The big picture
Take a tour of some of Manitoba’s big things
Would it be an exaggeration to say the giant mosquito in Komarno is life-size? Perhaps, but I suggest you find out for yourself.
Big things on the side of the highway are as Canadian as the ox cart, the beaver and the Canada goose—all of which can be seen along the highways and byways of Manitoba. I’ve compiled a 12-hour, 750-kilometre circle tour that will introduce you to some of the most amazing big things on the prairies. As a bonus, the roads will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery the plains have to offer. Rev up, and let’s go.
Winnipeg
Because everything starts in Winnipeg.
Selkirk
Start off the tour of big things in a big way by seeing the giant Red River ox cart—used during the fur trade in the 19th century—and Chuck the Channel Catfish in Selkirk.
Winnipeg Beach
Here you’ll find a giant head carved from cedar representing the Ojibwa, Assiniboine and Cree First Nations of Manitoba.
Gimli
Gimli’s Icelandic population is recognized with the distinctive Viking statue.
Komarno
Legend has it that the word komarno means “full of mosquitos” in the Ukrainian language. I have to wonder what the first letters home said to encourage further settlement (“You should see this place—it’s totally komarno!”). Regardless, Komarno has one of the most intriguing big things—a giant mosquito that some say is life-size.
Inwood
Even better than mosquitos are garter snakes. You think I’m kidding; I’m not. Garter snakes from all over come to Inwood to get their groove on, and Inwood welcomes them like Las Vegas welcomes gamblers. Definitely worth seeing.
Lundar
What’s more Canadian that the Canada goose? The village of Lundar salutes this distinctive waterfowl with a gargantuan goose that is ready to take flight. Added bonus—no droppings.
The Narrows
Get ready for some incredible sight seeing on the next leg of your journey. From Lundar, you’re going to travel through some of the most beautiful terrain in Manitoba—the Narrows. Twisting, turning roads along Lake Manitoba will delight riders, and if you’ve brought your fishing gear along, you’re in one of the favourite places for anglers in the province. Give yourself lots of time here.
Dauphin
In Dauphin, you’ll find a larger-than-life castor canadensis. (I refuse to be responsible for inappropriate snickers, thank you very much.)
Minnedosa
The road to Minnedosa cuts through Riding Mountain National Park. This forested area is home to wildlife such as wolves, moose, elk, black bear and bison. Give yourself lots of time to pull over and enjoy the park before heading on to Minnedosa to see the colossal canvasback duck. The Minnedosa region is to the canvasback duck what Inwood is to garter snakes.
Portage La Prairie
In Portage La Prairie, you’ll see a giant Coca-Cola can. Why not?
Winnipeg
Because everything ends in Winnipeg.
Tracks in the mud
St. Jean Baptiste attracts a crowd of ATVers and fans to its annual derby
ATVers plowed through the muddy grounds and enjoyed every minute of it. — photo by Chrystal Sabourin
With 1,108 ATVs registered, a hundred more than the previous year’s count, the 7th Annual ATV Poker Derby roared to a start. This year the derby was held on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. Finding its beginnings in 2001, this annual derby is not only a fundraiser, but a way to bind the community together. It is an enjoyable event to be pursued at your own leisure. “It’s basically for fun,” said Sandra Fillion, one of the prime co-ordinators. The monies attained are split between the volunteer fire department and the Got Ice arena renovations. The trails consist of 33 miles (50 kilometres) of trails, winding around regions of the Red River. In the past, these trails have held stations that were tastefully enhanced with beautiful, themed displays. Checkstops are located at several points along the trails, and at each one participants select a single playing card at random. In the end, the participant with the best hand is the winner. Saturday opened with a pancake breakfast, where more than 200 pancakes and sausages were served. Registration followed from 9 a.m. until noon, after which participants were free to visit the sponsors’ displays or purchase food from the canteens. Mudholes were scattered throughout the town and trails, where many brave participants fired their quads through, playful and carefree. Later on in the day, beer gardens were opened, while live local entertainers, Craig & Ash, lit up the remainder of the evening. Sunday also began with a pancake breakfast. An obstacle course followed by drag races was held later on during the day. Participants came from all over the nation just to attend. Guests ventured from as far south as Iowa and Minnesota, made special trips from the West Coast as well as Kelowna, B.C., and came from Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and all regions of Manitoba simply to test the trails and taste the mud of the derby. The general ambience is one of leisure and fun. The trails are a joy for avid ATVers to pursue, especially with nature’s lovely autumn leaves all over the paths. Who’s to say that you are too old to play in the mud? Thousands of dollars have been raised this year. Many local businesses that were also sponsors had set up display tables on the derby grounds. Scott Rods, Enns Brothers, Rosenort Motors, Tires n’ Toys and Morden Motorsports were just a few of the sponsors on location. Terry Budge, hailing from East Selkirk, was the winner on Saturday, also receiving the sizable sum of $2,500. A thousand dollars went to Patrick Laroche of Winnipeg, and another $500 went to Penny Kroeker, also of Winnipeg. The planning committee consists of Eugene and Sandra Fillion, Mike Gilmore, Pat Ayotte and Kevin Klaassen. The smashing success and widespread popularity of the derby reinforces the hard work and months of planning that each of these individuals have put into the event. Many volunteers had also surrendered their time, working at the derby during these two eventful days. Each volunteer plays their part, whether on the trails at a checkstop, or keeping up with the rush at the canteens. They all deserve a deep and unanimous thanks. “I’d like to personally thank each and every person that attended the derby. Without you guys, this awesome weekend would not have been possible,” said Kevin Klaassen, derby committee member. For more detailed information, visit "www.stjeanatvderby.com(http://www.stjeanatvderby.com)":http://www.stjeanatvderby.com.
Down and derby
An ATVing couple share their experience at a spring derby
Dusty or mud:: At the derby, attendees could choose to get dirty on the mud run or stay clean on the dry run. — photo courtesy Sharon Jonas
On the weekend of May 24 and 25, 2008, Sharand ATV Adventures attended the ATV Derby in Woodridge, Manitoba. My husband and I camped at the Wagon Wheels Campground along with members of the ATV Pathfinders. Nestled in the jack pine in the Sandilands Provincial Forest area, this campground has more than 20 sites and three chalet-style cabins available for rent. The campground is equipped with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities. On the day of the derby, we rode our ATVs from our campsite to the community centre and got ready for the event. We headed off to join the early birds who were playing in the mud on the mud run. Along one of the power lines that runs through Woodridge there were many riders driving in, getting stuck and pulling each other out; they had the biggest grins on their faces, which told a story of how much fun it was. After taking pictures and videos and playing in the mud ourselves, we headed back to ride on the dry run. We had to keep quite a distance between each quad as the terrain was very dry and dusty. As we were approaching the checkstop that was the designated lunch stop, we looked towards Woodridge and noticed a lot of smoke. Once we arrived at the checkstop, we had a drink and got our burgers. Later, we were informed that there was a forest fire in the area so had to cut our ride short and head back to our campsite. The cause of the fire wasn’t fully investigated but the blame was quickly put on ATVers. With negative reports like this one, we are saddened with what has conspired against our sport. Afterwards, we joined up with the ATV Pathfinders for a great potluck supper, awesome camaraderie and a 50th birthday celebration for Bob who also shared the second prize winnings from the derby.
Covering ground
A group of Manitoba ATVers logged 385 kilometres in one day
Appreciating The Experience:: Adventure and camaraderie were part of the 385-kilometre excursion that Sharon Jonas and Andy Brandt went on last November. — photo by Sharon Jonas
On Saturday, November 10, 2007, my husband and riding buddy, Andy Brandt, and I left our home in Ross, Manitoba, accompanied by our friends Chris Fox-Decent, Don Dwyer, Ryan Lentz and Doug Ranger at approximately 7:45 a.m. and headed for Stead to meet a group of riders from "Trackshare.com(Trackshare)":http://www.trackshare.com at the Northstar Trails at 10 a.m. Travelling down Forestry Road 13 towards Highway 15, we crossed CN’s mainline to Elma. Once we reached Highway 15, we rode the ditch until we got to Colony Road, then headed north to the second mile road and east until we were back on Road 13. We continued north through lots washouts. A while later at Seddon’s Corner, we fuelled up, then took the Milner Ridge train bed until we got to Provincial Road 435. We travelled the backroads until we met up with 14 other riders. Heading down the Northstar Trails, we made our way towards Albert Beach. After a few wrong turns, we finally arrived at Albert Beach, where we had some lunch, introduced one another and had some typical bull sessions. Following our lunch break, we rode back south down the old train bed towards Belair and fuelled up at Traverse Bay Corner. From there, we headed east down Highway 11 and then got onto the trails. Andy, Chris, Don and I left the group on the trails close to the Jackfish Creek warm-up hut and set out for Stead. From this point, Andy—with his awesome knowledge of GPS tracking—led us through the Brightstone Hills area. With road access from the farmer’s fields and swamps, it was a hilly, scenic area secluded by birch trees and Jack pine. We continued to Lac du Bonnet, fuelled up again and then went to Chicken Chef for supper. Our tummies full, we jumped back onto the quads and headed down the Milner Ridge train bed. We ended up making the same trek back to Ross, getting home around 9:30 p.m.; it had been a successful 385-kilometre day ride. I really enjoy sharing my riding stories, and I enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of the year it is. There are always awesome nature scenes and sightings to remember and tell about. I am always looking forward to the next ride and hope that others can enjoy these outings like I do.
An ATVers grove
Endless trails and friendly faces equals great riding
Welcome to the jungle:: As the name suggests, the area around Woodridge is heavily wooded and abounding with wildlife. — photo courtesy Kevin Druet
One place that sets the standard for ATVing in Manitoba is Woodridge. A community situated in the Sandilands region of eastern Manitoba, Woodridge is home to beautiful scenery, a variety of terrain options and an exhaustive supply of trails. In fact, it has been said that an ATVer could ride for days and never cross the same path. Kevin Druet, who is from Niverville, Manitoba, is among the hundreds of ATVers who ride in this region of the province. And there are many reasons why Woodridge is foremost on Druet's list of favourites. "There is an amazing trail system that seems to go on for days and days," said Druet. "We can find something for everyone—from hard-core mud and deep-water rides to family-friendly rides." Like many small towns in Manitoba, Woodridge welcomes ATVers with open arms. There are a number of services and amenities available but the most noteworthy feature is the Wagon Wheel Campground, which, according to Druet, is probably the most ATV- and snowmobile-friendly campground in the country. Each year in September, the ATV Pathfinders, an online community for Manitoba ATVers, organizes a weekend event at the campground. Dealer demos, rides, GPS games and a barbecue are among the planned activities. ATVing is more than a pastime in the Sandilands region; for many, it is a way of life and several residents use their machines for transportation within the communities. "The ATVers are a contributing factor to the local economy of these small towns," said Druet. With so much to offer, this area of Manitoba is definitely worth checking out. "The town caters to ATVers in a way most would never understand," said Druet. "It's an excellent place to unload and head out for a day or a few days."
Quad heaven
Manitobans celebrate the sport with fun-filled derbies
Come One, Come All:: The St. Jean ATV Derby attracts riders from all over Manitoba and the United States. — photo by Kevin Druet
Manitoba is serious about its ATVing. With hundreds of riding areas, plenty of trails and a variety of terrain, it is no wonder riders in this province are so passionate about the sport. “Riding in Manitoba is awesome,” said Kevin Druet, an ATVer from Niverville, Manitoba. “There are forested trails, sandy trails, floating bog swamp rides, deep-water rides and gravel pit hillclimbs.” Druet, who is the co-owner of an online community for Manitoba ATVers called ATV Pathfinders, feels Manitoba is Canada’s most popular province for ATVing. “Everyone knows someone who has an ATV,” Druet said. Among Druet’s favourite places to ride in Manitoba are Sandilands Provincial Park, Spruce Woods Provincial Park and around the village of Woodridge. Manitoba even offers some desert-type riding. Southport, a rural community near Portage La Prairie, has a huge area with sand dunes that provide ATVers with hours of enjoyment. “It’s easy to spend a day playing in the same 10 square miles and never get bored,” said Druet. h3. It’s derby time With so much to offer ATVers, it’s not surprising that Manitoba is home to scores of ATV derbies—one of the largest being the St. Jean ATV Derby taking place September 21 to 23, 2007. The event, held in the community of St. Jean Baptiste, attracts ATVers from all over Manitoba as well as the U.S. “The first year we had about 75 ATVs show up,” said Druet, “and last year we had approximately 600.” The derby has been so successful that organizers have added another day, making it a three-day event. “This year we are going to have an ATV obstacle course the following day of the derby,” said Druet. At the derby there will be five checkpoints at which riders draw cards to get the best hand. Prizes are $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. According to Druet, anyone can ride in the derby and it’s not limited to ATVs—motorcycles are welcome too. “It’s good for the whole family,” he said. “The trail is designed for young and old.” The fun doesn’t stop there, however. There are ATV pulls, silent auction prizes, beer gardens, a live band and plenty of mud and water to play in. A campground is situated at the starting area, with free firewood, electrical services and shower facilities available. Druet expects the 2007 St. Jean ATV Derby to be bigger and better than ever. “This is a good way to meet people and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Druet. “It’s a real sight to see.”
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