March 5, 2006 – Did you know that the first annual Canadian Tandem Rally is taking place in Picton, Ontario, from May 26-29, 2006?

What to expect from a tandem rally? Two or three days of tandem touring, sharing good times with like-minded tandems enthusiasts, enjoying great experiences and wonderful foods together.

A Real Happening” ** Great Friends, Great Food, Great Scenery!

Registration closes on May 1st, 2006. And right now there is a reduced rate in effect until April 1st. Check that out on the website’s sign-up page.

Space is limited this year; don’t be disappointed! Please, e-mail the mbs folks or call them at (1)-905-824-9364 for camping options!

“This year, instead of our usual University accommodation, the Canadian Tandem Rally will be hosted by an entire town! That is to say; we’ll be based in the amazing town of Picton, Ontario, right in the heart of Prince Edward County. We’re occupying the town’s two main hotels, down at the mouth of the harbour, and situated mere minutes walk from the best the town has to offer.

The town is rich with local history, first being incorporated in 1837, and named after General Sir Thomas Picton. Sir Thomas was second in command at the Battle of Waterloo, and was commended for his actions, in the naming of this town. Sir John A. MacDonald himself, managed a law office for his uncle in the town! It was also used by the rum-runners, they used Main Duck Island, 12 miles offshore, as a staging point, for smuggling liquor into the US, during the Prohibition. With it’s roots, the fact that it is geographically outside of the rest of Ontario, and the longstanding families that have their own roots in the area, it’s not surprising that it holds for itself a close, familial feeling. It just seems like home, and we thought it would be perfect for this year’s rally.

If Picton was your home, you’d no doubt have heard the many stories that seem to sprout in the area. The town’s storytellers are excellent at weaving a tale; if you’ve never heard one yourself, you can check out some that have been chronicled here.

While you’re in Picton, be sure to check out some of the sights! At the top of our list when we return, will definitely be the fabulous Regent Theatre – we stopped by just too late to drop into the Jazz Festival, but this time around we’ll definately check out what’s happening there. Albeit not recently updated, the Regent Theatre website has plenty of interesting information on the theatre itself.” [from the website]

The Bloomfield Bicycle Co is sponsoring this event, and we have tandems for rent if you want to come but don’t have an appropriate vehicle. We’re all looking forward to seeing tons of tandems filling County roads in May, and seeing tandems filling up bike racks and available leaning spots all over the place.

And don’t forget, we’re back in the saddle again at the shop on April 1st. The buzzards go home to Hinkley, the swallows to Capistrano and the fools drift back to the bike shop!!

Club rides start as soon as the weather will permit. Drop by and check out the 2006 bikes.