🇺🇸 The Friendship Ride 🇨🇦
One ride, two nations. Gather at the border at Ryden's Border Store, cross into Canada, and roar north past scenic lookouts, historic monuments, and heritage stops to a private Friendship Celebration in Fort William, honouring our riders and sponsors. Open to all classic, custom cars and motorcycles.
Registration & Cost
The Friendship Ride registration includes lunch on the route and entry to the exclusive Armani's Friendship Celebration, honouring our riders and sponsors.
Early Bird: Register and pay in full by June 30 to receive a 10% discount on all registrations and add-ons!
REGISTER FOR THE RIDEThe History of the "Outlaw Bridge"
Long before the modern border crossing existed, the connection between our two nations was forged by sheer community determination. In 1916, roads from Minnesota and Ontario both terminated at the Pigeon River, but international bureaucracy stalled plans for a connecting bridge.
Refusing to wait, the Rotary Clubs of Duluth, Port Arthur, and Fort William (now Thunder Bay) joined forces. With Cook County raising funds, Canadian lumberman William Scott donating timber, and local engineers designing the structure, citizens built the bridge themselves without federal permission.
Officially opened on August 18, 1917, the "Outlaw Bridge" was an instant success. When Ontario's government surprised everyone by offering to cover construction costs, the crossing was retroactively legitimized, initiating a century of cross-border brotherhood.
Pigeon River Border Crossing
Reconstruction of the historic wooden Outlaw Bridge built by Duluth & Lakehead Rotary Clubs (1917).
The Stops
Cruising from Grand Portage to Thunder Bay. Note: Detailed turn-by-turn route maps and driving directions will be provided to all registered participants at Ryden's Border Store before departure.
Fuel Up HereRyden's Border Store
Our starting muster point and the best place to fuel up before crossing. Detailed route maps and info packages will be provided here.
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Kakabeka Falls
Witness the magnificent 'Niagara of the North' waterfall, a spectacular scenic highlight.
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Terry Fox Lookout
Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant from this historic landmark monument.
Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum
Explore an incredible collection of vintage motorcycles and historical automotive displays.
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Hotel Check-In
Check in to your hotel, freshen up, and get ready for the evening celebrations.
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Armani's (Friendship Celebration)
The final destination for our private Friendship Celebration, honouring our riders and sponsors. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music with fellow participants.
Private Friendship Celebration at Armani's
The ride ends where the weekend begins. Pull up to Armani's for a private Friendship Celebration, honouring our riders and sponsors. Enjoy live music, cold drinks, and the kickoff to South Core Roar. Riders, passengers, sponsors and organizers only.
Official Muster Point Sponsor
We are proud to partner with Ryden's Border Store, our official international muster point. Fuel up, stock up, and gear up before we embark!
What You Need
- →Helmets are mandatory in Ontario — USA riders: an approved helmet is required for every rider and passenger, no exceptions.
- →Valid passport for the border crossing, both directions.
- →Vehicle registration and insurance valid in both Canada and the USA.
- →Fuel up at Ryden's Border Store — the last stop for convenient fuel before the border.
- →Detailed route maps and turn-by-turn directions will be supplied during check-in/muster.
- →Rain gear recommended — lakeside weather changes fast.
- →Arrive at Ryden's muster point early for the check-in and briefing.
Register for the Ride
Complete the form below to register.
