I think I mentioned in a previous column that my first almost-date with Driver Mark was a group ride.
He had such a good time group rides became a big part of our early days together.
Riding along in a long line of bikes, chrome glinting, engines roaring — all in the name of a good cause — was a nice way to spend a day.
Over time, our schedules filled in and interest waned a bit. We got away from the organized rides.
Recently, DM and I rolled down to the picturesque village of Victoria By the Sea to recapture some of our previous group ride enjoyment.
We chose the Guardians of the Children (GOC) P.E.I. Second Annual Empowerment Ride.
A line of about 60 bikes and accompanying leather-clad humans filled the wharf in the little village.
Victoria is inhabited year-round but comes alive in the summer with tourists and seasonal shops.
Several visitors of the non-motorcycle variety strolled between the rows of bikes.
They looked a little uncomfortable, but there was no need — turns out, GOC was one of the most welcoming group rides we’d been to.
Before we went, all we knew of the GOC was that one of the P.E.I. Guardians, Sonny, is a longtime riding friend.
The empowerment ride is the Guardians’ main fundraiser and the money goes to the kids and families they help.
The GOC brings awareness to the prevalence of child abuse. They will even accompany a child — dubbed a Lil Guardian - to court.
The empowerment ride is the Guardians’ main fundraiser and the money goes to the kids and families they help.
Our $25 registration got us a patch, a sticker and a well-organized tour of the Island’s scenic harbours and highways from Victoria east to St. Peters via Murray River.
Grimm, the president of the P.E.I chapter of the GOC, called for “kickstands up” at 1 p.m.
The itinerary was simple and a map was provided with the stops marked with stars.
As a backseat rider, I really hate getting separated from the rest of the ride and not knowing what the plan is. Grimm had me covered. He’d planned two “collector stops” to gather everyone. A gas stop and final destination with food were also in the schedule.
There was no reason for anyone to get left behind. So far so good.
Once the ride made it east of Charlottetown and traffic died down, we remembered why we enjoyed riding in a big group.
Watching the bikes climb a hill two-by-two is kind of impressive. Supporting a cause and enjoying the ride is pretty unifying.
A fundraiser auction and food truck were at the finish.
The sun was bright and warm as we munched our fries and chatted with the others, our group ride enjoyment restored.
Happy riding!
