An outdoor mecca
North country offers excellent adventures
Wood Buffalo Park is one of Fort McMurray's many scenic delights. — Photo courtesy of Fort McMurray Tourism
Plan to make Fort McMurray one of your summer stops and you won’t be disappointed. The trails here are vast and surrounded by some of the province’s most astounding natural delights.
“There are numerous trail systems for ATVing,” said Katie Colman, tour co-ordinator for Fort McMurray Tourism, “and (there are) off-road bike-friendly areas surrounding the city and to the north.”
In addition to ATVing and biking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in this neck of the woods. Camping, fishing and hiking are three local favourites, especially given the ample parks in the area.
“Fort McMurray and the Region of Wood Buffalo have the perfect adventure for anyone,” said Colman, “from a day hiking trip to a few days exploring and camping in the boreal forest. Whatever you’re looking for, you will find your adventure here.”
A natural choice
Wood Buffalo National Park is one of the popular attractions near by. Known for being the largest national park in Canada, it is filled with gorgeous camping spots and eye-catching scenery.
Fort McMurray has established a strong reputation throughout western Canada as a fishing mecca—with floats and amphibious planes offering a novel experience to those who dream of catching the big one.
“Many . . . lakes and rivers are drive-accessible,” said Colman. “Others offer the unique experience of flying in to fully outfitted lodges or rustic and isolated camps.”
Plane Crash Trail
The Quad Squad has a historic project going
The plane crash site is in a lovely wooded area that draws visitors and locals alike. — Photo by Jim Hartt
The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad Association is constantly making sure that local ATV trails are properly maintained and safe for riders. In August of 2010, they plan to hold the grand opening of the Plane Crash Trail—a popular riding area that parallels North York Creek.
The trail was heavily eroded from extensive rain, washouts and recreational vehicle traffic. In September of 2009, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development approved the Quad Squad’s application to repair the trail, and work is in progress to do just that.
“(We’d like) to recognize Alcoa Foundation and the National Trails Coalition who made the repair of this trail possible,” said Julie Rayne, office administrator for the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad.
This trail leads to the site where a Royal Canadian Air Force DC-3 crashed in 1946. There were no survivors, and many visitors stop by the fascinating location to learn about the history and pay their respects.
“(It’s) a very popular destination trail for locals and tourists,” said Rayne. “It took five days for the Crowsnest Pass Forest Rangers to snowshoe to the crash site because of bad weather. They were guided by the smoke of the burning plane.”
Peace out in Northern Alberta
Open roads and enticing communities await in the north of this prairie province
No matter where a tour in Northern Alberta takes you, there is always something to delight the senses. The Mighty Peace Country is full of attractions to see while travelling the many hundreds of kilometres here. Everything from heritage homes to jaw-dropping scenery have made this area popular with motorcyclists.
Grande Prairie is one of the largest communities in the Mighty Peace Country. There are no lack of parks, campgrounds, lakes and golf courses in the area. Make sure to check the time as you pull out if town on the world’s largest sundial. The sundial is located at Centre 2000, a visitor centre, making it a great starting point for a trip.
Make your way up to Peace River, where the 3.65-metre (12 foot) Davis Memorial statue greets you from the corner of 102 Avenue and 101 Street. If you’re in town on July 9 or 10, jam to some country music during the 2010 PeaceFest. The nearby Sagitawa Lookout is a fantastic lookout over the town and surrounding valley.
While in Peace River, take a side trip onto the Shaftesbury Trail, an excellent route for sightseeing, picnicing and camping. There are multiple stops along this trail, including the Mackenzie Cairn, a site dedicated to Sir Alexander Mackenzie. If you’re interested in crossing the Peace River, hop aboard the Shaftesbury Ferry.
If you’re in the vicinity of Peace River between July 19 and 25, catch some high-calibre sports during the 2010 Alberta Summer Games.
From Peace River, head north towards some of Alberta’s pioneer settlements. Tourist sites include La Crete’s Mennonite Heritage Village. To relax, use the day use areas or go fishing at Lake Tourangeau, or detour to the Tompkins Ferry, which crosses the Peace River free of charge.
Within an hour’s drive of La Crete lies Fort Vermilion, which contains a rich slice of Alberta’s heritage. This is one of the oldest communities in the province, and thus is full of historic sites within the town—even the visitor information centre is located within a home dating back to 1923.
If the legs need stretching, try the Fort Vermilion Nature Trails that. Golfing and fishing are also available.
These are but a few of the spots to see in the Mighty Peace Country—why not also plan a stop at Dunvegan Park or in Manning, where there’s a two-headed moose?
Wherever your trip in the Mighty Peace Country leads, rest assured that you won’t have a dull moment during your travels.
Extra details: To order a free waterproof map of this region, go to www.ridenorth.ca/motorcycle-trip-map/
Get started in Grande Prairie
Follow the road along the river
A taste of Alberta’s history
This is just the beginning
Find family fun
Trails surround and spirit abounds in Whitecourt
Splash down: Get cool and refreshed at Rotary Park’s Whitecourt River Slides. — Photo courtesy of the Town of Whitecourt
If you plan to bring your family along on your summer tour, then Whitecourt is a must-visit destination. The town will have community events running throughout the warmer months—including the Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo, Canada Day celebrations and jet boat races. ATVers can venture out of town limits and satisfy their urge for a ride by exploring the local park trail networks. “The trail system in surrounding Woodlands County is extremely popular,” said Tara Gallant, communication/project co-ordinator for the Town of Whitecourt, “(particularly) the Windfall area and around the nearby Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park.” h3. Play at the park Within town limits, visitors can find all kinds of activities in Rotary Park. Families can do a bit of angling or cool off in the Whitecourt River Slides. “Whitecourt River Slides is a popular, free, family attraction in Rotary Park,” said Gallant. “(It) is a man-made water feature that consists of two creeks with a series of pools and drops for tubing and play, with a shallow basin and beach at the end. ” Is fishing your pleasure? Consider Riverboat Park or nearby Schuman Lake. If the weather is not on your side, Whitecourt also has indoor alternatives. The Allan & Jean Millar Centre is one amazing place, offering games, aquatic facilities and other activities for active families. Resources: "www.whitecourt.ca(http://www.whitecourt.ca)":http://www.whitecourt.ca "www.woodlands.ab.ca(http://www.woodlands.ab.ca)":http://www.woodlands.ab.ca
Seek an active life
Lloydminster is an ideal stop for energetic folk
A walk in the park: Bud Miller All Seasons Park is a serene place for a walk or a bike ride. — Photo courtesy City of Lloydminster
Every summer tour should involve a bit of physical activity. What better place to pursue an active lifestyle than the attractive community of Lloydminster? Of course, we know that some of you like to get down and dirty. Luckily Lloydminster has something fantastic to offer motocross racers and spectators. “There is a motocross track called Gopherback Raceways,” said Katlin Pegg, community development co-ordinator for the City of Lloydminster. “(The track is) located northeast of Lloydminster.” Gopherback Raceways features a long track with varied elevation changes and the famous “widowmaker double.” Bud Miller All Seasons Park is another place to stretch your legs and appreciate 200 acres of land set aside for a range of outdoor sports and recreation. “With its 10-plus kilometres of walking and bike trails, Bud Miller All Seasons Park offers aspen forest and marshland for the nature enthusiast,” said Pegg. Camping is another alternative. Weaver Park has just installed new shower houses and washrooms, and offers full hookups. Rolling Greens Golf and RV Park has more than 70 full-service sites, amenities and an 18-hole golf course on the property. Resource: "www.lloydminster.ca(http://www.lloydminster.ca)":http://www.lloydminster.ca
Passion for the Pass
This ATVer shares his love for this top riding destination
Rocky trails: The landscape in the Crowsnest Pass is rugged and appealing to ATVers — Photo by Don Harrison
Don Harrison is one of our past Hotshot entrants, with a passion for ATVing in the Crowsnest Pass. He was willing to answer a few of our questions about his riding preferences.
Where are some of your favourite areas to ATV in the Pass?
Any area in the Pass has great riding. There are trails for beginner and expert riders throughout the Crownest Pass.
What model of ATV is your favourite?
I am riding a Honda FourTrax 300.
How long have you been quadding?
I have been riding for three years and have been a member of the (Crowsnest Pass) Quad Squad since I first got my quad. I feel if I am out here riding the trails and bridging systems, I should support the groups that are installing the bridges and maintaining the trails.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your area?
The trails in this area are designed for multi-use. So whether you are hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, or riding a dirt bike or an ATV there are thousands of kilometres of trails here waiting for you.
Yee–Ha! Cowboys cheer for Aussie Maddison
The second stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour was a motocross sensation
Tricky rides: Bikes were making fantastic jumps at this sold out event. — Photo courtesy of Global Newsroom
A sell-out crowd of 21,000 fans in Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, celebrated the victory of Australia’s Robbie Maddison on Saturday night at the second stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2009. The Canadian cowboy city was buzzing. American Nate Adams pulled off a 360 in the quarter-final. Maddison was able to stay in front of the competition and stay cool in the frenzied atmosphere of the cowboy rodeo. The 28-year-old had to go to the limit on his 100-kilogram (220-pound) bike in Stampede Park to earn the honour of celebrating the victory on the dirt. Japan’s Eigo Sato was beaten in the final. Mat Rebeaud (Switzerland) took third place. “I can’t believe it,” said the beaming Australian. “It’s a dream come true. The hard work paid off. The whole day was totally insane. I had a feeling from the start that I had a chance to win today and after winning the quarter-final against Nate Adams I knew I could go all the way.” Adams put all his eggs in one basket and was hoping to snatch the win with a 360—a complete turn in midair. But Maddison prevailed with a superior all-round performance. Local hero Jeff Fehr ended up in ninth place. The crowd favourite arrived in the arena wearing a Calgary Flames jersey. NHL superstar Dion Phaneuf, who was serving as a show judge, personally presented Fehr with a team jersey. “That was an incredible adrenalin rush,” said Fehr. “I did everything I could in front of the home crowd. The field was incredibly strong and I’m really pleased with the result.” Levi Sherwood, also known as rubber kid, had a disappointing performance in only his second outing on the international FMX stage. Just 17 years old, the winner of Mexico City had to settle for seventh place. The four-stroke bike of the promising youngster was at a distinct disadvantage on the tight course against the more lively two-strokes of the other riders. In the overall standings, Eigo Sato (Japan/160 points) is in first place in front of Sherwood (New Zealand/130 points) in second and Mat Rebeaud (Switzerland/130). Since the start of the World Tour in 2007 the pulsating sports event has caused a sensation with its dazzling array of back flips and other dangerous tricks in bullfighting arenas located in such places as Mexico City and Madrid or in the Sambadrom in Rio de Janeiro.
An explorer’s dream
ATVing is an ideal way to see the Crowsnest Pass and surrounding area
ATV adventurers: Wade Clarke, Lance Nolan, Clayton Perkins and Curtis Hagley took in a spectacular view. — Photo courtesy of Curtis Hagley
The Crowsnest Pass is a wonder to behold for anyone with an affinity for crisp mountain air and nature’s beauty. If you ride an ATV, you can access a plethora of impressive trails in this region and witness some of Western Canada’s most incredible views from above. ATVing is a favourite activity of many, and Curtis Hagley is definitely an avid ATVing enthusiast. He is co-owner of Inn on the Border—a popular resort that sits on Tower Mountain close to the Continental Divide and the B.C.-Alberta border. h3. The Trail of Seven Bridges Hagley prides himself on offering his resort guests a range of ATVing and other recreational adventure packages, but he also likes to experience his own adventures. Last fall he did so with a few of his friends and found some very worthwhile destinations as a result. “(It) was a fantastic weekend,” said Hagley. “We rode the Trail of Seven Bridges as well as a newfound location behind us at Inn on the Border. We left the Inn on the south trail to the B Road that takes you to the pipeline and Fernie (B.C.). “We (then) rode towards Fernie on the pipeline trail until we came to a power line trail; this took us to Wheeler Creek. From there you cross creeks and climb switchbacks until you reach the top—a fabulous view to say the least.” The men continued to advance along the trail, and the scenery became increasingly rewarding the higher they climbed with their ATVs along the commanding terrain. h3. Unprecedented beauty Finally, the riders reached the top of the trail and were treated to a breathtaking view of the mountains and communities below them. “From the top, you overlook Crowsnest Mountain to the east,” said Hagley. “Sparwood and Elkford are below and to the north (and) Fernie is below and to the southwest. All locations are in view. To the east you can also see Tower Mountain on which Inn on the Border sits.” A supportive club ATVing in the Crowsnest Pass and surrounding area is a distinct privilege. This privilege is made possible through the contributions of those who dedicate their time and efforts to making it safer and more enjoyable for everyone. The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad is a family-run ATV club that, along with its Calgary chapter, helps by hosting rides throughout southwestern Alberta. Members also spend time maintaining, cleaning up and developing the trails, as well as advocating the rights of ATV riders and contributing in countless other ways.
Rail grade adventure
Steve and Lyn Hessels enjoyed two ATV rides on the Iron Horse Trail
All-season fun: Lyn Hessels basks by the North Saskatchewan River. — Photo by Steve Hessels
Steve and Lyn Hessels of Edmonton, Alberta, love the Iron Horse Trail and have ridden their ATV on two stretches of it. The trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail, is well appointed with campsites and washrooms. There are special quad cattleguards through the fences so that ATVers don’t have to stop and open gates, something the couple appreciated. h3. Smoky Lake to Bellis—winter In February two years ago, the Hesselses rode a stretch from Smoky Lake to Bellis; the terrain ranged from fields to sandhills. Near the trail were old farm sites, which Lyn enjoyed seeing. “We couldn’t go too fast because we were on hard-packed snow,” said Steve. The couple were safely prepared with warm clothing, extra food, a jerry can full of gas and fire-starting material. “It was a good little trip to wring out spring fever,” said Steve. h3. St. Paul to Heinsburg—summer On a hot, sunny day last summer, the couple camped behind the police station in St. Paul and rode east, enjoying marshlands, creeks and beautiful countryside. They had lunch at Elk Point, where a woman at the visitor centre watched their ATV. They followed the trail into the North Saskatchewan River coulee and saw old Métis wagon trails and fur-trading forts. “It was a magical area,” said Steve. “You could visualize the coureurs de bois, the voyageurs, the fur traders, trappers and Indians. My imagination gets fanciful with stuff like that.” Another interesting section of the Iron Horse Trail is the northeast arm. This route passes through Bonnyville, which has excellent birding opportunities and a lovely downtown.
The difference one back country bridge can make
The project was designed to improve trail safety and the water quality in the 160-square-kilometre York Creek watershed.
ATV Crossing: The new upgrades will make it easier for all off-road vehicles to access the trails. — Photo courtesy of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad Association
In January, 2007, the Quad Squad was approved for funding from Alberta Stewardship Network in the amount of $5,000 for the placement of two crossings, a 40-foot and a 50-foot bridge on York Creek upstream of Coal Haul Road, approximately two kilometres south of Coleman in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. The project was designed to improve trail safety and the water quality in the 160-square-kilometre York Creek watershed. This is the main trail leading to the historic 1947 plane crash site, York Creek Basin and the main connector trail to all points South—Lynx Creek, Goat Creek, Lost Creek and Carbondale River. As part of the project, the purchase of two trail traffic counters was included to monitor traffic flow through the Coleman access south of Highway 3. These were placed at both the ford and bridge access to record the number of units over each of the crossings. During a three-month period in 2008, 57 per cent of all the traffic using this main trail used the bridge. What could not be determined was the number of trucks and four-wheel drives that had to use the ford. Quite an improvement—from 100 per cent of all traffic using the ford down to 43 per cent including trucks. So pick a number from 1,000 to 10,000, 570 to 5,700 OHV s that are not driving through York Creek.
Oh, you wanted extreme?
Alberta’s Corner Grass off-road event tests some of the best riders
Erratic crop circles: The Corner Grass hare scramble obstacle course provides miles of hair-raising excitement. — Photo by Jay McGregor
Anyone who has been to a motocross event is well familiar with the rush of watching riders whip through the course at high speeds and altitudes. The open-throttle race catches the imagination of the spectators, who are understandably seized by the moment, thinking that the ride can’t get any more thrilling than this. h3. Oh, but it can. The Corner Grass Racing Team based in Alberta consists of four members who take the thrill of off-road riding to a new, extreme level. Lee Fryberger, the manager and one of the riders, has a long history as a mechanic and an off-road racer. He said that as a youth he had “big, wild dreams of being an off-road star.” In 1995, he won the Alberta Expert XC Championship and took second in the national competition that same year. He continued on for several years, racing on the international circuit and racking up medals in the International Six Day Event in France and Slovakia. For one of the rides, Fryberger rented a Husaberg, a bike that so impressed him that when the opportunity arose to become a sales representative for the brand, he leapt. The position allowed him to see the amount of preparation necessary to compete at a higher level, and the seeds for the Corner Grass event were sown. h3. Filling the void At that point in time, some of Fryberger’s friends, such as Canadian off-road racing phenom Shane Cuthbertson, were racing in six-day events in Europe. However, they were hankering for some of the same extreme racing, which was not widely available in North America. “It doesn’t seem to be grasped or cherished as much in North America,” said Fryberger. “The right people don’t promote it because it never happens here.” However, Red Bull hosted an event in 2007 called Last Man Standing, an off-road endurance event in Texas in which Cuthbertson finished sixth. The resulting press and the desire for a Canadian series of off-road racing events—along with Fryberger’s long relationship with Husaberg—spurred Fryberger, Cuthbertson and two close racing buddies, Jay MacGregor and Nick Riewe, to work together to create both a team and a world-class off-road event: Corner Grass. “Jay MacGregor owns land in Compeer and he designed the grass track and then he and Nick put the obstacle course together,” said Fryberger. The resulting course has become the site of an annual hare scramble event with obstacles that test riders in ways that don⁏t even cross the minds of most sane people: wonky wooden bridges, thickly treed forest areas, log piles that look ready for chopping into kindling and much more. The community of Compeer has pitched in to support the event, putting on a show that is drawing dedicated fans and curious spectators year after year. “We’re trying to elevate Canadian talent,” said Fryberger. “Every time one of the guys goes to an event internationally, they come home more confident, and that confidence builds locally. They push harder and the next guy in line has to train harder and go harder.” The resulting press for the event and the team has helped secure high-level endorsements from Red Bull and Husaberg, and the increasing exposure and marketing is generating buzz for all concerned. It’s a dream come true for the Alberta riders who were looking for a way to turn up the throttle. “I have no idea when it will end but it’s been a lot of fun,” said Fryberger. “It’s been a great ride so far.” For more information on the Corner Grass event and the team, visit "www.cornergrass.com(Corner Grass)":http://www.cornergrass.com. You can see more high-octane off-road events at "www.endurocanada.com(Enduro Canada)":http://www.endurocanada.com, "www.redbullromaniacs.com(Redbull Romaniacs)":http://www.redbullromaniacs.com, "www.erzbergrodeo.at(Erzber Grodeo)":http://www.erzbergrodeo.at, and "www.husaberg.com(Husaberg)":http://www.husaberg.com
Endurance racing meets friendly competition
Motocross and ice racing fans will flock to Grande Prairie and Clairmont this spring
No time to rest: Endurance ice racers show incredible stamina on the track. — Photo courtesy of Grande Prairie Motocross Association
March is going to be an exciting month for both the Peace Motocross Association and the Grande Prairie Motocross Association. Two highly anticipated events will be taking the Peace Country by storm and no motocross enthusiast can afford to miss either of them. The first event, taking place on March 1, is the Studs on Ice six-hour motorcycle endurance race. Held on Clairmont Lake, this gruelling race is Round 6 in the Alberta Endurance Ice Racing Association’s Endurance Ice Racing Series. “It’s the first for us in Grande Prairie for quite a while,” said Jarrett King, director of the Grande Prairie Motocross Association. “We’re going to have a big, huge road course out at the lake; expect to see a whole bunch of studded motorcycles burning around. We’ll have concession stands and they’ll be offering rides in the plow truck for anyone interested in actually doing a round on the track. It’s going to be running in conjunction with…the Murray Sutherland Pond Hockey Tournament that weekend, so there will be skating facilities and a hockey rink as well.” The local club members have been racing on ice for a few years, but it was recently suggested that they hold a public event in the area, and Studs on Ice was the result. “The county has been extremely accommodating,” said King. “It is something that is going to be really good for Clairmont. At the end of the day, it is going to bring a lot of money and exposure to the area.” There is a certain appeal to endurance ice racing that is not found in many other motorsports. Aside from requiring extreme physical stamina, the racers need to have a level of thrill-seeking and a passion for the sport. “The outdoor ice racing is a type of motorcycle racing with a very specific thrill; it’s almost more akin to motorcycle street bike racing,” said King. “Bikes weren’t designed or intended to race on ice, so with the amount of traction that we get, a lot of the pros can go through a corner with their handlebars and pegs dragging on the ground. The real attraction is the strategy that comes into play. You’ve got teams of three to four riders in a six-hour event, so nearing the end of the event the top three or four guys are still on the same lap—and what it comes down to is gas mileage, mechanical issues (or) sometimes a guy will crash late in the race because he’s tired. It all comes down to a really well-laid-out strategy similar to something like Nascar, where if you come in the pit at a certain point in time and something happens, it can completely change the scope of the race. There is a little bit of luck involved and that’s part of the attraction.” h3. Indoor entertainment The second event taking place is the indoor X-treme ice racing on March 13 and 14 at Rock Valley Raceway in Grande Prairie. This event is less competitive than the outdoor endurance ice racing, but it promises the audience an entertaining and memorable show. “As far as the indoor race goes, that event is promoted by a company out of the States, and they’re running the alcohol-powered speedway bikes—the oval style,” said King. “We threw the idea at them of bringing in a pit bike class. Amateurs in the quad class can enter. This is a different series than what we had the last couple of years…and obviously, when they caught wind of the fact that we’d done it before, they were more than willing to provide a place for us to go out and put on a show. For the four-wheelers, they offer amateurs the opportunity to run with the pros…They were telling me last week that one of their amateurs…in the States…actually took home the main event. He had sand tires on his front end—real tall, narrow ones—and they (told him) ‘those won’t work,’ (but) he ended up just smoking everybody.” The main focus of X-treme ice racing is going to be high-energy fun. While it will not be quite as serious as the endurance racing, it will still capture the free spirit of motocross and can be enjoyed by the entire family. “(With) the pit bikes, it’s strictly to have a good time with your buddies,” said King. “We make a sport of running each other over; elaborate takeout moves are encouraged and it’s the only form of motorsport where that type of thing goes down, other than a demo derby. The last two years in Grande Prairie, I wouldn’t be surprised if people told you that we were the stars of the show, just because it was so entertaining. We don’t actually encourage blatant takeout moves—but at the end of the day on a mini-bike with 10 horsepower and that little of traction on the ice, you have a good time.” The Grande Prairie Motocross Association is the local club involved, and the Peace Motocross Association (PMA) is responsible for sanctioning races throughout the Peace Country. The PMA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is proud of its longstanding reputation within the motorsports community of having safe racing and dedicated members.
Happy Trails
The Crowsnest Pass ATV club has reduced its environmental footprint
A new engineered bridge over Allison Creek was completed this fall. — Photo courtesy of Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad
ATVing, a sport that is enjoyed by many, has the potential to be hazardous to the environment unless the necessary precautions are taken by all. In the Crowsnest Pass on the Deadman’s Trail, a recreational bridge crossing over Allison Creek was destroyed some years ago and recreational users had been forced to drive across the creek bed ever since. This was negatively impacting trout spawning beds—but that shouldn’t be a concern anymore. h3. A combined effort With volunteer work by members of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad Association, a $7,500 grant from the Alberta Conservation Association and financial support from Devon Canada, a new engineered bridge over Allison Creek was completed this fall. The new bridge has enhanced accessibility to other quadding areas and benefited the environment. Debbie Reeves, the program manager for the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, said the previous bridge had been destroyed for many years, and not having a bridge there was affecting the animals and water life and made it dangerous for people to cross at certain times of the year. “There is a history to this project and there is always a reason that we choose the trails and the bridges that we do,” said Reeves. “The bridge itself was totally destroyed; it was an old wooden bridge that got washed out. So, for years people have had to ford the creek to quad in that area, which was the main impetus for getting the grant and putting that bridge in there—to get the users out of the water —that was our first initiative.” Reeves said because of the heavy use of the recreational trails in the area, having a functional bridge was a necessity. “That whole area through Allison Creek is heavily accessed by ATVs, hikers and equestrian traffic,” said Reeves. “Our goal was to replace the old washed-out wooden structure with a 50-foot engineered bridge to provide users with a creek crossing which would eliminate the need to ford the creek and negate the damage to the creek and watershed—that was our No. 1 reason. By putting the bridge in, we enhanced the accessibility for all users of the trail system along Allison Creek by providing a way to cross the creek.” h3. Have bridge, will travel Reeves said that the recreational users of the trail systems around Allison Creek and beyond have been very supportive and proactive in reducing the environmental impact of recreational activities. “The users out there are noticing that the bridge is in place and they are using it and commenting on it all the time,” said Reeves. “Our ATV traffic is very respectful of the bridging that is going in and they are very educated about it. A lot of them, when they are out riding, will call us and let us know about an area that needs improving or a bridge that has been damaged from spring washouts. They are very proactive and when they do see a bridge in place they are using it.” Reeves is happy to see the new bridge getting a lot of use, but cautioned that it cannot be driven over by anything bigger than an ATV because of its width. “The bridge is designed with the max 65-inch inside width,” said Reeves, “so that eliminates anything wider than an ATV. They are not designed for vehicle traffic.”
New beginnings
The Quad Squad converts RidersWest writer Tanya Laing to the sport of ATVing
Natural-Born ATVer: The author, Tanya Laing, was all smiles after her first ATV ride in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. — Photo by Kirsten Armleder
Some would argue that you can’t write about ATVing until you’ve gone ATVing. I counter that by saying that I can and I have, but it wasn’t until I finally got a chance to go out on a machine that I felt qualified to do it with enthusiasm. As a non-rider, I’ve always been a bit mystified by quads. Sure, they look like fun, but I really couldn’t account for the sheer number of them that I see being pulled on trailers through the backroads in B.C. and Alberta. Luckily, members of the Quad Squad in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass were willing to give me a lesson on appreciation. The trails in the area are amazing. Besides the scenery, which goes on forever, the trails very well maintained by a hotshot group of dedicated volunteers. In teams of 10 to 50, they come out to build bridges, repair trails, signage and shelters, pick up garbage and ensure that other riders are following the rules of safety and courtesy. For beginners or hard-core enthusiasts, it is quad heaven. But let’s talk about the scenery again. We crossed several bridges over pristine creeks, climbed high into the Alberta Rockies where we were treated to staggering mountain views, and rolled through densely forested areas that allowed for a bit of four-by-fouring action. And this is where I really understood the appeal of the pastime. My first attempt at going up the trail resulted in me stalling. But our guides, Harold Kind, Don Harrison and Dennis Beasley, were prepared to patiently wait while I figured out how to maneouvre the beast and climb the hills. Don had a complaint halfway through the ride. “Excuse me,” he said. “I thought we had a newbie with us and we were going to have a nice, slow ride today. But 10 minutes in, I saw Tanya standing up and spinning tires and flying mud.” It seems I had found the throttle, and found it to my liking. We had a tremendous day. The Quad Squad provided excellent hospitality, guidance and information. Their apparent love of the area and of the pastime are transparent and infectious, and have made them an excellent resource for anyone visiting the area. Be sure to stop in and say hello when passing through. And be sure to share with them how much you appreciate their hard work on the trails.
Wilderness awaits
Discover nature at its best in the beautiful Woodlands County
Get Down And Dirty: The rolling hills, muddy terrain and lovely forests around Whitecourt are the perfect backdrop for a wonderful day of ATVing. — Photo by Luc Mercier
Nestled in an ATVing paradise, Whitecourt lies in an area that lets riders explore uninhabited land and rough, muddy terrain. Luc Mercier, the chief administrative officer for Woodlands County, is an adventurous and avid ATVer and he frequents the area around Whitecourt weekly on his ATV. “This area is just so beautiful,” said Mercier. “You can get out there into the middle of the bush and you would just about think that you were the only person on the face of this earth.” The mayor of Whitecourt, Jim Rennie, also ATVs on occasion and said the region is wonderful for riding adventures because the government has allocated a large amount of green space as Crown land that is open for public use. “People are free to use that land for whatever they wish,” said Rennie. “For people who are using their ATVs responsibly, there is a network of trails in our municipality.” Rewarding riding areas are easy to come by here, but Rennie has a few favourites. “The House Mountain area is a fantastic quadding area with a huge network of trails,” said Rennie. “We also have the Fort Assiniboine Sand Hills Recreational Area—so we have a variety of areas that are great for quadding.” Rennie said that Whitecourt is famous for its snowmobiling, but many people in town also ATV during the summer. “We are the snowmobile capital of Alberta,” he said. “Snowmobiling is probably our No. 1 tourist draw so I am sure that the same could be said about quadding.”
Rediscovering Richardson
A group of ATVers venture into the remote Richardson Backcountry
Hang Loose: Matt Rakach (L) and Stephan Landry had fun playing in the sand dunes. — Photo by Cal Rakach
This was my second trip into the Richardson Backcountry, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The first time I went in was to witness the expanse of the area and assess the current trail system and infrastructure. Several years back, as president of the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association, I was assisting the Wood Buffalo ATV Club in the access management planning process that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development was engaged in. Clearly, it would be impossible to provide credible insights without hands-on knowledge of the area; I had to take one for the team and head in to see the area for myself. That was two years ago and after extensive discussion at the negotiation table, a workable plan for the most part had been drafted. Despite agreement on how to move forward with all parties present at the table, the plan’s implementation has been delayed by the newly instituted First Nations consultation process. So with no plan being put into force, status quo remains with limited ability of the club to take official stewardship of the area and opportunities beyond our grasp. h3. Back into the bush With an invite from Gene Ouelette of the Wood Buffalo ATV Club, it was time to head back in and see how the area has sustained the increase in usership and evaluate the trail development that had occurred. With my son Matt in tow, we headed up to Ft. Mac to join Gene, Krystal Kent and daughter Kaytlynn along with visiting young cousins Stephan and Matt Landry, to load custom-built tub trailers with six days of supplies. The trip’s added bonus was that several government folks I work with on a regular basis were also going to be up in the area. Discussions in the bush, on the ground, are always more fruitful. With Matt and I on sport quads, my Suzuki Canada/Walt Healy/Maverick Distributing/Motovan LTZ400 and the family Honda 400EX, we were subject to the grace of our hosts to cram our gear into the already full trailers. Due to the distances away from any form of outside contact, a trip into Richardson requires equipment that is in excellent working order. We had confidence in our equipment and the tub trailers were full of supplies and fuel for five machines. The Richardson Backcountry is an extensive sand dune complex known as the Athabasca Plain on the edge of the Canadian Shield. Staging, located approximately one hour north of Fort McMurray, takes this trip into the very northeastern corner of Alberta—a challenge for the average backcountry adventurer. Adjacent and within the boundaries of Richardson are four protected areas: Marguerite River Wildland, Richardson River Dunes Wildland, Maybelle River Wildland and Athabasca Dune Ecological Reserve. Parks and Protected Areas, a different government department than the rest of the backcountry, manage these areas. Other than a short section of trail in Maybelle River Wildland, all motorized access has been closed. Discussion in the overall planning process around re-opening existing trails or evaluating opportunities within these areas was very limited. The primary access from the staging area is the Fort Chipewyan winter road. Since sand is prone to whooping out as the season’s ATV traffic mounts, a trip earlier in the summer is more enjoyable. With most of the lakes and camping beginning some 60 kilometres in, a whooped-out trail is hard on equipment and the body. Our trip in at the end of July still put us on the good trail surface and kilometres could be made in short order. An important part of my trip in was to view a new trail that was constructed to replace a section of historic trail falling within the Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve. Current regulations do not permit any motorized traffic within this type of designation, thus the Parks Department felt this warranted the additional footprint on the landscape via rerouting around the reserve. It didn’t take long travelling on the new section to see that from a technical standpoint the trail suffered from many of the classic flaws in trail construction on sand—too narrow, too winding, blind corners, etc. More disturbing was the fact that the original trail was clearly visible, paralleling a mere kilometre to the north. These findings provided fodder for morning coffee discussions with the government staff who were working in the area. h3. Thrills and spills It can’t be all work and no play when visiting such a spectacular place with four excited young people. A trip out to the Richardson Dunes, the remaining dune complex open for ATVing, gave the boys a chance to experience the excitement and challenge of this type of riding. An afternoon fish on the lake jacked up the fun factor with younger Matt latching on to a 15-pound northern pike—a fish nearly the same size as the fisherman. This fish provided many meals for the crew. With nothing but sand around, every lake has vacation-brochure-quality beaches, so an afternoon doing beach time was imperative. And a trip like this isn’t complete without the mechanical mishaps. Matt and I had driven about seven kilometres before noticing the back rack and contents on the 400EX had broken off and jumped ship. A lid on a tub trail blew its moorings, leaving a yard sale down the trail, and a trailer tongue twisted off from the continuous pounding, allowing the trailer to have some freedom to head down the trail at its own free will, thankfully stopping intact. This last one was noticed right away and not 15 minutes further down the trail like the others. h3. Much more to explore The Richardson remains remote and a trip in should not be taken lightly. Help is nowhere near. The challenge is well rewarded and embeds a desire to return. The future of the area does remain in question until a final management plan is put in place. The expanse of sand makes trail development both easy and difficult. As this all unfolds, I am only left one alternative … plan for my next trip in, as one must remain well informed to participate in meaningful dialogue. And since the world is run by those who show up, I’m planning to show up.
Field house of dreams
The Optimist Club’s first poker rally was a victory.
An avid crowd: ATVers always know how to have a good time. — KPI File Photo
The Optimist Club of Blackfalds, a community near Red Deer, held their first fundraising ATV and sled poker rally on February 6th. By all accounts, the event exceeded everyone’s expectations. “One of the other Optimist Clubs (in our region) in a tiny Saskatchewan town raises around $35,000 annually, and they have a huge poker rally,” said Jeremy DeLeeuw, president of the Optimist Club of Blackfalds. “So we thought we’d have one ourselves. We expected to have around 50 people show up—we ended up with around 180.” Participants ATVed over a 60-kilometre loop and made five stops to build up their poker hands. DeLeeuw said that, judging from the success of the first rally, the Optimist Club intends to make the rally an annual event. h3. Helping the community The beneficiary from the fundraiser was the Blackfalds Field House Society (BFHS), which is working towards raising $750,000 to build an indoor field house. “We gave the BFHS $4,500, which we raised from our 50-50 draw,” said DeLeeuw. DeLeeuw said that Blackfalds has a young median age, making it a great location for a field house. “There is a field house in Red Deer, but it’s on the other side of the town,” he said. “All we have is an ice rink.” DeLeeuw, an avid ATVer himself, said there aren’t too many places in the immediate area to go quadding. “That’s one of the reasons this was so well attended,” he said.
Snow shouldn’t stop you
Canmore Quad Tours shows those interested in ATVing that quadding is a year-round sport.
Anywhere a sled can go: Canmore Quad Tours takes visitors quadding through the beautiful Rocky Mountains any time of the year. — Photo by Matt Lovelock
Matt Lovelock is the owner of Canmore Quad Tours in Canmore, Alberta, and he just loves what he does for a paycheque. Previously, Lovelock ran a construction company, did some farming and owned a company that operated art galleries. After retiring from his previous occupations, he decided to do something totally different—and Canmore Quad Tours was born. From an early age, Lovelock loved to play around on quads and he has previously competed in motocross events. He said that turning his hobby into his job was a fantastic decision. “If you have an interest in it, you are going to concentrate harder on it,” said Lovelock. “Otherwise it is just a mundane chore. I try to remind people when we are out there looking at the mountains and it’s all beautiful, that this is just the job I do.” Lovelock’s absolute favourite time to quad is during the winter months. He puts tracks on all of his quads that make it possible for riders to get to any area. “Accessibility-wise, we can go anywhere that a snowmobile can go and a few places that a snowmobile can’t be—it’s great fun,” said Lovelock. h3. Whatever you want—it’s yours Lovelock said Canmore Quad Tours can take up to 30 people on a tour, but they specialize in smaller groups. With all of the tours, Lovelock lets the people on the tour decide everything, from when they want to leave to how long they want to stay out. His tours operate on one fixed price per quad and passengers ride for free. “We leave town when it suits the group,” said Lovelock, “and we stay out for as long as it suits the group. If they don’t want to be out all day, then we will pack up and come back to town, and if they want to stay out until midnight, then we will stay out until midnight. It is all about bringing awareness to how the machines work and how to look after the environment and showing them some spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.”
Braving the cold for a cause
Ken Krahn has made ATVing for charity an annual event.
A worthy cause: L to R) Ken Krahn, Drew Wilson and Sean Cook took to their quads for the Centre of Hope, a homeless shelter in Fort McMurray. — photo by Sheldon Giesbrecht
There aren’t many people who would welcome temperatures of -25° C—but most people aren’t quadding in January to raise money for a homeless shelter. “(This year), it was about -27° C when we left,” said Ken Krahn, “but the sun came out and weather-wise, it was probably the best year we’ve had. The first year was -35° C, the second year was -44° C and last year -25° C, but the sun wasn’t out.” For the past four years, Krahn has raised money for Fort McMurray’s Centre of Hope, a shelter that gives the city’s homeless population food, clothing and a place to stay. He and two friends travel from Fort McMurray to Fort Smith, N.W.T.,—a distance of 423 kilometres—on their quads. “I’d seen more homeless people and I knew they needed money,” he said. “I thought, ‘Well, what can I do to raise some funds?” An exciting prospect Having previously accompanied a friend motorcycling to Fort Chipewyan to raise money for a local high school, Krahn got the idea to do something similar on an ATV. “I asked him if he’d mind if we I did this with quads for other fundraising,” said Krahn. “He didn’t, so we decided we’d go straight to Fort Smith, N.W.T.” The group is accompanied by three trucks along the way. The trucks alert motorists to watch for ATVs with flashing lights and signs, but they also serve another purpose. “We have to get a permit because we’re going through Wood Buffalo National Park,” he said. “(We’re granted the) permit but we can only have three quads and it’s only one-way. We can ride up and we have to put the quads on trucks to bring them back home.” In the four years that they have been making the trek, Krahn has raised around $70,000. He said that he plans on making the journey for many years to come. Those wanting to contact Krahn to donate or find out more can email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Alberta key contacts
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Mighty Peace River, AB
Come join us on the wide open roads
The Land of the Mighty Peace stretches across northwestern Alberta, from the British Columbia border along the Northwest Territories border, deep into Wood Buffalo National Park. The Peace River has created a magnificent theatre of nature, inspiring scenery, rolling hills, and stunning river banks.
Riding through this magnificent territory is an experience you will never forget. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking boreal forests and stop along the way to visit one of the many fine attractions in the area. The Mighty Peace Country offers something for all; urban exploration and nightlife, a vast and relaxing nature, history, fishing, camping and adventure. The Mighty Peace Tourism Association is now offering a waterproof circle tour map featuring plenty of roadside attractions and icons, as well as discounted accommodations just for our rider friends. 
Grande Prairie, AB
We are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00* rider rate which includes a complimentary bike wash. The Grande Prairie location offers ground floor rooms, meaning you are never far from your pride and joy. As well, the inner courtyard parking lot gives you peace of mind during your stay. Choose Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie if you are looking for that home away from home feel and great service! We are your four-season destination, so check out our winter rates for sledders.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate
Get in on the action
If you consider yourself a powersports enthusiast and are interested in breaking into the industry, the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Program or Motorcycle Mechanic, Pre-Employment Program is right for you. Offered at GPRC Fairview College Campus, these programs provide students with the skills that are in demand by North America’s recreational powersports industry. Students obtain the current knowledge of emerging technologies, combined with relevant, hands-on experience—and that’s exactly what employers are seeking.
Furthermore, students in either program are eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship exams—their first step towards obtaining their Journeyman status in the trade. For more information about the career opportunities – with job openings available across the country following graduation, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
Kootenay Rockies
Create your dual sport adventure today!
Dual Tracks Inc. is a dual sport motorcycle adventure company with guides who have years of backroad riding experience. We would like to introduce you to a DS motorcycle experience as we ride through the spectacular foothills and mountains of southern Alberta and British Columbia.
Dual Tracks offers adventure tours and training for either multi-day or multi-week sessions, as well as both half- and full-day rides. We supply bikes if needed, and meals for full-day participants.
Let us provide you with an unforgettable, challenging and safe DS ride. We believe that a great ride is best shared with others, hence our motto, "Dual Tracks, ride with friends."