windup barbeque at the Shipyard Market, enhanced by local entertainment and hosted by the Summerside Tourism Association, is the perfect place to review your Ride Passport and reflect on the beautiful experience the North Cape Coastal Ride provided.

Winding through 49 communities and spanning 182 kilometres, 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. At the end of each of the two days, transportation will be provided to return participants back to the North Cape Coastal Ride place of origin for that day. Whether you decide to take in both days, or simply participate in a single day, you’ll end up where you began with many fun memories of a day cycling.

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. Cyclist, friends and family are welcome to join in the closing ceremony festivities at the Shipyard Market.

The North Cape Coastal Ride will promote the new North Cape Coastal Drive and has received support from ACOA and the Departments of Tourism and Transportation and Public Works. Visit www.ride-pei.com for more information.