Canada - Biker map roars to life

OFF THE WIRE
BY: QMI AGENCY
 stthomastimesjournal.com
Bikers hammering down the back roads could become a big-bucks tourism draw for southwestern Ontario.
A new motorcycle map will feature touring routes and motorcycle-friendly destinations across London -Middlesex, Elgin-Oxford, Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham- Kent, Norfolk, Windsor-Essex and Haldimand.
A new regional tourism group that covers those regions has put out a tender to produce the map.
The outlaw image of motorcycle riders isn't reality, said Clark Hoskin, tourism manager for Norfolk county.
"Motorcycle enthusiasts are usually professionals -- mature, affluent couples who spend money," said Hoskin.
Port Dover in Norfolk reaps a tourism bonanza every Friday the 13th.
So, what's a good motorcycle route look like?
A well-paved road with lots of curves and hills, Hoskin said. There's plenty of potential on Southwestern Ontario's rural roads, he added. "With motorcycle tourism, it's all about the ride -- not the destination."
The motorcycle map will be one of the first projects for the new southwest tourism agency, set up by the province with $1.6 million. Other projects include port and birding promotions.