The 1920 International Good Roads Tour—famously undertaken by the Michigan Pike Association (whose members were called "Pikers")—was a 10-day promotional automobile caravan that started in Detroit, Michigan, and headed deep into Ontario, Canada, to campaign for improved rural infrastructure and the fledgling age of auto tourism.
“A visit from the Pikers means a public reception and holiday everywhere.”
The 1920 Tour Highlights
- The Route: The convoy traveled through Ontario towns like Barrie, Thessalon, and Garden River, before arriving in Sault Ste. Marie around July 23, 1920.
- The Mission: The "Good Roads Apostles" used music, bands, and public rallies to lobby local and national governments to pave reliable roads connecting communities.
- The Crossing: In Sault Ste. Marie, the cars were ferried across the river to the American side, packed tightly onto boats at 18 to 20 vehicles per load.
- The Film: The Ford Educational Library captured the event in a silent documentary short titled "Are You a Piker? International Good Roads Tour," preserving footage of crowds lining the streets to greet the colorful automotive caravan.
The Augusta herald. (Augusta, Ga.) 1914-current, May 09, 1920, Page THREE, Image 27
Sources:
Motorcade and cars with signs, boarding the ferryboat to Canada.
“Leaving Detroit the Pikers cross the river into Canada for ten days, receive a Scottish welcome and pitch their first camp on a race track.”