RIDING HIGH:Wayne Lutz on his Yamaha Grizzly 660cc quad with dog Bro, said ATVing has taken him to places he could never have seen otherwise. —photo courtesy Wayne Lutz

READY TO RIDE: Author Wayne Lutz (Right) and his ATV guide to the Powell River wilderness, John Maithus, are ready for another amazing adventure. —photo courtesy Wayne Lutz

Author and publisher Wayne Lutz is a man whose passion for the wilderness has led him to discover quadding and other recreational pursuits in and around Powell River, B.C. In his newly released book, Up the Main, Coastal British Columbia Stories, Lutz has documented the ATVing excursions that led him to become an avid ATVer.

SnoRiders West had the opportunity to interview Lutz and find out why and how he became an ATV “addict”—as he calls himself— as well as what motivated him to write and publish a book about his enthusiasm for ATVing.

What made you decide to document ATV riding?

I met an ATV explorer in the Powell River region in 2001 and began to follow him around during research for my first book, Up the Lake. I met a lot of ATV riders in the first few months of research for my first book, and I became captured by the subject.

What drew you to the sport of ATVing?

My first ride was on a rented quad (a Yamaha Kodiak 450), arranged by a friend. To be truthful, I found the first ride rather disappointing. I was so busy trying to drive the quad that I couldn’t focus on the beauty of the surrounding region as I drove. I missed a lot on that first trip and was totally exhausted by the end of the 80-kilometre ride. Then I decided to try a small off-road motorcycle (a Honda 100cc), since it would fit aboard my boat and allow me to explore areas on Powell Lake, B.C. When riding my small motorcycle, I travelled with new friends from the Powell River ATV Club who rode quads. I had a very hard time keeping up with the quads in difficult terrain. In fact, there were places where I had to turn back, while the quads simply kept on truckin’. Quads and bigger motorcycles could get through, but I couldn’t.

What made you become an ATV enthusiast?

The Powell River region is gorgeous, but it can’t be explored adequately without an ATV. Logging roads are everywhere, and many of these roads have been deactivated. The trails are ready to go for ATV riders, but cannot be travelled by other vehicles. And the landscape is too vast to cover much of it via hiking alone. I quickly realized that the only way to thoroughly explore this vast region is by ATV, combined with hiking.

How did you become an ATV enthusiast?

I followed a friend around at first, since he is an ATV expert. I’ve learned that it is a good idea to get some training in the beginning, and that is easily achieved by riding with an experienced friend. Following a friend allows you to challenge bigger hills and increasingly tougher terrain until you get more confident with your ATV—yet, you are safe under the supervision of a more experienced rider. Following an experienced rider teaches you how to select paths through tough terrain. For many months, I simply rode behind my friend, duplicating his tracks through the rough spots.

What are some of the joys that you experience while ATVing?

I’ve found that the feeling of being removed from the constant pressures of society is a major joy of ATVing. Once the engine on my quad or motorcycle starts, I am transported into a world where only exploration of the beauty and excitement of the wilderness matter to me. Also, the pleasure of achieving physical goals is important for me. I am not a strong, athletic individual, but I can ride myATV and improve my skills on each trip. The feeling of accomplishment in having climbed a tough new trail is wonderful. And I’ve met some of the nicest people imaginable through the Powell River ATV Club.

In your opinion, what makes ATVing so enjoyable?

The people you meet on the trail are almost universally wonderful individuals. They share my same sense of respect for the environment and appreciation for the beauty of the region. They are quick to show me their secret spots to ride, and sharing experiences with them is always a pleasure. ATVing is individualism tempered with social contact with your fellow riders. If you join a local ATV club, the experience is even more enjoyable.

In your opinion, what makes this sport unique?

This is a sport that gets you outdoors in all kinds of weather; it allows you to discover the raw beauty of a geographic region. You can explore places that other motor vehicles and even hikers cannot reach. For those who enjoy a sense of accomplishment in exercising their physical and mental skills, this is a sport that will provide endless satisfaction.

Check out the review of Wayne Lutz's book Up the Lake, Coastal British Columbia Stories or learn about his new book Up the Main.

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