Mark it in your calendar now! The Last Spike Bike Tour will be held August 7-12, 2000 marking the official launch of the completion of the Confederation Trail for Prince Edward Island. Three-time Olympic medalist, Curt Harnett, will be on hand for the launch and the duration of the six-day bike tour from Elmira to Tignish, celebrating the completion of the trail as well as the beauty of Prince Edward Island.
The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island is the first provincial section of the Trans Canada Trail to be completed as part of the world's longest trail.
Tom Connor, President of Island Trails remarked, "We're delighted to be working with Outside Expeditions and Tourism PEI to mount this unique event. Part of every sales dollar goes to Island Trails which, as a non-profit organization, is pretty important to us." He added, "There's also a special discount for members of Island Trails. We hope to see hundreds of Islanders out there."
The Tour was unveiled at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada in Summerside and the Minister of Tourism, Greg Deighan, encouraged everyone to slot some time for this event. "This is a monumental time for Prince Edward Island. We are the first province to complete the trail which links province to province in a beautiful, natural trail. We should be very proud of the work that has been done and the cooperation of government and the people of Prince Edward Island that allowed us to see this trail to fruition."
The trail provides an excellent opportunity for eco-tourism, which is growing in importance and popularity across the country. The view on the Confederation Trail is splendid, the trail is safe and quiet, and the community festivals and vistas along the way will provide both Islanders and visitors with a breathtaking perspective of what the Island is all about.
Mr. Harnett commented, "20 years as a competitive cyclist have given me the opportunity to experience countries and cultures around the world. What an awesome way this is to experience one of Canada's most beautiful and adored provinces. I hope you'll join me."
"The Island trail is perfectly suited for biking and walking with the scenic coastline, meandering trails and a myriad of bays and beaches to explore. Everyone in Prince Edward Island will have an opportunity to participate as it crosses many communities across the Island," noted Mr. Deighan.
The event allows everyone a chance to bike through beautiful landscapes by day, and enjoy a different Island community festival each evening. Plan to attend and join Curt Harnett as one of the first to bike from tip to tip on Prince Edward Island on the Trans Canada Trail.