Ready to ride
Motorcycle swap meet in Charlottetown attracts riders from across the region
The sound of motorcycles humming down the street is usually a sure sign that summer will soon be here.
But before hitting the roads, many of riders from across the Atlantic region attended the third annual motorcycle swap meet at Charlottetown’s EastLink Centre on Saturday.
In preparation for the upcoming season, they took some time to visit vendors who provided a mix of used and hard-to-find parts, as well as riding gear and bikes for sale.
There was also lots of camaraderie, as riders got to meet up again after the winter.
Laura Simmons, executive director of the Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association in Digby, N.S., said the start-ofthe-season event was a good opportunity to meet up with other riders in the region.
“It started out very busy, it’s petered out a bit (this afternoon), but it’s been very worthwhile,” said Simmons.
“There’s lots of people here that have been in (the rally) in the past who are thinking about going back and a few people who have heard about it and wanted more information.”
The Wharf Rat Rally, Canada’s largest multi-day motorcycle festival, has partnered with Red Rock Harley-Davidson this year to help with its P.E.I. registration.
After starting in 2005, the rally attracts about 10,000 motorcyclists ever year, with about 140 from P.E.I. entering last year.
The rally sees the main street in Digby shut down for a day to allow for motorcycles on display, while it also features stunt shows, rides, custom builders and live music.
“There’s really something for everybody,” said Simmons, adding that the family-focused festival is stretched out over five days and includes other events like water shows and guided tours and a Canadian preview of a Harley Davidson 2018 model.
The festival also helps raise some money for charities.
In the past five years, the group has donated about $55,000 to the Shriners, which help to run the event’s 50/50 draw.
It has also donated to the Digby Search and Rescue Association, as well as individual charities for causes such as juvenile diabetes.