Thursday’s cruise visitors to Dominica will not be in their shorts and flip-flops but in their leathers and safety helmets: they are a bunch of bikers living their dream of bringing their motorbikes on a Caribbean vacation. So look out for Harley-Davidsons and even custom bikes and “choppers”, which are stripped down and “chopped up” from other bikes like those in the film Easy Rider.
Twenty-six bikers onboard the Celebrity Equinox will set off from Roseau to confront the twists and turns of the interior before arriving at the Emerald Pool. They will be escorted by police and the emergency services.
“They like the idea of the mountains, and last year were fascinated by all the greenery,” said Kathleen Cuffy, head of product development at the Discover Dominica Authority. “The coordinator said that they were very excited about the visit because Dominica is so different from the other islands. We just hope that it is nice and sunny.” After the cool of the rainforest, they will be off to the west coast – where perhaps they can pick up a little speed – before relaxing at Mero for lunch, and then returning to the cruise ship.
In 2002, Entertainment Travel Alternatives (ETA) began selling cruises that offered bikers the opportunity to explore destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean with their motorcycles. Now in its 13th year, the group sells more than 20 motorcycle cruises per year.
“We do not just ride, we have a blast,” says the ETA website, which says that their cruises are the only ones where you can pack your motorbike or trike with you. “Our guests come to ride the islands – not sit at bars and only talk about wishing they can.”
Tourism Officials from the Discover Dominica Authority, The Ministry of Tourism, the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority and other officials were expected to welcome the group to Dominica this morning at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth.
Spies on the ground.
You guys really think this is so awesome? This “awesomeness” is taking away much needed monies from the taxi drivers and others who depend on transporting tourists and you all think it’s cool? The only “awesome” thing here is that the government you all hate so much is pocketing the monies these people had to pay for acquiring licenses to operate these foreign vehicles on island. Allu So blind, sheeple!
Another short sighted rastafari
there needs to be a variety of offerings/activities that people are looking for, they don’t need to be forced into doing activities that they don’t want to do – just like sheeple!
Ohh Rasta plzz..of all the cruise ships that come to Dominica yu complain because this one time they come with their own transportation..Let the tourists enjoy themselves and tell the bus drivers go back and run their regular routes
Pig disgusting Harley Davidsons. Why couldn’t they bring good bikes?
You is it that we can not just be positive about what’s going on in the island. Stop with the negatives on the dam island.
i would have loved to see that….a group of harley riders….oh yeah a lovely sight……
i love seeing our locals on their street bikes as well
That is absolutely awesome! This makes a big impact on the rest of the Caribbean. Dominica is unique! Just control the crime and things will be just fine DA. The dollars will come in.
DNO I expected more pics……….indeed this was an amazing experience for Dominicans. I’m hoping to see them again later in the month where I’m at.
These observers/on-lookers seem dumbfounded like they never saw motorcycles before.
Negative as always. They have not seen too many bikes at one time and those types which is why they are looking on and are mesmerized. Some of them may be wondering, “What’s going on.” Allow them their due right and privilege.
Come on we are talking about DA. Nothing really exciting happens like this. It is an interesting sight for many people. Notice that the bikers are also Caucasians.
Great stuff, another way to welcome a new source of revenue for the island. Bravo
Awesome sight in Mero. I am jealous….
Don’t be jealous I hope you can get your self a Bike too and enjoy Da the same way you and your friends
Blessings
On condition they are careful driving them and do not speed.
A pic tells a thousand stories… no more riding of bikes in DA without safety helmets, CDPF get your act together!!!!
Where these people reside, it is illegal, due to severe injuries and fatalities, to ride a motor bike without a safety helmet.
This is a good example for D/cans who ride motor bikes. The D/can authorities should pay heed.
Bordou we doh have road for this..!!!
This is not North America my friends!
Many people love small countries and the excitement of being in a small country and noticing friendly faces/people.
Imagine them riding in D/ca (or any small island) free of cares. It is called freedom. This is why people take a vacation. It releases the tension in hardworking people. Note also some climb mountains and high ones.
First time experience is a lasting one. If you reside in D/ca, as a form of welcome, greet them and wish them an enjoyable visit and encourage others to do likewise.
but when we riding every sunday all doh seeing us local riders
Put allyu helmet on
LOL those that were ridding were foreigers that is to dam funny
Are these bikes Licensed to ride on our roads?
What about those chines motor bike with those basins on the traffic side. Maybe they should accompany those riders even if some of those basins end up in drain in mahout.
You is it that we can not just be positive about what’s going on in the island. Stop with the negatives on the dam island.
Hope our bikers take a good look at the attire of these bikers..They are ALL wearing helmets..
Great way to promote Dominica.
Thats cool. The authorities need to ensure the cyclists from the oher cruise line have a vehicle escort to the interior too. I witnessed an accident on the interior road some weeks back in Roger area. The ambulance had to come to assist the injured cyclist. This couldve been prevented. Let’s continue to keep our roads safe for ourselves and our visitors.
Wonderful to see the bikers. Welcome to Dominica and PLEASE COME AGAIN. Next time come to overnight and do it with our bikers here.
they pass through bird island yesterday.
Dr 1ve safely anr bring the mone9y
They just passed the Portsmouth Area. It was a great sight.
Great idea for Dominica .
What’s the ETA on this?
nice pun
Entertainment Travel Alternatives (ETA)
I love the idea but they still has to be careful we have pot holes
What do you mean where they come from has no pot holes? U not EZ
No doubt plenty! Every country has pot holes; worst where there is winter. We get more water than we need, rain and snow which also cause flooding and power outage.
Toronto has a lot. Friday evening, I observed the workers filling up a pot hole. It was bad enough. They even work in the night.
Idiot every country has potholes, smdh… Ya’ll really think that Dominica is immune to …. right? I live in NYC and there is potholes every where you turn, stop acting brand new….
Yes,we have potholes like any other island in the caribbean including the USVI.Hope you enjoyed riding through the hills and valleys of our nature isle.We’re expecting your feedback so we can make improvements to better your experiences next time.Please come again and encourage more of your friends to come along.Thank you so very much for choosing our nature isle as part of your tour.
Jennifer you don’t travel man
very cool!
welcome to nature isle
That’s kool they are visiting the island, I see them every year where I am. Saw them yesterday and will be seeing them later in the month again. It’s really an amazing site.
…sight!!
Thats nice. HOpe I see them
That’s something new
they passed through Barbados yesterday.
this is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!