B4UW 2023

Manitoulin Island Sept 8 to Sept 10

In summary the 4^th Manitoulin B4UW ride was perfect. Katherine Cockburn Development Manager from United Way, again came out to thank us for the contribution our ride makes to UW.

The weather was warm, dry and relatively calm with only a little resistance on the last day. The roads were in good shape with the exception of a challenging ride by four riders who chose to check out the lighthouse at Meldrum Bay. It was a beautiful destination and while a challenging gravel road, well worth the effort.

As often the case with the Manitoulin Ride, there were a range of experiences from leisure meandering the rural country side to serious endurance segments (i.e. 33km per hr for 55km- well done lighthousers 😊) and some steady segments that challenged but did not tax riders. The Lake Wolsey Obejewung Park and Campground was comfortable with warm showers, charging stations, firewood and only some late night neighbourhood noise.

Day 1 Route was altered due to road conditions and mirrored the Day 3 Route in reverse. The food on Day 1-Friday was kicked off with a good carbo load lunch at Pierside Restaurant in South Baymouth with more carbs at Lake Wolsey’s Canteen where riders consumed burgers, fries, onion rings and popcorn shrimp.

Day 2 started with oatmeal with the fixings, fruit, coffee, and tea. Lunch in Meldrum Bay fueled the riders back to Lake Wolsey and in time for dinner at MJ Gordon (Retired OPSer) in Providence Bay. MJ and Alex hosted us and served a delicious dinner of local fair (mostly from MJ’s ample garden) of salad, stuffed zucchini-meat and veg), roasted potatoes, sauce, whitefish and of course pie. After dinner some of MJ’s neighbours came by to visit and one covered MJ’s out of pocket expenses for the dinner. Amazing community support for our efforts.

Day 3 Route started with a repeat breakfast supplemented by the mandatory order (at 6:15 am to reserve) to Mum’s Bakery to get gigantic apple fritters and cinnamon buns that were consumed at the Mindemoya break 45km into the ride. Ferry connections were made, trailer dropped off and everyone home safe after a very enjoyable weekend of B4UW.

Thanks for all the support and wishing the other B4UW rides good weather, safe roads and convivial ride.