Tens of thousands of motorcycle riders made their way to Port Dover for the traditional Friday the 13th gathering. Motorcycles of all types poured into the town located on the eastern edge of Lake Erie. Warm temperatures and a little cloud cover provided almost ideal conditions. Constable Andrew Gamble is the with the Norfolk OPP, and noted the significant number of bikers. “Big turnout, Friday the 13th in Port Dover. And it is a prime summertime event, and we could see well beyond 100,000 people here today in Port Dover.” Police kept an eye on intersections that funnel riders to their destination. Gamble says the event happening in late spring is an opportunity to remind all drivers that the bikes are back on the road, and everyone has to stay alert. “If you’re driving a motor vehicle, sometimes, they can creep up on you, and they’re hard to see. And as you’re approaching an intersection and once you proceed through, check twice and you can save a life in doing so.” Those who ride say there’s nothing better than a Friday the 13th gathering in Port Dover. Al Rush made the ride from Hamilton. “Mostly just the camaraderie and just seeing all the nice bikes here. I’ve got quite a few good pictures. Some really nice bikes and, yeah, just the atmosphere is really good. Bike people are the best.” Braydon Toth rides a Harley Softail and always looks forward to meeting other riders in Port Dover. “It’s awesome. Everyone comes together to do one thing, and, you know, people from all over the place out here doing this stuff. So, it’s just so good to see. Fantastic,” said Toth. Jarrod Winters made the trip from Tillsonburg on his Harley to “get out and see everybody. Get some T-shirts and stuff and enjoy the time? It’s fun.” Dover provides a unique opportunity for businesses geared to those who ride, whether it be gear or gadgets. One of these businesses, Escape Moto, is based in Montreal. Magid Javed said the business always makes it to Port Dover to Friday the 13th gatherings. “We love it. A lot of people buying and also the atmosphere is good. And the weather is also good.” The unfortunate news is that this is the only Friday the 13th for this year. On a positive note, there are three Friday the 13ths in 2026.
