Manitoulin Expositor - 03\/06\/2015<\/p>\n
MANITOULIN\u2014 \u201cWe are sold out,\u201d enthused Manitoulin Island Cycling Associates spokesperson Maja Mielonen, noting that the Manitoulin Passage Ride cycling partnership with the Chi-Cheemaun ferry has been growing by leaps and bounds with each passing year. \u201cThere will be 165 cyclists arriving by ferry, with over 230 riders taking part in the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms. Mielonen said that the Manitoulin Passage Ride success is thanks in large part to a \u201cwagonload of volunteers\u201d and the positive buy in by local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very happy that the Manitoulin North Shore Dairy Producers have donated 250 chocolate milks,\u201d she said. \u201cThat is a tremendous boost to us in terms of support.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Manitoulin Passage Ride will be focussing on the two Manitoulin legs of the Georgian Bay Cycle Route. \u201cWe will be highlighting the Manitoulin Core A and Core B legs of the route,\u201d said Ms. Mielonen. \u201cThese are now recognized by the province as an official route and part of the Georgian Bay Cycle Route.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cyclists will be arriving on the 10:50 am ferry on June 6 and travelling across Manitoulin to arrive for 6 pm at a celebration dinner and entertainment at Batman\u2019s Tent and Trailer Park in Sheguiandah. \u201cThere will be a pork roast from Burt Farm (from Ice Lake) and Garden\u2019s Gate (restaurant in Tehkummah) will be providing the salad,\u201d she said. \u201cThe Uppers will be performing live at the park as well. That is Peter Nelson and Jamie Mohammed and they are great entertainers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a beautiful new T-shirt showcasing our brand,\u201d said the cycling advocate.<\/p>\n
Ms. Mielonen said that MICA was \u201cabsolutely thrilled\u201d with the response to the Passage to Manitoulin program, a feeling shared by the ferry operators as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been a great program and we are very pleased to be a part of it,\u201d said Owen Sound Transportation Company President Susan Schrempf. \u201cWe really only provide transportation for the cyclists and their bikes on the Passage to Manitoulin cycling program, but this is the kind of program that we can work with.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a defined start and stop date and number of participants, the Passage to Manitoulin program can be fit into the ferry\u2019s operations. \u201cWe really want to support that kind of program,\u201d said Ms. Schrempf. \u201cIt focusses on the Island and that is a key part of our marketing strategy going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Chi-Cheemaun is currently embarking on a marketing campaign focussed on making the ferry a travel destination (in conjunction with Manitoulin Island) in its own right as part of Destination Manitoulin.<\/p>\n