Hundreds of Can-Am Spyder enthusiasts journeyed to the heart of the Smoky Mountains the weekend of June 17 to participate in the fourth annual North American Can-Am Spyder Owners Event. The event, put on by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), boasted more than 600 people and about 430 Spyder roadsters, making it the largest BRP gathering of roadsters to date.  

Spyder roadster owners traveled from as far away as Europe to meet and ride with BRP officials and other Spyder owners in Maggie Valley, N.C. This year’s experience was designed to let owners gather, share stories and enjoy a memorable weekend with those who share a passion for this unique three-wheeled vehicle. 

“Everyone at BRP anticipates the annual Can-Am Spyder roadster event because it allows us to speak one-on-one with our most dedicated customers,” said Yves Leduc, BRP vice president and general manager of the North America division. “Not only can we discuss the product, but we get to ride with these Can-Am enthusiasts and learn about their experiences aboard our roadster. This year was not only important because of where we held the event but also because it was BRP's largest Spyder roadster gathering to date. The attendance speaks volumes for the success of this vehicle and the passion our owners have for it.”

The weekend kicked off on Friday night with a welcoming event at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Saturday featured all-day rides throughout the scenic area surrounding Maggie Valley. Though many riders were caught in an intense afternoon thunderstorm, the rain provided a perfect opportunity to showcase the safety and stability the roadster delivers in quickly changing weather conditions.

On Saturday evening, BRP hosted a free barbecue dinner and announced the winners of a customization contest and grand prize drawing. A panel of BRP judges bestowed the best-in-show title for customization to Rhonda Marsh of Sevierville, Tenn., and her modified Spyder RS roadster. She was awarded a $1,500 BRP parts and accessories gift certificate. However, perhaps the biggest winner of the night was Lowell Kursinsky of Warren, Mich., who won the drawing’s grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2012 Pan-European Can-Am Roadster Owners Event.

On Sunday, several Can-Am Spyder roadster owners had a chance to ride to the famous Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of road known for its more than 300 curves. While the ride started out in the rain, the sun was shining for the Dragon portion, providing the perfect ending for the annual celebration.            

For more information on the Can-Am Spyder roadster, visit Spyder.BRP.com.