Any rider worth their salt has heard of the massive motorcycle event in Port Dover, Ontario known as Friday the 13th or PD13. This event, started by a group of riding buddies who resolved to meet in Port Dover every Friday the 13th, is a must for bikers anywhere within a 500-kilometre radius.
First-timers can expect a free-for-all of custom bikes, hot leather, blinding chrome and everything brash and flamboyant in rider culture. A Mardi Gras for motorcycles, all nestled in the heart of one of Ontario's most popular tourism regions. Located along the north shore of Lake Erie, the historic town of Port Dover is a short drive from Buffalo, Hamilton, Toronto, Detroit, and all points in between. There's even a motorcycle route to accommodate the hordes of bikes that flock to Port Dover when the calendar calls for it!
This year, we're treated to three events! Back to back ones in February and March. The next one is in November, so it's a year for the hardcore only!
Here are seven reasons why you can't afford to miss this year's PD13s.
No matter what direction you’re coming from to get to PD13 you’ll find some great routes at CruisetheCoast.ca. The Friday the 13th route is fine, but you’re surrounded by lakes, Niagara Falls, and lots of winding roads through lush farmland. So don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path. You won’t be lost for long!
Motorcyclists are a special bunch, and as much as we’re all individuals with our own preferences, we have more in common than we have differences. PD13 brings together somewhere in the range of 100,000 riders. We might not see numbers like that at these colder month events, but you can be sure that the people there are dedicated—so you’re bound to find your people here.
When you get this many bikers all together in one little seaside town, you can bet it’s going to be a party. However, this is Canada, and here we don’t do keg stands, especially when everyone has to ride home. But there is lots of good music, crazy characters and tasty food—we’re sure you’ll be having a good time.
Thousands of bikes line the streets of Port Dover. Every make, model, colour, year, style, type, and custom version of any type of bike ever made, built, sold, bought, imagined, or dreamed up will be here. If you love seeing real bikes—not just what’s on Kijiji or the showroom floor, this is the best place in the world to be.
To commemorate this special occasion, a special "Back 2 Back" Port Dover Friday the 13th t-shirt and hoodie will be available. You can get yours beginning at 10 am on February 13th at the Elmer Lewis parking lot in the heart of Port Dover. How else are you gonna prove you were there? Get the shirt, wear it with pride!
Why ride all the way to Dover just to worry about parking or traffic? Commit to the weekend and stay over! By this time, if you haven’t booked a room you’re out of luck. Camping at Port Dover Kinsmen Park is a great (and cheap) way to fully immerse yourself in the PD13 experience. It’s still only $20 per person per night (an additional $20/ night will be charged for trailers/RVs). Port Dover Kinsem Park offers hot food (served by the Port Dover Scouts) and full service restrooms including hot showers! Get there early, there are no reservations.
The Port Dover Lions will also be offering camping at Silver Lake. Click here for more information.
Real live music to groove to, people-watch to, ride to almost non-stop for the duration of the event. It's a different line-up each event. Check back here to see who's scheduled to play in February and March this year.
See you there!!!
