Moving from start-up life in Toronto to my new home in Consecon wasn’t just about changing addresses —it was about embracing a completely different way of life.

After years of navigating Toronto’s congested streets on my bike, dodging streetcar tracks and endless traffic lights, the open roads of The County were inviting. Here was a place where I could truly experience the freedom of two wheels, away from the urban chaos I’d left behind.

The transition to motorcycles came naturally. I was already passionate about cycling. Anything on two wheels appealed to me. But meeting my partner, Sarah, truly sealed the deal. Sarah had been riding her  Vespa 300 GTS for years.

Suddenly, we had visions of adventures together, exploring the County’s hidden gems and beyond from the seats of our bikes.

What makes the County truly special for motorcycling isn’t just the absence of urban traffic — it’s the presence of something special.

Our roads twist and turn through landscapes that seem designed by someone who knows that the journey matters as much as the destination. Whether I’m heading to Sandbanks or through the vineyards of Hillier, every ride is a meditation on beauty.

Here, gentle curves follow the natural contours of the land, stretching to where you can open up the throttle and feel the wind. There are countless opportunities to pull over and soak in views that never get old. Unlike the stop-and-go rhythm of city riding, here you can find your flow and maintain it, letting the stress of the week melt away with every new kilometre.

I also wanted to give back to the motorcycle community. Sarah and I decided to become the local hosts for The Moto Social PEC, the local chapter of a global motorcycle community initiative. Our monthly gatherings have become something special — a chance for riders to connect, share stories, and celebrate our shared passion for two-wheeled adventures.

What I love most about The Moto Social is its inclusive philosophy: everyone’s welcome, bike or no bike. We’ve had people show up on vintage BMWs, Hondas, Harleys and Ariels, big adventure bikes and modern sport bikes, others on scooters and, of course, dirt bikes — and locals who just come to hang out with family and friends soaking up the good vibes. It’s about community first, motorcycles second.

The County’s motorcycle community is a diverse group united by an appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and our desire to experience it in the most visceral way possible. On a motorcycle, you’re not separated from the environment by glass and steel — you feel the temperature changes as you ride along Lake Ontario, smell the fresh-cut hay and blooming wildflowers, and hear the sounds of the County in ways that car drivers simply can’t appreciate.

Our rides take us past farm stands where we stop for fresh corn or asparagus, through wine country where the rows of vines create perfect parallel lines that seem to stretch to infinity, and along the shoreline where Lake Ontario spreads out like a vast blue canvas.

The benefits of motorcycling in the County are obvious — minimal traffic, very few lights, and roads that actually go somewhere interesting. But the emotional benefits run deeper. When the pressures of my role as CEO of the PEC Chamber of Commerce mount, or when the complexities of advocating for our business community become overwhelming, I know exactly what to do. I grab my helmet, fire up the bike, and let The County work its magic.

The County has changed since I first arrived, growing in popularity and recognition, but the essential character of this place — its natural beauty, its winding roads, its sense of community — remains the same. For those of us who’ve discovered the joy of exploring it on two wheels, that’s everything.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone who’s always been curious about motorcycles, I encourage you to consider joining us at The Moto Social. You might also want to attend the Moto Craft Festival weekend Aug 1-3 at Base 31. There is also a learn-to-ride course at Loyalist College with the RSAO motorcyclecourse.com program, where I teach the M1-M2 class.  

Come for the bikes, stay for the community, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the incredible place we call home. After all, there’s no better way to truly know Prince Edward County than to experience it at motorcycle speed — fast enough to cover ground, slow enough to savour every moment. 

Duarte Da Silva is CEO of the PEC Chamber of Commerce and co-host of The Moto Social PEC.