The Border City is on the cusp of being named the most “Rider-Friendly City” for bikers in Canada.
The contest, which is overseen by Community Futures offices across Canada, measures how local businesses interact with motorcyclists that visit the town. Towns are nominated in the first round and are eventually thinned out until there are two competitors. Lloydminster has advanced to this final round and is matched up against Drumheller for the title.
General Manager of Community Futures Lloydminster Phyllis Maki says becoming the most “Rider-Friendly City” could bring an expandingly diverse crowd of rider tourists into the city.
“First off we need to stop every two to two and half hours to fuel up and stretch. But when we come into town at the end of the day, we’re looking for a hotel, we’re looking for someplace to go and eat, and oftentimes we quit riding before it gets dark, or at dusk when the animals come out. We’re looking for some entertainment once we’re in town to settle in.”
Aside from tourism money, the City has also received a $10,000 marketing package, which includes international TV, print and digital items for making it to the final round. If voted as the most rider friendly, Maki says, Lloydminster would also receive a $35,000 marketing package, which would extend on that.
“We would get two full half hour broadcasts where they would actually come out and film around the region, and film some of the motorcycle friendly facilities, hotels, restaurants and businesses.”
Maki adds that Lloydminster does sit slightly ahead right now, but the number has been neck and neck the entire time. People can vote on the Rider Friendly contest website.