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.”
Riding for the greater good
The 2010 Greater Kamloops ATV Association Club Ride raised funds for the Kamloops Food Bank
A generous gift: The GKAA was proud to present a cheque to the Kamloops Food Bank. — Photo courtesy of Rick Vowles
Click here for a photo gallery.
On Sunday, May 30, 2010, the Greater Kamloops ATV Association (GKAA) had their annual club quad ride—but let me go back a couple of weeks.
Before the ride, we went out to a local riding area called Scuitto Lake to clear the trail and mark it. There were about 10 members and the biggest concern was how arid it was. It was the middle of May and the bush was very dry—and the regular trails, which often carried a lot of mud, were dusty.
Well, the biggest dust control company we know—Mother Nature—took control, dampened the bush and filled the holes. This accommodated over 70 riders who showed up for the ride and to support the Kamloops Food Bank.
Organizers Ken Kineshanko and Mike Pittenger, with the help of their families and club members, had secured many sponsors like Van Houtte Coffee, Protec Petroleum, Blackwell Dairy, Cobs Breads, Gary’s Custom Meats, RTR Performance, Schultz Motorsports, Pacific Coast Heavy Truck, Tim Horton’s Coffee and Platinum Auto sports.
A variety of riders
Many of the riders where from all over B.C.. Both the Vernon ATV club and Salmon Arm had many of their members out, and there were also riders from Kelowna and the Lower Mainland. Over 66 kilometres of mud, I only saw one clean person and we think she wore a bag over her riding gear and then took if off at the last minute.
Quite a few of the riders camped either at Campbell Lake or the Scuitto Lake camp area, and it rained most of the weekend—but it stopped just before the ride and cleared up. I think Mother Nature owns a quad. The ride started at 9:30 with six groups leaving at approximately 10-minute intervals. Everyone was back by 3 p.m. for the dinner and prizes.
The total raised for the food bank from the riders was $1,560, with another $500 donated by the club for a total of $2,060.
Respecting the rules in Whiteshell
A RidersWest reader raises an important issue
Seasonal use: Whiteshell Provincial Park is a snowmobiler's paradise—but the rules do not allow ATVs. — Doug Bonner
To the editor:
I am an avid snowmobiler and I enjoy quadding when I can. I live in the Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba, which is a snowmobiling paradise, and I am proud of that. I work for a kids camp here in the Whiteshell, and I reside here year round, unlike the majority of the population of the people who come to the park. This is my home. Part of my home is the beauty and tranquility of the nature around me; as fellow ATVers, I think you know what I mean.
I was reading a RidersWest magazine (Spring 2009) recently—which I do regularly—when I came across something that concerned me: the Whiteshell Provincial Park was listed as a favourite place to ride in Manitoba. Here’s my concern—operating a quad in the Whiteshell Provincial Park without the proper permission for commercial purposes or for big game hunting is illegal. Most people know this, but they sadly choose to ignore it.
Quadders will routinely destroy swamps, walking/hiking paths, and other off-limits areas, and within days or even hours, take down no quadding signs that are posted—even when they are epoxyed and bolted to rock. Quads have destroyed many of the trails that we use for mountain biking with the children that come to our camp. There is a blatant disregard for the laws of the park because people just think they have the right to do it. And that is why I was disappointed when it was published in a popular ATV magazine that everyone reads that the Whiteshell is a favourite place to quad. I am positive that it would not have been published if you were aware of that. I would appreciate a retraction of that rider’s choice award, as well as making people aware that the Whiteshell is a no quadding zone.
Trevor Wilson
Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB
RidersWest responds
Dear Mr. Wilson,
Thank you for your letter regarding ATVing in Whiteshell Park. We completely agree that it’s important that ATVers respect the boundaries of off-limit areas, particularly when that area is as beloved and beautiful as Whiteshell Provincial Park. We at RidersWest do our best to promote responsible riding and deeply regret that our Rider’s Choice Awards—which are awarded based on reader surveys—would seem to promote or encourage riders to go to an area that they should not be.
We think this is an important issue, and one that needs to be discussed. With that in mind, we would like to use your letter to kick off a discussion with our readers. It is our hope to hear the voices of other responsible riders who feel the same as you and bring more attention to the issue.
Best regards,
Tanya Laing Gahr
Senior Writer
RidersWest
Continuing the conversation
We invite our readers to keep the dialogue going. Have you noticed other ATVers breaking the rules in areas where riding is restricted? How do you handle it? What are the solutions? Please send your letters to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will publish your replies.
See the sights in Saskatchewan
This region offers something for all recreationists
The dirtier the better: ATV Mud Mania is a popular annual event in Prince Albert. — Photo courtesy Teena Logodin
Whether it’s open spaces for ATVing, golf courses for hitting the links or lakes for boating, Saskatchewan will offer something for all recreationists.
In Hudson Bay, check out Hudson Bay Regional Park, winner of the Park on the Move 2010 award.
“It’s got camping, picnic sites, playgrounds and ball diamonds,” said Elly Ferguson, the Town’s economic development officer. “There is a nine-hole golf course and the Red Deer Downs, which is a horse racing track.”
In Rocanville, head to the Town & Country Golf Club and try for a birdie or better.
The club hub
Riders who have been to Candle Lake during the winter know it’s an excellent place for sledding—but this resort community is a multi-season destination. Boating, golfing and a stay in a well-furbished cabin all make for a fun experience.
Candle Lake Golf Resort has an 18-hole course that appeals to all skill levels. Group or private lessons are offered, and there are a number of tournaments happening throughout the summer.
Fishing frenzy
Come July 3 and 4, anglers from across the prairies will be heading for Big River for the first Big River Walleye Classic, taking place on the waters of Delaronde Lake.
“Delaronde Lake is beautiful,” said Grace Snyder, one of the event’s organizers. “The water is so clean that there are still many who get their drinking water from it.”
Big River is well known for the variety of outdoor recreation available in the region.
“I don’t know where else you could live and have not only (excellent ATV and sledding trails) at your doorstep, but also a boat launch at the end of main street,” said Snyder.
Get muddy
The smell of rubber, the roar of ATV races and sun shining off pristine cars—all this and more can be found at ATV Mud Mania, happening at the Prince Albert Exhibition grounds on August 21. Visitors can watch ATV races or a demolition derby—while helping raise money for charity.
“What we’re having that day is in conjunction with Pines Services, one of the sponsors, and the Buckland fire department,” said Jim Barbondy, the director in charge of Mud Mania. “It is a fundraiser to raise money for some new equipment for the fire department.”
Barbondy said that this is the third annual Mud Mania, and that past events have been a hit with both participants and spectators.
See the cities
It’s easy to tour some of Saskatchewan’s largest cities by travelling from Regina to Swift Current to Saskatoon and back to Regina. This trip, taking about 10 hours, follows portions of the Trans-Canada Highway, as well as highways 4, 7 and 11. Riders can marvel at the diversity of the land; Saskatchewan has everything from wide open fields to boreal forests.
It’s easy to time a trip around an event and pull into Saskatoon on July 30 for the Ride the Bridges Rally. This event goes until August 2 and is packed with activities such as a poker rally, a pancake breakfast, a variety of rider courses and a show and shine. Riders can also participate in a ride to the scenic Waskesiu area.
Safe riding is standard
This ATV club is making safety a top priority
Lean into the curve and place your feet on the foot rests for a safer turn. — Photo courtesy Phyllis Biggs
In the Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island, an ATV club is taking steps to prioritize safety. Phyllis Biggs, the vice president of the Alberni Valley Hill Climbers, told RidersWest about the club’s endeavors to ensure safe riding, including participating in the Canada Safety Council ATV training course.
Enthusiastic and eager
“There were 14 people in that and it went over two days,” said Biggs. “We have six more that want to do it.”
A certified trainer travelled to Port Alberni to teach over half of the club’s members about topics such as environmental friendliness, correct body movements and proper dress. Biggs said that the course was exceptionally well received and offered something for riders of all calibres.
“One person mentioned that because he’d had a stroke, he had use of one side of his body,” said Biggs. “The things he learned allowed him to utilize his body without using so much energy to go through rougher spots.”
Helping novice riders
Biggs has also gained certification as an instructor for the Ride With Pride program. A new initiative targeting younger riders, this program, conducted in schools and taking about an hour, emphasizes standardized safe ATV practices and environmental awareness.
“The course is geared towards Grades 4 through 7, but I think anyone new to riding should be doing this,” said Biggs. “Even people who have been riding for years can stand to learn something.”
Is the push for safer riding techniques making a difference? Biggs said that the May long weekend has historically brought tragedy to the local ATVing community.
“I was really thrilled to hear,” Biggs said, “that this (May long) weekend, to my knowledge, was the first May long weekend that someone hasn’t died or been seriously injured in Port Alberni in about 10 years . . . I’m crossing my fingers.”
Chilcotin—the hidden country
Dave and Margaret Hodgins returned to the Chilcotin for adventure and fun
A moment to bask: Margaret Hodgins enjoys a moment in nature’s tranquillity on her trip to the Chilcotin with her husband, Dave. — Photo by Dave Hodgins
This year Marg and I decided to return to the Chilcotin, which we had last visited in 1985, with three boys and five dirt bikes. The country has not changed, it is still friendly to visitors and has some of the best motorized recreational areas in British Columbia. It’s where one can enjoy the sport with a few others. Some say it is still untamed, but I would say it is safer than the streets of Vancouver.
Our trip was comprised of two legs, three weeks to travel west from Williams Lake to Bella Coola, then another three weeks going back east. We split our camping experiences between Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts recreation sites and resorts/lodges. There is lots to choose from. A good source of recreation sites, roads and trails can be found in the back road map book for this area. For resorts we have found two that have not only provided a large variety of ATVing, but nice facilities as well. The friendly atmosphere is a bonus, and there are small stores near by to replenish the critical foods.
h3. Lakes and wildlife
Barney’s Lakeside Resort can be found at Puntzi Lake. This is a full service resort, offering cabins, campsites with hookups, propane, fishing, guided tours and ATV access. From here you can ATV as far as your supply of fuel lasts. It will offer some great wildlife experiences, and you can see everything from bears to pelicans.
Further west, just before you get to the community of Nimpo Lake, is Pine Point Resort. It is a full-service resort, offering cabins, a campsite with hook-ups, plane tours, guided tours, fishing and a variety of other activities for your enjoyment. From here you can explore the foothill of the Coast mountain range and see the immense mountains standing in a row to protect this area from the wet coastal weather. Again your fuel is the only thing limiting your experience.
For Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts recreational sites, again there is lots to choose from. Due to budget cuts they have mostly been left unattended, but are still worth the effort. Check with locals for road conditions and campsite info. Most offer boat launches, outhouses and unlimited ATV’ing. As these are user maintained, please respect them.
h3. Trails to pursue
You can ride the rough trails used by local rangers to move their cattle between meadows, snowmobile trails, ATV trails, abandoned roads and well-maintained BCFS mainlines. There is a trail for every user group, which adds to the the experience.
A bonus is the variety of scenery you travel through. Remember to bring a camera and a fishing rod for the opportunities that will be presented to you.
One clear morning we left camp prepared for a long day of exploring. We first located a BCFS mainline, which we took for a short distance where we found an old road going off the the left. Upon turning onto this road we found ourselves enjoying the technical riding from swamp crossing (thankful for 4X4), creek crossings, side hills. Further along we again found a spur going uphill. Taking this one we climbed a further 800 feet to a BCFS fire lookout and radio tower installation. The view was breathtaking. Continuing west we found ourselves again back on a BCFS mainline which we took. This again lead to an old spur going off to the right, then to a large lake with a sandy beach, campsite and boat launch. By the time we had returned to camp we had exceeded 100 kilometres and seen deer, bears and various other critters to take pictures of. This was a typical day for us ATVing as well as catching dinner with the many fish waiting to strike.
There as those that say it is too far to get here, it is only a day’s drive from Vancouver to begin your experience. Most of us think nothing of driving to Utah or Arizona for the winter, yet ignore the treasures that await in British Columbia. This has to be one of the great hidden, untapped areas left to be explored. While it is still being developed it offers unlimited opportunities for the adventurous.
In closing, while the experiences are unlimited, please take care of the opportunity to do your part in leaving it as you found it.
Drool over Brule
Amped up quads, dirtbikes and dunebuggies take on the massive sand dunes on Brule Lake
For maximum madness: The damp sand is dense and grippy, allowing riders to perform with more speed and control. — Leanne Bloy photo
If you want hair-straight-back drag races all day long, go to the dunes of Brule Lake near Hinton, Alberta. It’s one of very few places in Alberta that you can ride actual dunes. Adrenalized Edmontonians frequent the riding area. The scene at Brule Lake Dunes consists of customized two-wheel-drive sport quads amped up with street bike engines and bikes decked out with paddle tires and extended swing arms.
According to one local, Shawn Johnson, there are few experiences to rival riding the Brule Lake Dunes.
“If you ride a two-wheel-drive sport machine it’s just a lot more fun,” said Johnson. “It’s different than anything else you will find. It’s mostly sport quads and dirt bikes. Ripping around in the sand is just fun. It’s like highmarking in the sand.”
There is an interesting historical aspect as well: look for the dilapidated Old Trunk Railroad station.
Get there
The Brule Lake Dunes are 30 kilometres from the town of Hinton.
Connect
“Brule Dunes” is on Facebook, administrated by Leigh Coelen.
First-time adventures
Nicole Field’s first ATV trek won’t be her last
Ready to roll: Nicole Field looked the part of an experienced rider on her first ATV trip. — Photo courtesy of Nicole Field
When walking into Koocanusa Publications Inc—the publishing company of RidersWest—one of the first faces seen belongs to Nicole Field. Field recently went on her inaugural ATVing excursion and found that letting her senses be the guide proved a successful way to start on the ATVing path. h3. Lots to enjoy “Having a husband and friends who enjoy going riding definitely made me want to try it out,” said Field. “Who doesn't love spending time with good friends, while enjoying the outdoors, and stopping on the top of a mountain for a delicious home packed meal? I sure do!” Field travelled with her husband Jonathan and friends in the Hidden Lake area, near Cranbrook, on Bombardier and Polaris ATVs. The terrain was varied—puddles, mud, trees, caves and wildlife all factored into the day’s events. The group even discovered a cave—but didn’t venture inside, given the presence of bears in the area. h3. Live and learn The day gave Field gained insight into why ATVers are passionate about their sport. “I like how it can be an all day event—and still you want to keep going,” she said. “Being unsure of the trails that you are going to take (or) what’s around the next corner—it’s definitely a thrill for me.”
Cross over
Crossing Creek, AKA Koko Claims opens up great vistas
Wide open spaces: Elkford’s ATV club maintains trails that allow riders to access even more beautiful terrain. — Photo by Kali Love
The Crossing Creek or Koko Claims route, as it is known locally, is an important trail that links Elkford with the Bull River drainage. This gives Elkford ATVers access to the popular Whiteswan Provincial Park and Lussier Hot Springs. Although the trail itself does not offer any glorious views, it is essential in that it is a short, direct link to a riding area that would take two hours to access by highway. It’s amazing to realize that these two riding areas are, in actuality, very close and conveniently accessible due to the Crossing Creek pass. Elkford ATV club member, Gordon Galloway, who is also the safety director for ATV/BC said that the Crossing Creek route is punctuated by outcroppings of rocks and should be navigated with care. “We did jackhammer some rock down when we did trail maintenance,” he said. The Elkford club did some major route upgrades to this pass, including installation of culverts and surface grading. h3. Details Due to elevation, this route is recommended from July to October. Snowmobiles also use this route in winter, although avalanche risk is an important factor. h3. Resources "www.elkfordtrails.com(http://www.elkfordtrails.com)":http://www.elkfordtrails.com
Take on the trail
This Alberta route is beloved by ATVers
Vivid scene: Vibrant colours and wild features make the Iron Horse Trail a renowned region. — KPI file photo
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail is a top destination for hikers, cyclists and others who appreciate the great outdoors—but it is famous for its ATVing terrain. Travelling on this diverse landscape is something that every rider should do at least once. The Iron Horse Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail system, and it encompasses 300 kilometres of boreal forest, cultivated farmland and park areas. Along the way you will see everything from historic structures to charming communities, where you can stop and experience some of Alberta’s renowned hospitality. On the more rugged parts of the trail, wildlife such as bears, badgers and moose can be seen—so bring your camera and be prepared to stop and take it all in. h3. Show your support ATVers are encouraged to obtain voluntary trail passes from local businesses. The funds from these passes will go toward preserving and maintaining the trails for future generations to enjoy. There are 20 staging areas along the trail, where riders can find maps, ample parking, washroom facilities, picnic tables and off-loading ramps. In many cases there are businesses near the staging areas where supplies can be purchased. While the Iron Horse Trail is generally considered a backcountry route, it passes through three provincial parks and several communities of varying size. There are plenty of campgrounds, motels, quaint bed and breakfasts and restaurants that will enable you to plan a multi-day trip and truly get to know this incredible part of the province. Resource: "www.ironhorsetrail.ca(http://www.ironhorsetrail.ca)":http://www.ironhorsetrail.ca
Trash bash
Powell River’s ATV club does a good deed
Down and dirty: The Powell River ATV Club puts in a lot of effort for its community. — Photo courtesy of Terry Roberts
The weather at 8:30 a.m. looked to be good for ducks but not much else. By 9:30, the clouds had lifted a bit and the rain slowed to a drizzle, with a bit more light showing in the sky. So the decision was made and we were off to Duck Lake, trailering our quad. Karen and I joined up with 20 other members of the Powell River ATV club to participate in the third annual Trash Bash. This is a community event—planned around Earth Day, that had 218 individuals from 40 different organizations scouring the back roads and trails of the district to find and pick up the garbage littering the countryside. Our club had been assigned the Duck Lake road, from the highway to the sloughs and all spurs and trails leading from it. To accomplish this feat we had 20 quads, five trailers and 30 volunteers. h3. An astounding array The trailers were towed by quads and served as mobile collectors, and the other quadders would fill their garbage bags and return with them to the trailers. If a large amount of garbage was found at a site, or items too bulky to handle on a quad, then the trailer would be taken into the site and loaded directly. It was an amazing the assortment of items that was found in the bush, from queen-sized mattresses to tires, rims, assorted plastic containers of every size and shape, auto doors, mufflers, hoods etc. We must have found at least 20 tires, which is really sad, as B.C. has a recycle program that allows everyone to return (to any tire dealer) four tires a year at no cost, with no purchase necessary. If you buy tires, the dealer is obligated to recycle your old tires at no charge. At noon we all met back at Duck Lake bridge junction and threw our treasures into the dump truck that Rick, another club member, had borrowed from a local businessman. All the quads with trailers had already been back two or three times with their first loads. h3. A job well done Read and Hannah, the club organizers for this event, had the fire ready and the barbecue hot for the club-donated wiener roast. A good time was had around the fire comparing found junk stories. Our club had filled the truck with 3,000 pounds of trash. The community event as a whole picked up 17 tonnes of assorted trash from the countryside. The regional district recycle and collection site waived all cost related to disposing of the accumulation of trash. All in all it was a good day and now the backcountry is natural again with less distracting items to take away from the beauty of the land we live and play in.
It’s never too late to start
ATV/BC’s president, Zan Boyle, shares some tips for new riders
Enjoying the view: Zan Boyle, here with the tracks attached to his ATV, took up the sport when he was about 50 years old. — photo courtesy of Zan Boyle
Many of the ATVers who are interviewed by Riderswest have been involved with quadding for much of their lives. However, one amazing thing about ATVing is that it’s never too late to hop on a quad. A love of the outdoors, the correct gear and—ideally—an experienced rider to lend a helping hand can set a neophyte on the path to a fun new hobby. h3. Tips from the top ATV/BC president Zan Boyle started quadding in his 50s after spending a lot of time on the back of a motorcycle. “I liked the aspect of being able to take extra goodies with you, like fishing rods,” he said. “Now, it’s one way of getting out in the backcountry. Especially here on the island, we can get to places that let us look across to the Olympic Peninsula, and you just can’t get to them without a quad.” Boyle said that ATVing has introduced him to people throughout B.C. He attended his first ATV/BC meeting in 2000, and said that joining the provincial organization was his way of giving back to the recreation that had enriched his life. “I thought I’d been lucky enough to piggyback on the accomplishments of the association,” he said. “I thought it was time I put something back into it and help it along to make it better for everyone in the province down the road.” One thing that Boyle said makes ATVing attractive to older riders is that it’s great for those who enjoy the backcountry but don’t have tons of spare time at their fingertips. A rider can still get the adrenaline rush and natural high that comes from enjoying the great outdoors. “I think as you get older you can’t get eight hours in the backcountry hiking,” he said. “So, they’re able to get into the back country and ride for a few hours. If you want to go and see something that’s off the trail you can then go and hike to it for an hour, and then go back to your quad.” For all new riders, whether they’re at retirement age or starting their first job, Boyle said there’s no substituting getting some first-hand experience with a skilled ATVer. “It’s always a good idea to talk to not only the salesperson trying to sell you a quad,” said Boyle, “but to contact some people in the clubs and get some ideas. Get some views on different machines about the type of riding you think you want to do. It’s always better to try to get out and experience it firsthand—go with someone who’s ridden before you go and spent thousands of dollars on a machine and find out that’s not the kind of riding you want to do.”
From the land to the lakes
Big River and Candle Lake cater to recreationists who love spending their time in the great outdoors
Wide open spaces: Snowmobilers and ATVers from Big River and Candle Lake have a vast trail network just outside their front doors. — Photo courtesy Bill Gerow
Boreal forests, swamplands and Saskatchewan’s largest vertical drop—these are just a few of the land features found around Big River and Candle Lake. Bill Gerow, a member of the Timber Trails ATV Club in Big River, has been involved with motorsports for much of his life. Gerow was more than happy to tell RidersWest about the club and the abundant recreation opportunities near by. h3. Ride from dawn until dusk “The ATV club got going about four years ago,” said Gerow. “We formed it because we wanted to get people onto trails, rather than farmlands.” There are hundreds of kilometres of trails within the area, many of which pass by local resorts. Gerow said it’s easy to go straight from your doorstep to your ATV or sled for a ride. One exciting thing that the ATV and snowmobile clubs were involved with this past winter was grooming and signing their trails. Gerow said that they received a grant from the government of Saskatchewan to enhance the trail system. The government and the clubs each contributed half the money needed for the upgrades. h3. Got your GPS? Before hopping on a sled or quad, Gerow had some advice for visitors and local trail users alike. “I really suggest that you take a GPS with you as there are so many trails,” he said. “We have (some of) them marked, but not all. Even the local guys say, ‘Wow, you can get lost here!’” With such an extensive riding area, it’s no surprise that the ATV club is holding a rally in May. At 65 kilometres long, the rally is the perfect length to give visiting ATVers a taste of what the area has to offer. h3. Lakes full of fish There are pristine lakes dotted across the region that, in some cases, are accessible only by ATV or snowmobile. In total, there are 40 lakes in the immediate area, resulting in another popular pastime—watersports. “Every (lake) has something different to offer,” said Gerow. “Most of them have beautiful sandy beaches and fish—everything from lake trout to pickerel and walleye.” If you’re in the area, make like a local and bring your fishing rod along on your ATV—Gerow said that many quadders will catch their dinners before heading home after a day on the trails.
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.
An outdoor haven
The Crowsnest Pass is a prime destination in all seasons
A year round mecca: Rich green hues and mountainous views draw many to the Crowsnest Pass. — Photo courtesy of the Crownest Pass Quad Squad
When you visit the Crowsnest Pass, expect to be inspired by the vibrant scenery and multi-use trails. Whether your passion is sledding, ATVing or a range of other outdoor endeavours, the Pass will prove to be a year-round mecca for recreation. “The Pass (is) one of the best areas (in terms of) trail variety to challenge your ability and your senses,” said Joe Lumley, president of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad. “The Pass area provides excellent year-round access to ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, sledding, hiking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and camping.” The Quad Squad made several upgrades to the trail networks in 2009 and there are plans to continue the improvements in 2010. New bridges will also be constructed over key streams, using caution not to disturb the fish habitats near by.
Working together
The Powell River ATV Club is gaining recognition for environmental vision, a spirit of volunteerism and community outreach
Work bee: The Powell River ATV Club’s 50 bridges were built by volunteers with donated, locally sourced materials. — Photo by Dave Hodgins
Overcoming stereotype and replacing misconception with accurate information is a challenge for ATVers. Dave Hodgins, retired millwright, active grandparent and president of the Powell River ATV Club, has worked to improve the situation. Doing so has required a lot of practical, hands-on work—like the building of bridges to prevent erosion and disruption of fish habitat. Luckily, the club and community share a positive vision. Around Powell River, B.C., the coastal terrain is criss-crossed with streams, many of them fish-bearing. In response to environmental need, the club built more than 50 bridges in the last three years. “Our club has two gentlemen who own portable sawmills,” said Hodgins. “We had two logging truckloads of cedar donated by the Powell River Community Forest.” Ten to 25 of the 170 club members regularly maintain 400 kilometres of trail. Hodgins has gone into the school system to share responsible riding ideas with kids. “The kids are really receptive,” said Hodgins. “That’s the future of our sport.”
The road to access
Access B.C. recently held its first fundraiser
Road block: Road deactivation is costly and prevents people from utilizing resources. — Photo courtesy of Carmen Purdy
Carmen Purdy has spent much time immersed in B.C.’s backcountry, both through work and recreational pursuits. As an ATVer, sledder and trapper, he was frustrated by road closures preventing access to Crown lands. Spurred into action, he formed Access B.C., aiming to promote responsible Crown land use by recreationists and other outdoor users, such as prospectors and foresters. On March 20, Access B.C. held a successful inaugural public seminar and AGM in Cranbrook. The keynote speakers—land users and experts from political, biological and geological fields—spoke to a large group of outdoor enthusiasts. An ongoing issue with access to Crown lands is road deactivation. Legally, industrial operators must deactivate their roads after they have finished using them, as they are liable for any damages to the environment or to people that could potentially happen on the road. The speakers were adamant that a solution that would keep the roads open without any cost to industrialists or the environment should be found. Accessing B.C.’s land resources has economic implications for numerous sectors, from tourism to exploration. Purdy has received hundreds of letters from citizens concerned over land loss, but said that letters are best directed to political leaders. “We live in an activist society,” he said. “Those of us who wish to maintain our freedom to move on the land had better become activists or suffer the consequences.” For more details, go to the "Access B.C. website(Access B.C. website)":http://www.bcaccess.ca.
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.”
Ridin’ throughout the year
Jano and Sonia Koziboykian head to the southern states and Mexico every winter to ATV and ride their Argos.
Year-long summer: Jano and Sonia Koziboykian spend each winter in California, Texas and Mexico with their family and friends, and their RV, quads and Argos. — Photo courtesy of Jano Koziboykian
Jano and Sonia Koziboykian live in Revelstoke, B.C., and own Noah’s Ark Resort. The resort has RV setups and cabin rentals, and most notably, amphibious Argo rides. In the winter months, the Koziboykians take off and head for warmer weather in the United States and Mexico. While they are down south, they spend many days ATVing and riding their Argos with their family. h3. What a life Jano said that he and Sonia have been snowbirding during the Canadian winter months for 13 years. Currently, they are in Dallas, Texas, visiting with their family. Their plans after that include going to Houston, New Orleans and California to soak up the sun and ride up and down Competition Hill, a section of the Glamis Sand Dunes in Imperial County, California. h3. Making tracks in the sand The Glamis Sand Dunes are among the most popular off-roading destinations in southern California. Koziboykian said that he enjoys the time he spends ATVing and riding his Argo around California and Mexico. “My favourite part is the freedom,” said Koziboykian. “(Glamis Sand Dunes) has a 30-degree mountain of sand and it is about 300 feet high.”
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).
Off-road problems and solutions
Prevent damage to the terrain while you are on the trails.
Damage control: These helpful tips can minimize the environmental impact of ATVing. — Photo by Ed Jaatteenmaki
Whenever you drive off-road, you are disrupting the ecological foundation of our natural areas. In sensitive sites, the damage can be catastrophic. h3. Problem: Damage to soils Operating vehicles irresponsibly can cause long-term irreparable changes to the structure of the soil, making it difficult for plants to take root and grow. h3. Solution: Stay on managed or established trails and roads. Do not use livestock or wildlife trails. Do not create new trails. Avoid trails that are narrower than your vehicle and avoid excessively steep trails. h3. Problem: Damage to sensitive areas Using ATVs, motorbikes and trucks in a sensitive area such as alpine or grassland destroys plant cover and causes erosion. The alpine has a very shallow layer of growing soil that takes decades to regenerate. h3. Solution: Stay out of sensitive areas, such as wetlands, alpine and grasslands. Obey all posted signs. h3. Problem: Habitat damage Off-roading in wetlands kills birds, frogs and salamanders. Damaged wetlands may impact many generations of wildlife due to the lack of plant life and clean water. h3. Solution: Do not drive on extremely muddy trails, wet areas, or through water holes. Do not drive through streams, except at approved crossings. h3. Problem: Introduction of invasive plants Noxious weeds and invasive plants take root in disturbed soil, displacing native plants and reducing food sources for wildlife and cattle. h3. Solution: Check the undercarriage of your vehicle in a weed-safe site and remove any plant material or seeds to prevent the spread of invasive plants.
Follow these rules of the road
Forest road rules guide safe off-road vehicle use.
Ride with care: Taking the proper precautions can ensure you have the best ATVing experience possible. — Photo by Marlaine Mohr
Following speed limits and observing licence and insurance requirements will improve the chances that off-road vehicle users will return safely from a ride down a forest service road, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell has reminded British Columbians. “Forest service roads are both a workplace and a path to recreation, and the rules of the road are in place to help everyone, from off-road vehicle users to logging truck drivers, get home safely,” said Bell. “Off-road vehicle users need to be aware that violating forest service road rules risks their families’ health, finances and well-being.” All motor vehicle operators on forest service roads must have a valid driver’s licence for the class of vehicle they are driving, including Class 5 licences for all-terrain vehicles and Class 6 licences for motorcycles. All operators must also carry a minimum of $200,000 third-party liability insurance. Some off-road vehicle and outdoor recreation clubs also provide group insurance policies as part of their membership package. h3. Don’t take the risk “In addition to the risk of serious injuries, off-road vehicle users could be held liable for injuries or suffering that others experience at their hands,” added Bell. “British Columbians often travel significant distances to reach off-road vehicle destinations, but to get home safely they need to recognize and follow the rules of all the roads they ride on.” Vehicle operators found contravening forest service road regulations are subject to fines and violation tickets that can be issued by police, Ministry of Forest and Range compliance and enforcement staff and Ministry of Environment conservation officers. A violation ticket of $345 may be issued to a person operating a vehicle without the required insurance. Driving at a speed excessive for road conditions is a main contributor to accidents on forest service roads.
Stay safe and tread lightly
Ride on managed or designated trails and roads.
Keep it legal: ATVing responsibly means keeping up to date with current legislation. — Photo by Peter Cunningham
Recent changes to forestry legislation make individuals who damage an ecosystem on Crown land (such as wetlands, grasslands and alpine areas) subject to penalties. If cases are prosecuted in the courts, they carry a maximum fine of $100,000, up to one year in jail, or both. The goal is to prevent damage to the environment, not stop all recreational activities. Most people who use Crown land act responsibly. It is illegal to build a trail or roadway on Crown land without authority. For more information please go to the "ATV/BC.ca(ATV/BC website)":http://www.atvbc.ca website and download the Responsible Off-Road Riding brochure from the Ministry of Forests and Range.
A word from the president
Zan Boyle, the president of ATV/BC was at the ATV Jamboree—he has lots on the go for the upcoming season
Promoting the sport: Tom Dickson, Gordon Galloway and Zan Boyle are affiliated with ATV/BC and are working hard to ensure quadding areas remain open in the future and that people ride safely and responsibly. — Photo by Kali Love
The annual ATV/BC Jamboree was held in Elkford this August. Joni Krats and I were lucky enough to be invited to the VIP ride that was being held on Friday the 21st. In attendance was Dean McKerracher, the mayor of Elkford, Zan Boyle, the president of ATV/BC, Peter Cunningham, the president of the Elkford ATV Club, numerous elected directors from ATV/BC, various ATVers from clubs around B.C. and two reporters from the Fernie Free Press. h3. When it all began ATV/BC is officially called the Quad Riders ATV Association of British Columbia and was formed in August, 2000. The founding members had visions of promoting environmentally friendly and responsible riding practices. The association was incorporated in March, 2001. At that time there were 299 members; today ATV/BC has 2,630 members spread throughout 40 clubs and the association is still growing. Zan Boyle was almost through serving his first term as the president of ATV/BC in August and during the annual general meeting, he was re-elected as president. Speaking on behalf of the ATV/BC Jamboree, Boyle said Elkford has done a terrific job hosting the event. “The Jamboree is a culmination of events that have happened throughout the year,” said Boyle, “and it serves to get people focused on riding opportunities. We want to make sure that they stay focused on keeping the areas open. The Elkford area has done a terrific job and it is certainly a step in the right direction.” h3. In the upcoming year For the upcoming year, Boyle has some plans of action that will benefit the ATV/BC group and will help the association utilize its trail riding areas. “We signed our memorandum of understanding with the provincial government this year and that was a big step for us,” said Boyle. “It was a lot of work but very good and I think I am going in the right direction. We have to get more people pulling together so that we can maximize our riding opportunities.”
Rocky Mountain high
This five-day, 450-kilometre ATV ride was a prelude to the 2009 jamboree.
Couldn’t get much higher: The riders head to Cross River. — Photo by Ed Jaatteenmaki
Gordon Vogell of Cranbrook organized and guided the ride through the Rockies as a prelude to the ATV/BC Jamboree in Elkford. The following seven riders took part: Gordon Vogell and David Hoover of Cranbrook, Ed Jaatteenmaki of Revelstoke, Lisa and Steve Bowell of Nanaimo (and their yellow Lab Shelby), Dale Steedman of Edgewater and Brent Wilson of Invermere. The ride started on August 15th at the south end of the Bull River forest service road (FSR) riding north to Cross River and then south to Fort Steele. h3. Day One: 126 kilometres We all gathered at the start of the trail, leaving our quads, and then drove our vehicles to Gordon’s friend’s place at Fort Steele. Then Gordon’s wife drove us back to our quads. We started up the Bull River FSR in a rain shower, stopping for a photo-op at Bull River Falls. Lunch was at Quinn Creek rec site and then up the Quinn Creek FSR, down the Blackfoot Creek FSR to the North White River FSR, then east on this road to camp No. 1 at the junction of the North and East White Rivers. Our mascot, Shelby the yellow Lab, was everyone’s friend and we all enjoyed having her on the ride. The rain started again and I had a miserable night with a leaky air mattress and water seeping in under my tent. h3. Day Two: 84 kilometres We rode north to the end of North White River FSR and then over Palliser Pass on a one-kilometre, challenging ATV trail to the Palliser River FSR. Lunch was at the Gorge where the Palliser River water falls into a 10- to 12- foot wide by 100-foot deep gorge. A must-see sight! After lunch we headed down the Palliser then up the Albert River FSR to the start of another ATV trail to Miller Pass. This trail had a difficult spot at a slip-out where we had to winch some of the quads through. Further up the trail I almost put the RZR on its side in a deep off-camber ditch—it was a little scary for a few seconds! Camp No. 2 was set up on a wide part of the trail in Miller Pass, with an elevation of 5,200 feet. Our tents were all in a row and it looked like a Chinese railway camp. That night I set up a tarp to sleep under instead of the tent. My camp was the first one in the line and I kept my loaded rifle beside me because we were in grizzly country. h3. Day Three: 83 kilometres We rode north on the ATV trail and an FSR to Cross River FSR. There is a gypsum mine just off the Cross River FSR and there are many big trucks hauling the gypsum on this road to Settlers Road and then to somewhere via Highway 93. We had lunch at a natural bridge over Cross River. The river at this location also flows through a very narrow and deep gorge—another must-see sight. After lunch we continued down the Cross to the Kootenay River FSR and on to camp No. 3 overlooking the Kootenay River and mountains beyond. A beautiful campsite at 3,100 feet elevation. Six brave riders went for a swim in the cool Kootenay River! After the swim we had a lovely community dinner—because at this site we had a table to sit at! A nice sunny day with some dust on the Cross River haul road. h3. Day Four: 88 kilometres Under sunny skies we headed south on the White River FSR to Whiteswan FSR then west to our lunch stop at the west end of Whiteswan Lake. Our lunch was cut short when an efficient parks lady told us to leave—no stopping in the park with ATVs. Seven drivers headed west on Whiteswan, then south on old FSRs along Lussier River to Ram Creek hot pool. The camp spot for the pool was taken so we had to double back to another spot. After setting up camp we all rushed up to the hot pool to soak off four days of road dust! h3. Day Five: 67 kilometres Today we woke up to another sunny day. Gordon, Steve and Lisa went for a morning dip in the hot pool. After breaking camp we drove east along Roam Creek where we encountered some water on the road caused by a beaver dam. Past the dam we drove up the Lussier River FSR then up the Nicol Creek old road and up to Wild Horse Pass, the highest point of the ride at 6,345 feet. We enjoyed lunch in the pass, which was a very scenic spot. The ride down from the pass was on more of an ATV trail—until we arrived at the top end of Wild Horse River FSR. At East Wild Horse River we crossed over to an old road on the east side of Wild Horse Road. This road took us on the east side of Lone Peak with the ride officially ending where the FSR joined onto the paved Wardner-Fort Steele Road. Gordy did a great job of guiding us on a great ride. We all enjoyed the trip and want to do another one with Gordy. Some of the highlights were: the evening campfires, the gorges on the Palliser and Cross Rivers, the never-ending scenery, the mountain passes and the Ram Creek hot pool. The group was a great bunch to ride with. We had lots of laughs and were constantly joking around. Dale summed it all up at the last campfire when he said, “I never had so much fun sitting around a campfire in the bush.”
Excitement at the Jamboree
Join Joni Krats on the ATV/BC VIP ride held in Elkford.
Into the wilderness of Elkford: The ATV/BC VIP ride showcased the easily accessed trails around the community of Elkford, and illustrated the positive spirit of ATVing in British Columbia. — Photo by Joni Krats
Click here for a photo gallery.
Elkford is the poster town for ATV club involvement and partnership with local government. That became apparent when Elkford hosted the annual ATV/BC Jamboree on August 19 to 23, 2009. Clubs from all over B.C. and beyond, including the Sicamous ATV Club and the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, congregated in Elkford, most staying at the Elkford Lions Municipal Campground. The scene was one of toy haulers, ATVs parked by fancy trucks and custom-built trailers. Kali Love and I were lucky enough to join the VIP ride to a view point above Elkford on the road to the Fording River, across the valley, over the Elk River bridge, up Trail Seven and back to Elkford. Kali drove a new Razor and I rode with Khen Chang, a mechanic who has lived in Elkford for 27 years, in his brand new Rhino. The Rhino was very cool—kind of like a cross between a jeep and an ATV. The box was stocked with a tool box, a first aid kit, extra gas and water as well as a few extra helmets and jackets. It was as if they correctly anticipated the writer to be a little uneasy about all-terrain vehicles—so they really picked the right guy to bring me on the ride. h3. Invigorating and safe riding Chang had just taken up ATVing that year, and was seemingly exhilarated by his new pastime. Chang said that his first reason for ATVing was for the social aspect—and the spirit of camaraderie was apparent on the VIP ride. The group was led by a guide and tailed by another, and a few visi-vested volunteers buzzed alongside to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. One of the visi-vested guides was Elkford club safety guy Gordie Galloway, who rode on a quad with a winch. Galloway’s winch came in handy, when only a few kilometres from our planned lunch stop a fallen cottonwood tree blocked the trail. While Granger Bertrand bucked it up with the little chainsaw he always carries and Galloway skidded out the logs with a sling and his winch, I got a chance to meet Elkford mayor Dean McKerracher and his friendly wife Jo-Anne, who helped me remove my tightly-strapped helmet. h3. A profile of the community McKerracher filled me in on the District of Elkford’s ATV licensing program. For a small fee, ATVers puchase a licence plate that identifies them and allows them to ride their quads within town—solely for the purpose of taking the most direct route to and from the ATV trails that surround the community. McKerracher said that the program has reduced the instances of hooliganism and has increased the community profile of the responsible ATVers. McKerracher spoke of how the District of Elkford partners with the ATV club for initiatives like signage and bridges. McKerracher said that the district provides the signs, while the volunteers of the ATV club post and maintain them. When the Elk River changed course due to the flood of 1995, a new bridge was required to cross the river’s new channel. Peter Cunningham, the Elkford club’s president, said that the bridge was an important collaboration between the district and the ATV club. The bridge cost just over $50,000 to build, and it is an important connector of trails on either side of the valley. The next project will be a replacement of the bridge that crosses Boiven Creek. It is currently built of two logs with decking attached to the top. One of the logs has rotted out, so the club jacked up the bridge, removed the bad section and shored it up. They intend to completely replace the bridge. Mayor McKerracher has sourced preserved poles and will be donating those to the club for their project. h3. Dedicated riders Cunningham spoke of how important it is for ATVers to organize and work together to present a coherent voice to government. Land use is an ongoing issue for ATVers, and Cunningham wants to ensure continued access by showing that ATVers are stewards of the land who have earned the right to access the backcountry. It seems that the club has a popular message, as 380 people enjoy a membership in the Elkford ATV Club. The Elkford Trails website states that the Elkford club is comprised of “a responsible group of motorized environmentalists who care a great deal about wildlife and habitat,” and on my ride I witnessed that statement to be true. I noticed how members of the group stopped to pick up littered cans, slowed down while crossing puddles to reduce erosion and turned off their engines when the group stopped. Many of the ATVers I interviewed had extensive knowledge of the backcountry surrounding Elkford, and their love of the area was apparent.
A block of time
Travel back in history by ATV
Country roads, take me home: Old logging roads near Big River travel past wetland areas for great wildlife viewing. — Photo courtesy Barry Nontell
Barry Nontell and his wife, Clarice, like to take guests of their motel, the Timberland Motel in Big River, on an ATV tour back through time. “We can leave right from here and put on 35 to 50 miles a day,” said Barry. “There are lots of old logging roads, and west of Big River is an area called The Block. It was settled in the ’30s and pretty much everybody moved out by 1956.” Trails lead ATVers through old roads in a neighbourhood that no longer exists, giving riders the unique sense of time travel. Barry said day trippers will often take the scenic route skirting Prince Albert National Park, since there are several small lakes off the beaten track between Big River and Prince Albert, and several high points along the way. “One of our favourite trips is to the top of the ski hill to view the river and the lake,” he said. The Big River Timber Trail ATV club is very active, said Barry, with a recent rally bringing in more than 350 ATVers. The draw is the terrain, which has something for everyone—including the opportunity to go back in time.
A Canadian dream
A German visitor’s great ATV tour
An adventure to cherish: Claudia Koecher, who came from Germany to ATV, found these bridges to be very cute.
Last summer, Claudia Koecher, a woman from Ladbergen, Germany, came to Canada on a wilderness vacation. She stayed at a cabin at Mica Mountain Lodge in Valemount and toured with Mount Robson ATV Tours. Juergen Vogelpohl, the bilingual guide for the trip, assessed the group’s riding level and familiarized them with the ATVs. They started off slowly, driving on a logging road alongside a creek. The riders enjoyed mountain views and even saw a porcupine. The group then hiked down to a beautiful waterfall with many pools. “I would have never discovered that myself,” said Koecher. “We stopped for lunch and listened to the sound of the water.” h3. Finding a special souvenir “We stopped at a beaver dam and saw a beaver,” said Koecher, who had only ever seen a beaver in a zoo. “I picked up one of the little chewed pieces (of wood) and took it home for a souvenir.” Koecher still proudly displays the beaver-chewed wood in her living room. Near the end of the ride they went on a more challenging trail to a lookout. “I got an all-around view. It was the most amazing thing ever,” Koecher said. At the end of the day, Koecher returned to her cabin, sat under the stars and gazed into the fire with her friendly hosts.
Treat yourself
Revelstoke holds some riding gems that are truly to be treasured
As far as the eye can see: The panoramic view from the old fire lookout tower at the top of Sproat Mountain is second to none. — Photo courtesy Allan Obrigewitsch
With everything from steep and winding mountainous trails to sloping forest service roads, the ATVing around Revelstoke is bound to impress, and the members of the Revelstoke ATV Club take full advantage of the area’s fantastic riding at every opportunity. Allan Obrigewitsch, the president of the Revelstoke ATV Club, said the most popular ATVing spots are in the Wap and Mabel Lake area because of the proximity of these trails to Revelstoke. But the local club favourite is the Sproat Mountain Fire Lookout Trail, from which Obrigewitsch said the views are stunning. It is, however, a challenging ride. Because of the skill level required to get to the top, only between 35 and 50 people made the journey up last season. The trail is open just from mid-July each year until the first snowfall. “That is our No. 1 trail as far as the club is concerned,” said Obrigewitsch. “You need to know where to go though. We had about 35 to 50 people last year—we know because there is a sign-in book at the top.” The old fire lookout tower at the top of Sproat Mountain is maintained by the Revelstoke ATV Club and has been preserved as a heritage site.
Soaring through the sand
These famous sand dunes in Oregon offer ATVers a unique experience
Sand and sea: The sand dunes near Winchester Bay are an ATVer’s dream. — Photo by Pat McHugh
“Hey, let’s go for a ride at Winchester.” This led to a new experience of riding the Oregon Dunes south of Winchester Bay, Oregon. We were planning to go to Bend Or for a course in April, so a little trip to the sand dunes seemed like a good idea. I’d done some work to my wife’s quad to improve the performance in the dunes and needed to get it tuned for the changes. The Dyno shop is located at Winchester Bay now, so the fact that we could ride at Winchester and try out the quad was an easy sell. We arrived at the Craz-e-Dealz shop by the afternoon on Friday and had a chance to catch up on the latest news from Tess and Amir, the shop owners. Soon the bike was tweaked and ready to ride—so the sand was next. First we checked out Banshee Hill, blasting out across the sand and up and down the hill several times, just for the fun of it. Then we headed out to explore the rest of the dunes. At this time the dunes were still in winter shape—that is, they were steep and the dune face was almost vertical for the last few feet. By summer the sand becomes softer and the tops rounded off. When we were there, they were a bit hard from the winter winds and rain. The fun factor is huge when you charge up the face and have to really go fast to make it. The last bit is so steep that only the momentum you build up keeps you on the hill. If you try to come down the face, you have to power down the first bit to add direction to what is almost a free-fall—what a rush! h3. Mysterious sandscapes There were watercourses running at this time of year in some places that will be dry in summer. Little streams start and stop in the middle of nowhere. It looks almost surreal. Water also lies just under the surface in places and forms areas that are just like quicksand. We came across some guys with a Razor who had tried to go through one of these soft spots and failed, so we helped dig them out. By the third day the wind was smoothing off the sand, so each run was like a new place. It was a very moving experience. All of the marks from the previous day were erased, and not a soul was in sight. After one last pass at Banshee, it was time to load up for the trip to Bend. What a great adventure we’d had.
I’ll take the high road
And you take the low road, and I’ll be in Elkford afore ye
The high mountain pass: Gord Vogell and his friends enjoy the views near Greenland Creek on a day that could have ended badly. — Photo by Gord Vogell
Gord Vogell has many destinations in mind for the upcoming summer of riding, and getting to the top of the world is just part of the journey. Vogell, who lives in Cranbrook, B.C., was once an avid mountain biker but found his knees couldn’t take the ups and downs anymore. However, he refused to let that small detail slow him down, and five years ago, he took to ATVing. Since then, he has explored as many high alpine trails as time will allow, seen areas of unsurpassed beauty, had a scare or two, and is now taking a keen interest in bringing others along for the ride. h3. Uncharted territory Vogell said there is no such thing as the best trip out on an ATV; your favourite is always the most recent. But he remembers an outing in October 2008 to Greenland Creek in the Purcell Mountains near Kimberley—partly because the weather was agreeable and the scenery fantastic, but mostly because the day almost ended with one fewer rider coming down from the mountain pass than the four who had originally set out. “One of the guys, Larry, had a heart attack on that trip,” said Vogell. “It was really strange, but now I know what to look for.” Vogell said Larry, an athletic man, was complaining about feeling old walking up a hill—something that Vogell said was out of character for him. His friend seemed pale and winded, but wanted to carry on with the rest of the group. The following week, when Larry was taken to the Foothills Hospital in Calgary and treated for a mild heart attack, the full realization of what had happened on that outing began to sink in with Vogell and his buddies. The attack was a good warning to Vogell about being prepared for all eventualities. “If Larry had fallen over up there, we probably would have just buried him,” laughed Vogell. “We would have put some sort of marker up so we could find him and towed his machine down.” All jokes aside, Vogell is aware of what the alternate ending to the day could have been. And yet, the day still stands out as one of the best outings in memory. “It was one of those trips where everything went right and we got to where we wanted to go,” said Vogell. “There was a spectacular view up there and all four of us want to go back. We’ve heard rumours that there’s a trail up there that goes back to Doctor Creek.” h3. The highland highlights Most of Vogell’s journeys are done in the company of three or four other riders; he said too many riders can slow down the pack. But this summer, Vogell is planning an excursion that could turn out to be a comparative convoy of ATVs. Vogell is leading a five-day outing along the mountain trails near Cranbrook, Fort Steele and Canal Flats, B.C., that will feature a stop near Top of the World Provincial Park. The epic journey in August—which will include yours truly—will be attended by 10 riders who will enjoy a part of the world that remains largely undiscovered. “I get a kick out of going with people who haven’t been in those areas,” said Vogell. “I see things…that I would have driven by (without them).” The trip will be the prelude to the ATVBC AGM and Provincial Jamboree in Elkford; most of the riders taking part in Vogell’s guided tour of the Kootenay backcountry will be participating in one of the biggest ATV events in B.C. “It’s a hoot,” said Vogell. “The only problem with it is that it’s too short.”
The safety trailer
Nakusp students learned about safe ATVing this spring
A learning experience: The Revelstoke and Arrow Lakes ATV Clubs were keen to teach students about safety. — Photo courtesy Arrow Lakes ATV Club
Spring is here, the machines are tuned up and it is time to hit the trails. Our club thought this was a great chance to remind folks of the safety code for ATV riders. Tom Dickson (Revelstoke ATV Club) brought the safety trailer to Nakusp on May 14, 2009. The trailer was parked at the Nakusp Secondary School. Arrangements were made so that students could tour the trailer during the day along with the public. The trailer was also open after school until 8 p.m. for everyone. The outdoor education class along with their teacher spent a considerable amount of time at the trailer. George Bonacci (president of the Arrow Lakes ATV Club) and Ernie Knecht (ride director) facilitated a discussion about safe riding and etiquette on the trails. They also discussed multi-use of trails, and trail maintance in our local area. The students participated in the discussion and showed keen interest.
A day of work?
Revelstoke and surrounding areas promote safe ATVing.
Riding in Revelstoke: There is nothing better than ATVing with friends and exploring top-notch terrain. — Photo courtesy Kali Love
Al Obrigewitsch, otherwise known as Three Valley Al, is the president of the Revelstoke ATV Club and his club and the surrounding clubs are taking an active role to ensure that responsible ATVing is reported in the media. I received a call from Obrigewitsch a couple of months ago asking if I would like to accompany the Revelstoke ATV Club and members of the Sicamous ATV Club for a ride and hang out with the club members. I thought it was a great idea and on a sunny morning in June, my boyfriend, Ben Trommer, and I headed out to Revelstoke for a fun day of ATVing and hanging out with just about the nicest guys around. Ben and I arrived in Revelstoke around noon and met with Obrigewitsch. He took us out to the landing destination where we met with Ed Jaatteenmaki, Tom Dickson, Brian and Colleen Thurgood, Wayne Kells, Gus Fugman, Ed Herrmann and Wayne Davis. Now, I must admit that I am a rookie ATVer. I brought a sturdy pair of shoes and a sweater. Food, water and more warm clothing did not even cross my mind and I merely watched as these men packed and repacked face masks, chainsaws, garbage bags, wood, food and other things that no one but a seasoned ATVer would know to bring. But believe me—we needed it all at least once throughout the day. h3. A mountain view We all set off around 1 p.m. and it was a beautiful, warm day in Revelstoke. There were 12 riders in total and we set off into the great backcountry making our first stop at Frog Falls. Obrigewitsch happens to be the chief electrician at Three Valley Gap Lake Chateau and the entire resort gets its power from the waterfalls. We got a private tour of the Three Valley hydro station and took a break to stretch our legs and gaze at the crashing waterfalls. As Ben and I didn’t have quads of our own, we doubled up with club members. I spent the majority of the afternoon with Wayne Kells and Ben sat double with Ed Jaatteenmaki and his dog, Ricky. We headed up a 25-kilometre-long power line trail and gained 1,500 feet of elevation in a short period of time. The trail up to the lookout winds and bends with the mountain scenery and is laden with leaves and shrubbery. We got to the top where we had a snack of nuts and fruit juice. Again, the club members saved Ben and me from being hungry as we hadn’t thought to bring snacks—they were more than generous with their peanuts and orange juice. The view from the top of the mountain was like no other. The green trees covered the entire mountain and seemed to go on forever. h3. A satisfying journey I started out the day by thinking I would get a fun day out of the office, see some beautiful scenery and I hoped that I would get to see a black bear—all of those thoughts came true. As we were coming down from the lookout and rounding a turn towards Kidney Lake, a black bear watched us from a distance. As soon as we got closer, it became startled by the noise of our machines and took off. We sat quietly for a few minutes on the ATVs, hopeful that it would come back, but we soon gave up and continued on our ride to Kidney Lake. We arrived at Kidney Lake and only stayed for a few minutes as we were all getting hungry. We jumped right back on the quads and drove down to Noisy Creek where we set up camp and built a fire. Obrigewitsch had brought hamburgers and hotdogs and we ate like kings, allowing for the fact that a true outdoors meal contains no vegetables and a little grit on your meat. Ben and Ed Jaatteenmaki’s dog helped finish off the leftovers and we took off again back to the staging area. h3. Getting in the driver’s seat After dinner, Brian Thurgood, a member of the Sicamous ATV Club who was on the ride with us, asked me if I had ever driven a quad before. I said no with more than a little nervousness and excitement in my voice, thinking he just might let me drive his quad, and I was right. “Well, we’ll have to change that then, won’t we?” said Thurgood. I hopped into the driver’s seat and Thurgood sat down in the passenger seat and after a quick explanation of where the brakes were and how to use the hand gas pedal, we were off. Needless to say, I was quite nervous and went about 15 kilometres an hour for the first 20 minutes. After a while of cruising at a snail’s pace, Thurgood started encouraging me to go faster. “Try to get up to 25,” said Thurgood…“OK, now try to get up to 35.” Near the end of the ride I started to get the hang of steering a quad and before I knew it, I was going 35 to 40 kilometres an hour. The thrill and exhilaration of speeding down small dirt roads was riveting and I will never forget driving a quad for the first time. We stopped at a cabin maintained by the Revelstoke ATV Club on our way back and for a photo opportunity at a small lake close to the staging area. It was dusk when we returned and people took off for home pretty quickly. We were dusty, dirty, tired and in great spirits. We had just had a great ride and I had the pleasure of discovering the undiscovered in Revelstoke.
A giving hand
The RecConnect certificate offers training in creating off-road trails
Offering their expertise: Newly certified trail builders help to build a new and sustainable trail in Bend, Oregon. — Photo courtesy Pat McHugh
Two members of Eco Trail Systems have received certificates after completing a Trail Building Course in Bend, Oregon. The course entitled Sustainable OHV Trails—Layout and Design, was offered by RecConnect, a company that specializes in creating and building OHV (off-highway vehicles) trail systems. RecConnect has done consultation and design work in BC as the movement toward recognized and sustainable trails takes shape. Having attended prior workshops and worked with the RecConnect people on projects in B.C., I was delighted to be able to further the knowledge base in this new and developing area. As there are no such courses available in B.C., the trip to Oregon was necessary to obtain the training for this special type of work. Attending this course were members of the Oregon Forest Service OHV department and others involved with the building of trail systems. In Oregon there is a very highly developed system of recreational trail systems and areas for motorized recreation. The Oregon Dunes, well known for the great riding experience, and others, such as East Fort Rock, Henderson Flats and Prospect. Considered a leader in the off-road recreation experience, Oregon has developed many specialized training courses and unique trail building equipment. So, it was off to Bend to learn about the layout and design requirements of a sustainable trail system. The first day was spent in the classroom learning the theory and techniques to good design and how to make a trail enjoyable and fun while maintaining a positive relationship between the users needs and the environment. After that, it was all outdoors, and that’s where the theory becomes real. Up and down hillsides, and dust and heat thrown in was quite a shock after leaving home with snow still dropping in to say hello. Spring was there and the pollen was in the air. The group was divided into teams and each given a large piece of ground to work with, then the surveying began. The number of times a given piece of trail is walked and dissected and changed before it is constructed varies, but let me tell you, for every mile of trail there are many, many miles of walking involved. The legs burned, the lungs hurt and the eyes watered but the trails did get flagged and set on the ground. On the last day, after the time limit for the exercise was completed all the teams gathered together to walk, observe and critique each trail. When the last trail and mile had been had been walked and all the ribbons and flagging removed we all got together for the last exercise of the day. The ‘learner loop’ is a short trail that is used to introduce riders to the types of terrain and conditions they will encounter at a given location and the one we had to examine was tight and twisty with lots of turns. Wished we could had been on a quad for this one as it sure looked like a fun ride. At day’s end we gathered again and had our last group discussion. After that it was time to receive our certificates take some pictures, and exchange addresses. The course was great; the learning was gratifying, and the experience satisfying, who could ask for more. To top it all off, two of our own now have proven that they know how to design and layout a trail that can be used by ATVers in B.C. Lets build some trails… Eco Trail Systems Inc was formed by a small group of ATVers who felt that the time was right for B.C. to get into the Trail System experience that is used by most States and Provinces. There was a thought that many clubs have trails that they use and maintain, but sometimes the need for special equipment to repair/build is out of reach, and beyond the grasp of a local group. Eco Trails can fill that bill. All people involved have been active in the ATV scene in B.C. for many years. By attending various clinics and training opportunities they have built upon the skills acquired by working and playing in B.C.’s outdoors. Their inventory of trail building equipment includes trailers, a trail sized dozer and loader/backhoe as well as a trail rake and assorted other tools and equipment that allow for building and maintaining new or existing trails. If any clubs or individuals wish to have help with their projects they can contact "Eco Trails(Eco Trails Website)":http://www.ecotrailsystems.com and discuss their needs.
Teaching safe practices
Young riders in Bonnyville will learn ATV safety this summer
Seeing the need: On April 4, 2009, Glen Smith and Terry Coulombe held a registration day in Bonnyville for a free ATV safety course for youth. — Photo courtesy of Glen Smith
When one thinks about ATVing, what often comes to mind are thoughts of fast, exhilarating riding or good times spent with family and friends; rarely is someone’s first thought of ATVing related to safety. However, while ATVing is a lot of fun, it must also be done safely. h3. Spreading awareness Glen Smith is an instructor for HSE Integrated Ltd., Canada’s largest national industrial safety services company. Mainly, Smith teaches classes about oilsands safety, and last year he took the Canadian Safety Council ATV instructors training course, as a lot of the workers he trains drive quads for their job. With this knowledge, Smith decided that he would try to implement a program in Bonnyville, Alberta, to teach young people about ATV safety. “I decided that we needed to do something about quad safety in the area,” said Smith. “We have had a couple of bad accidents with youth in the area.” In winter 2008, Smith, HSE Integrated and Terry Coulombe, the owner of T&T Power Sports Ltd. in Bonnyville, all became involved with creating an ATV safety course for youth; they worked on setting up a program that would be free of charge for any child. To test the program and see how many participants it would attract, Smith and Coulombe held an open house on April 4 of this year, and more than 100 children signed up. “We don’t want any charge for the kids,” said Smith. “HSE is providing the books, so it’s free of charge that way; (Coulombe) is providing the quads and I am providing my time. It is on my own time, not (company) time. It will be Saturdays and days off in the evenings. I am going to do it in my own backyard.” For the children to be certified by the ATV Canadian Safety Council, Smith can teach only four children at a time. He sees this as a bonus, as the course will be so much more than just an awareness class. “I have grandkids and I have been riding ATVs for a good part of my life,” said Smith. “My kids have been raised on them. ATVs were getting a bad name—and it wasn’t the ATV, it was the riders that were giving them a bad name. And I was sick of hearing about kids getting hurt. I thought, ‘Well, if I can save one life or one injury by doing something, then it will be worth it,’ so that is why I decided to do it.” During the course, Smith will be teaching the youth basic safety training for ATVing, such as getting onto your quad from the left side because that is where your brake is, as opposed to the right side where the quad’s throttle is located. “It is not the ATV,” said Smith, “it is just the awareness. Kids need to learn a little about wearing helmets and just the basics of ATVs. It is not the real hard things that are hurting them—it’s the basics. It is what I call rider active—knowing how to shift your weight and how not to get yourself into situations that you can’t get out of.” At the culmination of the course, Smith said, the kids will be given a certificate from the Canadian Safety Council. He is looking forward to teaching the youth about ATV safety. “Out of 100 kids,” said Smith, “if I can get to 50 per cent of them, that is 50 kids that are trained better than when I started.” Due to the mandatory small class sizes, Smith doesn’t know if he will be able to teach the course to all the children who signed up. He is looking for volunteers to assist him in instructing a couple of the classes; anyone who is interested can call Smith at 780-826-5300.
ATV Zone key contacts
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 25 different passenger seat models to fit all Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe.
Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
Saskatchewan
Give your seat new life with SaddleSkins
Snowmobiles have special cover requirements. Extra cold weather can cause ordinary vinyl to split and crack. Travelcade SaddleSkins for sleds are made of a heavy-duty cold weather material that is impervious to cold down to more than minus 40 degrees. All features of the original seat are retained rear compartment, lights, side buffers all duplicated in our replacement covers.
SaddleSkins are available for motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles with original manufacturer s fit and design. Their weather-resistant vinyl endures all sorts of riding conditions, and replaces duct tape and unsightly tears at an economical price.
WARN XT and RT Winch Series: the best winches in the world are now even better.
The complete line of WARN Powersports winches lets you ride with confidence knowing that when you need to pull yourself out of the muck or move a heavy load, you'll be up to the task time and time again. Both the XT Extreme Terrain and RT Rugged Terrain winches are designed specifically for powersports vehicles. Standard features includes weather-resistant sealed construction; rugged and reliable three-stage planetary geartrains; patented disc brakes for enhanced control; efficient electrical systems for less battery drain; easy-to-use clutch dials; and legendary WARN quality. You can be assured these winches are the best on the market.
Both the SaddleSkins and WARN Powersports winches are available at Recreation Supply Co. Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
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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. 
Manitoba, BC
The fun starts here, at Enns Brothers Powersports
When a person in Manitoba wants to have fun and enjoy the pleasures that power sports and vehicles have to offer, they come to Enns Brothers Powersports
Located in three locations (Winnipeg East, West and Portage La Prairie), Enns Brothers will be Manitoba's first choice for motorized products, accessories and servicing. Our customers and suppliers trust us for honesty, knowledge, fairness and professionalism. Our dynamic team can help you with all your powersport needs in a friendly and efficient manner, and you will feel welcome and supported in every one of our locations.
Tumbler Ridge, BC
Discover the wonder and beauty of Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge is unique, as it has all the amenities of a larger town, while retaining its small town culture. With its beautiful geographic location and rich history, this is truly the perfect location. Tumbler Ridge has plenty of activities and events occurring regularly to help keep you involved in the community. If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, our local terrain will be waiting for you to bring out your ATV or off-road bike, and witness the exquisite scenery of Tumbler Ridge.
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.
East Central. SK
The destination for every level of rider
You will find a surprise around every corner in Saskatchewan’s East Central region. The stunning transformation of the landscape from prairie to boreal forest showcases nature in its most grand form. Vast numbers of birds migrate through the area, making this an incredible destination for bird lovers. Unique communities are part of the mix, including four vibrant cities and a dynamic Ukrainian culture. Add a natural healing spa and a host of exciting events, not to mention a landscape that is truly an off-road enthusiast's dream. It is no wonder that our area won nine Rider’s Choice Awards for our spectacular ATVing terrain.
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."-
Big River, SK
Convenient, comfortable and affordable
Ride from your door and enjoy an overabundance of ATV trails.
The Timberland Motel is located in a woodland setting with more than 20 lakes within 12 miles of our front door, but in Big River you can fish right where the town dock extends into Cowan Lake.
We are located on the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail, so you can snowmobile right up to the door of your comfortable room. The Timberland Motel features a range of amenities, such as air conditioning, wireless high-speed Internet, an outdoor hot tub and much more.
The motel itself is also for sale, so rent a room now and see the incredible potential in this modern, clean facility.
The small shop with big service
Season's Edge Recreation has been serving Nipawin and surrounding area for more than 12 years, and we are dedicated to our customers' needs. Like our customers, we are also snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts.
Here at Season's Edge we ride what we sell so we are able to understand and respond to your needs. We know how important it is for you to have a great experience every time you ride.
On our days off, we look forward to jumping on our toys and hitting the trails or venturing out into the back country, so don't be suprised if you meet up with us next time you're out for a ride.
Cranbrook, BC
There is always something to do in Cranbrook
The City of Cranbrook is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and offers visitors an array of fun activities. For winter guests, this warm and welcoming community is conveniently close to a full range of sledding locations. With literally hundreds of excellent sledding trails nearby, snowmobilers can experience everything from beginner to extreme mountain riding in the area. Cranbrook is also known as the sunniest city in B.C., so expect to find brilliant blue skies and sunshine to top off the mountain vistas you will enjoy while out on the trail.
Kootenay Rockies
Warm up after your sledding adventure
Prestige Hotels & Resorts are elegant, full-service hotels and resorts, located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies—destinations known for some of the most renowned snowmobiling terrain. The Prestige offers deluxe rooms and amenities, executive and designer suites. All guest rooms feature quality comforts such as voicemail, data ports, high-speed Internet access and pay-per-view movies. Facilities also include a pool, hot tub, athletic club, restaurant and lounge—so there are several relaxing options to choose from upon your arrival. We are proudly 100% smoke-free. Inquire about our getaway and recreation packages, and make us your first choice in accommodation when you plan your next sledding excursion.
Cranbrook, BC
A quality motel in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains
Surrounded by the pristine Kootenay Mountains, the Travellers Motel features newly remodeled suites that will make your stay a quality one. We are conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the airport, and offer special rates for seniors and corporate guests. Also for your convenience, we have complimentary parking, a laundry facility, direct dial phones, smoking rooms, wireless internet and a continental breakfast. Kick back and enjoy our barbecue area, or one of our two new bubble tubs. Bring your four-legged travelling companion, because our motel is pet-friendly.
Cranbrook, BC
We go to great heights for you!
At the Nomad Motel, we offer several amenities to make our guests feel comfortable. With a 46-inch heated outdoor pool, large family suites and a children's playground, our facility is ready to welcome you and your family. We also offer corporate, group and senior rates, free high speed internet, and fax and photocopy services to suit your business needs. Take advantage of our guest laundromat, free VCR and movie usage, continental breakfast and cable TV with movie channels. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well. All of our rooms are air conditioned and have refrigerators and other basic necessities to make your stay fun and relaxing.