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.
British Columbia key contacts
Cranbrook, BCFinding the right ride for you
All Seasons Motor Sports Ltd. is located in Cranbrook, B.C. We base our success on our commitment to customer service, personal attention and in our opinion, the best product lineups in the business! We carry Arctic Cat, Kawasaki and Suzuki, so whether you are looking for a snowmobile, ATV, a side-by-side or motorcycle, let our experienced staff assist you in finding the right ride for you. We offer a great selection of parts, accessories and clothing. Here you will also receive quality service for all makes and models of small engines; even generators, weed whackers, lawnmowers and snowblowers. Having a team that's passionate about motor sports makes coming into All Seasons Motor Sports all the more welcoming, we look forward to meeting you.
All Season's Motor Sports Ltd.www.allseasonsmotorsports.ca-
Aldergrove, BCQuality products from Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo
At Ski and Trail Powersports Ltd., we specialize in sales, parts and service of all BRP recreational products. Whether you are looking for Ski-Doo, SeaDoo, Can-Am ATVs or the Commander side-by-side, we have it! We stock a huge selection of accessories, parts, helmets and riding gear for all ages. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find what you need. Visit our website to see sales promotions, used inventory, unit specs or compare units, online shopping and much more.
Ski & Trail Powersportswww.skiandtrail.com 
Northern BCYour home away from home
When you plan your outdoor recreation adventure, let the Pomeroy Inn & Suites be your home away from home. Our hotels are designed with your comfort in mind. We offer oversized suites with full kitchens, family bunk bed rooms and executive king rooms. Did we also mention that all of our hotels are 100% pet friendly? Every room features Hypnos sleep system beds, free high speed internet, mini fridge, microwave and more. Our continental breakfast features guest favorites such as make-your-own Belgian waffles complete with a topping station, fruit, yogurt, bagels, pastries, juice, coffee and more. When you return from the trails you can indulge in our pool, waterslide and hot tub.
Rural Discovery Destination Marketing Fundwww.pomeroyinnandsuites.com
Sicamous, BCA friendly atmosphere awaits
Nestled between the Eagle River and the TransCanada Highway, in Sicamous, British Columbia, a friendly atmosphere awaits you. You can enjoy a meal off the menu at our cozy fully licensed restaurant or choose one of the three daily specials that we provide. If you arrive by motorcycle you can park in our corral and clean the windshield at the complimentary bug wash station. If you want to stay with us we can offer rides varying from two hours to two days with many motorcycle-friendly stops along the way. We like to think all roads lead to Joe's, where you can sit on the deck at the end of a ride and enjoy a pint of Mt. Begbie’s famous cream ale.
Joe Schmuck's Roadhousewww.joeschmucks.ca
Calgary, ABImproving your safety with Smart-Antenna technology
At Ortovox we consider safety our number one priority. We are known globally for high-quality mountain sports products for summer and winter, which meet the highest standards of quality, functionality and design and allow a safe mountain adventure. We offer top-of-the-line products, such as the new S1+ avalanche transceiver, which combines two unique transceiver innovations, and the 3+ transceiver, a three-antenna device with a special extra function to first enhance your own safety. The intelligent position recognition system analyzes the position of the antennas and automatically switches to the optimal transmitting antenna. There is no longer any such thing as the 'worst position.'
Ortovox Canada Ltd.www.ortovox.com
Cranbrook, BCYour four-season headquarters to enjoy all outdoor activities
Voted by Trip Advisor as "Top 10 in the country for best value" for three years running, this new lodge is located at the west entrance to Cranbrook, overlooking the 250-acre Elizabeth Lake Lodge Bird Sanctuary. Every unit has a full kitchen with a real hardwood floor entrance. The rooms feature Windsor beds, flat-screen TVs and heated Italian tile in every bathroom. There is high-speed wireless and plug-in Internet, and lots of secure parking for longer units. An RV park and History of the Kootenays mini-golf course are also located on the premises.
Elizabeth Lake Lodgewww.elizabethlakelodge.com
A global company with a proven track record
Camoplast Solideal is a world leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of off-road tires, rubber tracks, undercarriage systems, wheels, body dressing parts, under-the-hood plastic components and assemblies, molded skis, engine covers, thermal and air induction systems. As a strategic supplier to leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we deliver our products directly to their assembly lines. We use the full power of our experience, engineering expertise, innovation skills, support and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-performance products of unrivalled quality and value. On the strength of a global team of close to 8,000 dedicated experts, we operate advanced research and development centres, manufacturing plants in Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia, and distribution facilities on all continents.
Camoplastwww.camoplastsolideal.com
Revelstoke, BCInvest in Revelstoke: Now in development, opening winter 2011/2012
Mountain Springs Lodges and Resort sits at the base of Boulder Mountain, with convenient access to the mountain's western trail access. Just six minutes from downtown Revelstoke overlooking Revelstoke Mountain Resort and the majestic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, comfortable cabin lodging is a meeting place for snowmobilers in the winter months and sightseers and hikers in the summer months. The resort will include hot pools, snowmobile maintenance areas, walking and biking trails and central reservations. Invest in Mountain Springs and enjoy affordable ownership and rental pool revenues. Investment opportunities exist in development, management or purchase ownership. Call for information or make your winter 2011/12 bookings at 250-837-4420.
Canada West RV Park - Black Tie Propertieswww.canadawestrevelstoke.com-
Calgary, AB
Go over the top!
What better way to spend those bleak winter days than by riding in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies? Over the Top Rentals offers new 2012 Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo and Polaris mountain sleds. Thrill-seekers will enjoy our Yamaha Nytro Turbo. Over the Top Rentals is in a great location in south Calgary, just five minutes off Deer Foot Trail. We offer to shuttle sleds to the Crowsnest Pass and B.C. for weekend rentals, and we also rent avalanche beacons. For more information on our company, including the tour options available, visit our website www.overthetoprentals.com.
Over The Top Rentals 
100 Mile HouseThe latest and best in powersports products
At Performance All Terrain & Ren. Ltd., our mission is to offer you the latest in parts and products, at the best prices, and with unparalleled service. Offering a great selection of high quality construction equipment and recreational unit rentals is just part of the package. We also sell parts and accessories, and service all the lines we carry, such as Can-am, Ski-Doo, Honda, and KTM - and even the ones we don't. We pledge our best efforts to make your experience both beneficial and enjoyable. Once you give us a try, we’re sure you'll be back for more!
Performance All Terrainwww.performanceallterrain.com-
Surrey and Chilliwack, BCA top choice for powersports machines, service and gear
Greater Vancouver Powersports (GVP), the largest Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) dealer in the lower mainland with locations in Surrey (Port Kells) and Chilliwack, B.C., is committed to providing best in class sales and service to customers. Our growth is fueled by the continuous innovation delivered in BRP products we carry, including Can-Am ATVs, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Sea-Doo sport boats, and the Spyder Roadsters (exclusive to Greater Vancouver Powersports). We offer the widest selection of units, parts, accessories and technical riding gear. Most of all, our knowledgeable staff will help you customize your ride to suit your needs.
Greater Vancouver Powersportswww.gvps.ca -
Broadway Williams Lake
Getting you out there on a Polaris!
We know that you have high expectations, and as a dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those expectations - every time.
Spectra Powersports Ltd.www.spectrapowersports.com -
British Columbia
We're here to help you get where you need to go.
At B & F Sales & Service Ltd., we stand behind the products we sell and the service provided by our factory-trained technicians.
B & F Sales & Service Ltd.www.bandfsales.com -
British Columbia
Offering a great selection of new and pre-owned snowmobiles and ATVs.
At Ghostrider Motorsports, we sell the best models of all your favourite recreational machines - including Arctic Cat and Yamaha snowmobiles, Arctic Cat ATVs, and Honda and Yamaha motorcycles to name a few.
Ghostrider Motorsportswww.ghostridermotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Our expertise will meet all your motorsports needs
In addition to our vast lineup of new and pre-owned machines, we also have the experience and expertise you need for motorsports repairs and service.
BP Motorsportswww.bpmotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Your recreation specialists
Browse our site to view our custom-built machines, check out our hot sellers in the winter and summer lineups, or schedule your next service visit.
Neid Enterprises Ltd.www.neidenterprises.com -
Alberta
Proudly serving the Westlock area with top Arctic Cat models
See our latest Arctic Cat machines, and enjoy our top-notch customer service.
CC Cyclecccycle@cccycle.ca -
British Columbia
We provide recreational vehicles for all types of riders
Whether you are looking for an ATV, snowmobile, side by side, dirt bike, or motorcycle, we have options for you! Check out our latest models from Yamaha, and be amazed at the selection and service we offer.
Mountain Motorsportswww.mountainmotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Service is our specialty
At Northern Services Yamaha, we carry all different types of snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides and other recreational machines to suit your needs.
Northern Services Yamahawww.norser.ca -
British Columbia
Making tracks in the powersports industry
Main Jet's team has a long history in the power sports and equipment industries. We have been involved in everything from the motorcycle racing circuit, to snowmobiling the backcountry of the Kootenays, to building leading edge mod sleds. We also take family outings on ATVs and side-by-sides and have a solid understanding of the needs of land owners and forestry workers. All of this gives us an expertise in serving you better. The oldest dealership in the area, Main Jet is proud to carry the very best in Arctic Cat, Honda, Polaris and KTM machines.
Main Jet Motorsports Inc.www.manjet.ca -
British Columbia
The foremost supplier of sport machines in Kamloops
Choose from a wide selection of Kawasaki Street and motocross bikes, ATVs, two-seater side-by-side ATVs, jetskis for water fun, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and Triton trailers so you can transport all these great toys to wherever you go.
Leading Edge Motorsportswww.leadingedgeonline.ca