Who would have thought that a simple invite for a Labour Day weekend ride could lead to one of the most epic motorcycle journeys to Northwestern Ontario?
Well, that’s exactly what happened to my humans when they got a message from the amazing Kari-Anne Leatherwood. She was looking for fellow riders to join her on a Saturday adventure, and they couldn’t resist!
Now, let’s be real for a second. When they realized it was a whopping 3.5 hours each way, they had a moment of concern. That sounded pretty ambitious for a day trip. But with the riding season in Manitoba winding down, they quickly decided that this was an opportunity not to be missed!
Bright and early, they set off from Winnipeg at 8:00 am, ready for the day ahead.
It was a brisk morning, but once they got to Richer, Manitoba, by 9:30, they shook off the chill. They greeted their motley crew: five bikes, nine humans, and yours truly, Bob the Rubber Duck. I was perched proudly on my perch, ready for the adventure of the day!
As we roared eastward on the Trans-Canada Highway 1,
driving through Falcon Lake
and crossing into Ontario,
the scenery transformed from sprawling prairie farmland
to the breathtaking beauty of lakes and forests.
Ah, cottage country!
We continued our journey on Highway 17,
passing Kenora and heading toward Vermillion Bay.
Just East of Vermillion was the turn-off for Highway 105 North.
This road was a true enthusiast’s paradise!
The curves were long and slow. The views were so jaw-dropping that I almost lost my quack. Bikers often say it’s not what you ride, it’s that you ride. But trust me, sometimes it is where you ride that makes a difference.
This twisty road enhanced every bit of the experience.
When you spot the shift from deer crossing signs to moose crossing warnings, you know you’ve truly entered the wild! It’s no surprise this region is a paradise for hunters and anglers alike.
With shimmering lakes, dense forests, and cozy lodges nestled along the way, the allure of the backcountry keeps outdoor enthusiasts returning year after year.
The call of the wild is strong here, offering adventures and memories just waiting to be made.
About an hour into this exhilarating ride, north on Highway 105, something magical happened.
We began to catch a whiff of smoked meat wafting through the air. My little rubber nose could hardly handle the excitement! Just ahead, we spotted a bright yellow building with giant smokers puffing away. We had arrived at The Whiskey Jack Restaurant and Tavern in Perrault Falls, Ontario!
Everyone was ready for a break, and after some lively conversation and a couple of beverages, we dove into an amazing feast of smoky goodness. There were ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. Stay tuned for my full review of The Whiskey Jack. Let’s just say it’s a dining experience worth every mile from Winnipeg!
After an hour of indulging and sharing laughs, it was time to saddle up for the return journey. The thrill of the ride home was just as exhilarating as the way there.
With the sun beginning to dip, we cruised back to Winnipeg. We arrived at 7:30 pm with tired butts and grins that stretched from wingtip to wingtip.
What a day! The weather was perfect, the food was divine, and the connections made with fellow riders added an extra layer of joy.
Huge thanks to Kari-Anne for organizing such a fantastic ride.
I can’t wait for the next adventure!
Until then, keep the rubber side down and ride on!
NEVER MISS A
