Saturday, July 19, 2025

Our Road Trips & Tours Book turned out pretty well, all things considered!

I'll be honest – I'm 5 weeks late going to print. We had a fatal database issue with our business listings that meant 3 weeks of intensive cleanup. That put me right in the middle of preparing for our Liberation of the Netherlands event at Veterans Memorial Gardens (owned by the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association).

I took four days away for riding and working off my motorcycle, then came home to a complete gong show of issues that had to be dealt with. I was finally able to get this to the printer by their drop-dead time of 8:30 AM this morning!

OMG, I cannot wait to get on my motorcycle Sunday or Monday – sunshine or rain – and get some soul time. I might be working, but when it's off the back of my bike, I'm good with that!

Upcoming Partner Visits:

Two Hills, Fort McMurray, Kikino, Athabasca, Slave Lake, Delburne, Forestburg, Millet, Leduc – I'm hitting as many of our partners as I can, interviewing them for "Ride Like a Local" on YouTube. Since breaking away from EastLink TV and being able to actually promote our content, I'm happy to report that in just a few short months we're over 1,300 subscribers. It all helps promote our rural communities!

What Makes Us Different:

I know there are other groups doing similar things now – but we were doing this long before COVID. The others came post-COVID, and that timing caused changes in the landscape. These other groups go to businesses to make money for their causes through cost-based memberships and fee-for-service models for their sponsor businesses.

Our model is fundamentally differentwe only charge businesses, never the consumer. We're completely free to all tourists, whether you're a backyard Alberta tourist, from across Canada, or around the world. If you're travelling in Alberta and want good info and support, we offer it at no cost to you! This allows you to support your membership groups and use our services too!

#lovelocal #supportruralcommunities #RumbleAlberta

Here's to a summer of miles, memories, photos, smiles, laughter, friendship, ALBERTA!






Friday, July 18, 2025

Rumble Alberta Summer Events: Where Community and Adventure Meet

When people think of Alberta tourism, they usually picture the Rockies or the big cities. But some of the most authentic, memorable experiences happen in the small communities that dot our province - places where a handshake still means something, where everyone knows your name by the end of the day, and where adventure comes with a side of genuine prairie hospitality.

This is exactly what Rumble Alberta is all about, and Two Hills is proving that small towns can deliver big adventures.

Two Hills: Where History Meets Horsepower

Two Hills might be a dot on the map, but it's becoming a destination for riders who want more than just another scenic route. This community gets it - they understand that motorcycle tourism isn't just about the ride, it's about the connections you make along the way.
July 22nd - Frog Lake Cree Nation BBQ Kickstands up at 11:00 AM from Two Hills Centennial Arena, and you're in for something special. This isn't your typical ride-and-eat event. It's a chance to experience Indigenous hospitality, learn about local history, and enjoy authentic community connection. The Frog Lake Cree Nation knows how to welcome visitors, and their BBQ is legendary among locals.
July 25th - Poker & Pierogies Poker Run Now this is Alberta creativity at its finest. Poker hands included in your gate fee, kickstands up at 11:30 AM, and you're off to Geleta Park for what locals call "the most fun you can have on two wheels without breaking any laws." The combination of poker, pierogies, and prairie hospitality creates an experience you won't find anywhere else.
And here's what makes this event even better - camping is available at Geleta Park. That means you can make this a full weekend experience, not just a day trip. There's something magical about camping with fellow riders, sharing stories around the fire, and waking up ready for another day of prairie adventure.

Community Partners Who Get It

What makes these events work is the local business support, and Junction Inn (https://rumblealberta.com/junction-inn) is a perfect example of partners who understand motorcycle tourism. They know that riders need more than just a place to stay - they need a place that welcomes the motorcycle community and understands what makes a good riding experience.
Having partners like Junction Inn means you've got reliable, rider-friendly accommodation options that complement the camping experience at Geleta Park. Whether you prefer the comfort of a room or the adventure of camping under prairie stars, Two Hills has you covered.

Why Small Town Events Hit Different

Here's what makes these Rumble Alberta events special - they're not trying to be something they're not. Two Hills isn't pretending to be Sturgis or Daytona. They're offering something better: authentic prairie community experience.
Real People, Real Stories: The folks organizing these events aren't event planners - they're community members who ride, who understand what makes a good time, and who genuinely want to share their corner of Alberta with you.
Value That Makes Sense: Gate fees that include poker hands and food? Camping available at the event location? That's small-town thinking - give people more than they expect, treat them like family, and they'll come back.
Flexibility: Weather not cooperating? Road construction? Small communities adapt fast. They know how to roll with prairie realities and still deliver a great experience.

The Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Connection

What makes Two Hills even more meaningful is its connection to the Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Park. This isn't just about fun rides - it's about community that understands the deeper bonds that connect riders. The memorial honors those we've lost on the road, creating a space for reflection and remembrance that adds depth to every gathering.
When you ride with Two Hills, you're not just participating in an event - you're becoming part of a community that values both celebration and remembrance.

Beyond the Events: Exploring Two Hills Area

Historic Sites: The area is rich with pioneer history and agricultural heritage. Take time to explore the local museum and heritage buildings.
Natural Beauty: The rolling hills and prairie landscapes offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Local Businesses: Support the community by visiting local cafes, shops, and services like Junction Inn. These businesses keep small towns alive and understand what riders need.
Geleta Park: Even if you're not camping, the park is worth exploring. It's a beautiful spot that showcases the natural beauty of the area.

The Rumble Alberta Difference

This is what Rumble Alberta is building across the province - authentic community experiences that showcase the real Alberta. Not the postcard version, but the version where you can have a conversation with a stranger, where local knowledge gets shared freely, and where every event feels like a community celebration you happened to stumble into.
Four-Season Thinking: While these summer events are fantastic, Two Hills and other Rumble Alberta communities are building year-round tourism. They understand that Alberta's beauty doesn't stop when the snow flies.
Rural Economic Impact: Every rider who shows up, every meal purchased, every tank of gas filled, every night at Junction Inn or campsite at Geleta Park - it all supports rural communities that need tourism dollars to thrive.
Network Building: These events connect riders from across the province, creating a network of people who understand that the best adventures happen when you get off the beaten path.

Planning Your Two Hills Adventure

Getting There: Two Hills is accessible via Highway 45, with good road conditions and clear signage. Plan for a comfortable ride with scenic prairie views.
Accommodation: Junction Inn provides rider-friendly accommodation, or camp at Geleta Park for the full outdoor experience. Many riders combine both - arriving early to secure camping spots, then enjoying the comfort of Junction Inn after a day of riding.
What to Bring: Prairie weather can change quickly, so pack layers. If camping at Geleta Park, bring appropriate gear. Don't forget your camera - the big sky country provides incredible photo opportunities.

The Real Alberta Experience

These Two Hills events represent something important - communities that refuse to let rural Alberta become just a place you drive through. They're creating reasons to stop, to connect, to experience the hospitality and adventure that small-town Alberta offers.
Whether you're drawn by the poker run, the Indigenous cultural experience, the camping at Geleta Park, or just the chance to ride with people who understand that the journey matters as much as the destination, Two Hills is proving that some of Alberta's best adventures happen in the places you might not expect.
Ready to experience real Alberta community? Check out the Rumble Alberta schedule for more events like these happening across the province. Because the best rides aren't just about the roads - they're about the people you meet along the way.
Share your Two Hills and Rumble Alberta experiences with us using #RumbleAlberta #TwoHills #RealAlberta

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Summer Road Trip Magic: Canada's Best Motorcycle Routes Right Now

 

Inclement weather looning

Let's be honest - Canadian weather is unpredictable, construction season is in full swing, and that "perfect riding day" might include everything from blazing sun to sudden hail. But here's the thing: that's exactly what makes riding in Canada so incredible. This country doesn't coddle you with perfect conditions - it challenges you, surprises you, and rewards you with experiences you'll never forget.


The Rockies: Beautiful and Brutal

Icefields Parkway (Alberta) - Yes, it's stunning. It's also where you might start in sunshine and hit snow flurries at the Columbia Icefield. Pack layers, expect construction delays, and be ready for weather that changes faster than your GPS can recalculate. The payoff? Views that will make you pull over just to stare, even if you're shivering while you do it.
Sea-to-Sky Highway (British Columbia) - Coastal fog can roll in without warning, turning those mountain curves into a white-knuckle adventure. The road can be slick, the visibility can drop to nothing, and you might find yourself riding through three different weather systems in an hour. It's also one of the most spectacular rides on the planet.

Prairie Reality Check

Yellowhead Highway (Alberta/Saskatchewan) - Those endless skies? They come with crosswinds that'll test your grip and weather systems you can see coming from 50 kilometers away. You might outrun a storm, or you might get soaked. Either way, you'll understand why prairie riders are some of the toughest in the country.
Red River Valley (Manitoba) - Summer doesn't mean no mosquitoes. It means ALL the mosquitoes. Plus humidity that'll fog your visor and thunderstorms that build fast. But when the sun breaks through those massive prairie clouds, you'll see why this landscape has inspired artists for generations.

Atlantic Honesty

Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia) - "Perfect summer weather" on the coast means be ready for everything. Fog, rain, wind, and yes, sometimes glorious sunshine - all in the same afternoon. The Celtic music festivals happen rain or shine, and honestly, some of the best memories come from the rides where you got completely soaked.
Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick) - Those tides are spectacular, but the weather off the Bay of Fundy can be moody. Pack rain gear, expect cool temperatures even in July, and don't let a little Maritime mist stop you from experiencing some of the most dramatic coastline in North America.

Real Talk: Summer Riding Essentials

Weather Happens: Check forecasts, but don't live by them. Canadian weather changes fast. Pack for everything - sun, rain, wind, and that weird temperature drop that happens when you hit elevation.
Construction is Real: Summer means road work. Lots of it. Gravel sections, delays, and detours are part of the Canadian riding experience. Embrace it - some of the best discoveries happen when you're forced off your planned route.
Gear Up for Reality: Mesh jackets are great until it's 12°C and raining. Heated grips aren't just for winter. Rain gear isn't optional - it's survival equipment.
Know Your Limits: Canadian distances are vast, weather can turn dangerous, and cell service isn't guaranteed. Ride within your abilities, tell someone your route, and don't push through conditions that make you uncomfortable.

Why It's Worth It

Here's what the travel brochures won't tell you: Canada doesn't give you perfect riding conditions. It gives you something better - authentic adventure. When you've ridden through a prairie thunderstorm, navigated mountain fog, or pushed through Maritime mist to reach an incredible destination, you've earned those views.
Every challenging ride becomes a story. Every weather system you navigate makes you a better rider. Every unexpected detour shows you something you never would have planned to see.

Make It Manageable

Want the adventure without the stress of planning around Canada's unpredictable conditions? CMTA Travel Services knows these routes in all kinds of weather. We've ridden through the storms, navigated the construction, and know which routes are worth the challenge and which ones to avoid when conditions turn.
The Time is Now
Canadian riding season is short, unpredictable, and absolutely magnificent. The mountain passes might be clear or cloudy. The prairies might be calm or windy. The coast might be sunny or foggy. But right now, in this moment, the roads are open and this incredible country is waiting.
Don't wait for perfect conditions - they don't exist. Gear up for reality, embrace the adventure, and discover why Canadian riders are some of the most resilient and passionate in the world.
Ready for real adventure? Contact CMTA Travel Service to plan a tour that works with Canadian conditions, not against them.

Visit cmtatravelservices.com or RumbleAlberta.com for ideas meant to inspire!

Share your real Canadian riding stories - the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable - with us using #CMTAReal.