Friendship Ride 2026: The Cross-Border Motorcycle Ride Ending at Armani's

Friday, July 31, 2026 — When the engines start at Ryden's and the kickstands go up at Armani's, you'll know South Core Roar weekend has officially begun.

The Friendship Ride is the pre-event that opens South Core Roar, Thunder Bay's loudest weekend of the summer, hosted by the Fort William Business District (FWBIA). It's a cross-border motorcycle ride celebrating the bond between American and Canadian riders — and we're proud to host the after-party at Armani's, the night club extension of Monty's Joint, right in the heart of Fort William.

If you're a rider, a music fan, or just looking for things to do in Thunder Bay this August, here's everything you need to know.

What is the Friendship Ride?

The Friendship Ride is a one-day cross-border motorcycle event running Friday, July 31, 2026. Riders meet at Ryden's Border Store — the international border crossing between Minnesota and Ontario — and ride together up Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior into Thunder Bay.

It's not a race. It's a community ride. The route follows one of the most scenic motorcycle roads in North America: forest, lakeshore, and the dramatic landscape that makes the Lake Superior loop a bucket-list ride for bikers across both countries.

The day caps off in Fort William, where the bikes roll into the Business District and the party kicks off at Armani's.

The Route at a Glance

• Start: Ryden's Border Store

• Route: Highway 61 North along Lake Superior

• Distance: Approximately 65 km from Pigeon River to Thunder Bay

• Finish: Fort William Business District

• After-Party: Armani's — May Street South, Fort William

What you'll need: valid passport or NEXUS card if crossing from the U.S. side, motorcycle registration and insurance valid in Canada, and rain gear (lakeside weather changes fast).

Register for the Friendship Ride →

The After-Party at Armani's

After 4+ hours of wind, road, and Lake Superior views, riders need somewhere to land. That's Armani's.

Armani's is the night club extension of Monty's Joint — same family, same hospitality, built for nights when the volume goes up. Live music, cold drinks, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate the end of a long ride. We're a five-minute walk from where the South Core Roar main event kicks off Saturday morning, so you can park the bike, settle in, and not move until Sunday.

If you've never been: think classic bar energy with a modern edge, real food coming over from the Monty's kitchen, and a patio that runs late in the summer.

The Friendship Ride after-party is open to riders, friends, and anyone making the trip into Fort William for the weekend. No registration needed to come to the party — just show up.

Armani's May Street South, Fort William Business District, Thunder Bay Get directions

What Else Happens at South Core Roar Weekend

The Friendship Ride is just the kickoff. The full weekend, hosted by the FWBIA Events Committee, runs:

• Friday, July 31 — Friendship Ride + Armani's after-party

• Saturday, August 1 — 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM: bike show, classic cars, live music, vendors, food

• Sunday, August 2 — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM: family-friendly programming, contests, awards

It's free to attend, takes over the Fort William Business District, and brings thousands of people into the south core. If you live in Thunder Bay and you haven't been before, this is the year. Full schedule, contests, and visitor info at southcoreroar.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Friendship Ride start? Friday, July 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Riders meet at Pigeon River for the briefing.

Where does the ride end? The official ride ends in Fort William, Thunder Bay. The after-party is at Armani's on May Street South.

Do I need to register? Yes — register at southcoreroar.com/register. The Bike Show and Friendship Ride registration is combined.

Can non-riders come to the after-party? Absolutely. Armani's is open to everyone — riders, friends, family, locals. No registration required to join the party.

Is Armani's connected to Monty's Joint? Yes. Armani's is the night club extension of Monty's Joint — same ownership, same kitchen, different vibe. Monty's is the casual dining side; Armani's is where the night gets loud.

Where's the best place to eat before or after the ride? Monty's Joint, naturally. We're a short walk from Armani's and we'll be open regular hours all weekend. See our menu or book a table.

Is there parking for motorcycles? Yes — the Fort William Business District has dedicated motorcycle parking set up for the weekend. Armani's has additional bike parking on May Street.

Plan Your Weekend

If you're coming in from out of town for South Core Roar, here's the simple version:

1. Friday afternoon: Cross at Pigeon River, ride the Friendship Ride, end at Armani's.

2. Friday night: Eat at Monty's Joint, party at Armani's.

3. Saturday all day: South Core Roar main event in the Fort William Business District.

4. Sunday: Closing day of the festival, then home.

We'll have the kitchen running late at Monty's all weekend, and Armani's will be open every night. If you want a reservation for a group, book early — South Core Roar weekend fills up fast.

See you on the road. 🇺🇸🏍️🇨🇦

Monty's Joint and Armani's are proud supporters of South Core Roar and the Fort William BIA. Visit southcoreroar.com for the full event schedule.