An icy plunge into the river
A hunting trip to the Wigwam Valley turns dangerous
Shawn Muir on his Polaris 850. — Karen Kornelsen
It was a cool day in May when Shawn Muir, his father and a group of close friends made the trek from Kimberley, B.C., to the Wigwam Valley between Fernie and Elko. Their destination was a lodge on land owned by a friend, where they would do some camping and grizzly bear hunting.
They arrived at the edge of the property and hopped on their quads: a Honda Foreman 400, a Yamaha Kodiak 400 and a Polaris Sportsman 400. They loaded up all their gear and started off towards the lodge.
“It was May in the Elk Valley and the ice was still frozen,” said Muir. “Our good friend decided he wanted to take a shortcut. This involved crossing the river, then crossing back over upstream, then through a meadow to reach the lodge. The rest of our group decided against it and took the long way.”
When they got to the lodge, their friend was nowhere to be found. Muir and the rest of the group waited a little while, but as time went on they started to get worried and set out to look for their friend.
They split up and Muir went down to the river where he could see the quad tracks going across the river but he couldn’t see where his friend crossed a second time.
“Meanwhile, our lost friend—upon crossing the river a second time—had fallen into the frozen river on his Honda,” said Muir. “He went upside down straight into a log jam. He managed to free himself from the quad and stay free of the log jam and went on shore. He then had to wade back across the river, battling the icy waters, in order to make his way back to the lodge.”
Muir said by the time his friend got to the meadow after following a horse trail out, he was already hypothermic due to the extremely cold water. Luckily, he knew the land well and knew where he was going, but he was still in major trouble. While he was staggering across the meadow, Muir’s father was sitting on the front deck of the lodge and happened to spot him. As he collapsed, Muir’s father jumped on his quad and rushed to save the young man.
He placed their unconscious friend on the back of the quad and raced back to the hunting lodge. He was completely frozen and hypothermic and lucky to be alive. The men stripped him down, got a fire going, placed him in a sleeping bag and he slept for 16 hours straight, as the men kept watch throughout the night.
Meanwhile, some of the men went down to the river to see what happened to the quad. Gear including sleeping bags and a hunting rifle were strapped to the quad, which was still upside down in the log jam. Unfortunately, all the equipment had been swept away with the strong current.
“To our shock,” Muir said, “all the beer we had packed was neatly stacked on shore.”
The next day, the group rode some horses down to the river to see how they could remove the quad from the jam. They were thinking they could tie some ropes to the quad and get their Clydesdale to tow it out of the river. But just as they were examining their options, a helicopter flew overhead and dropped off some forestry workers up the river. The helicopter then landed near the men and the pilot asked if they needed a hand.
They constructed a sling, hooked it up to the helicopter and flew it over to the lodge. After the oil and fluids were drained and replaced, the Honda was like brand new.
With the quad intact, plenty of ice-cold beer and a friend lucky to be alive, they continued on with their grizzly hunting adventure.
Quadriplegic man competes in Western Canadian Championship
Stu Wymer started racing quads at the Stake Lake ice race less than one year after a car accident
— Larkin Schmiedl photo
Stu Wymer, 34, was paralyzed after being in a car accident, but that didn’t stop him from competing in ice racing competitions on an ATV.
Wymer will be racing a quad at the 37th annual Double Header/Western Canadian Championship at Stake Lake on January 28 and 29, 2012. Wymer uses a quad that has been adapted to suit his racing needs.
“I got a Polaris regular stocked Razor and we got hand controls put in it,” said Wymer. “I’m six feet above the ground, not below—you gotta keep living, right?”
Wymer raced motorcycles and dirt bikes on dry land and on oval ice tracks before sustaining his life-altering injuries. He rode bikes recreationally, but biking isn’t an activity he can pursue anymore.
“I just don’t have the balance to ride 'em,” said Wymer.
Racing during the winter
Wymer said weather conditions have been the only substantial difference that he has encountered while riding ATVs during different seasons.
“I wear more clothes,” said Wymer. “You don’t get to drift the same way in the summer as you do in the winter. It’s kind of fun being able to drift around the corners like that.”
Wymer wears insulated overalls, long underwear and a jacket; he also has a heater in the ATV he rides.
“You have to dress to the weather and make sure you know where the weenie wagon is so you know where to get a hot chocolate,” said Wymer. “I just wish I could go faster (because) 50 miles an hour isn’t fast enough.”
His perspective
Wymer is nostalgic about riding bikes, but he has had every riding experience a rider could hope for, so he doesn’t pine about the accident that changed his life. The riding terrain at Stake Lake is of the highest calibre, and Wymer maintains a competitive spirit within the camaraderie of the troupe.
“Whoever wants to bring it,” said Wymer, “show up with no lines.”
Dirty deeds
Ice racing with Kyrstin Orr
Kyrstin Orr looks like a typical teenage girl, but one critical thing sets her apart from other 16-year-old girls
Despite a hectic lifestyle, Kyrstin Orr was willing to take some time out of her busy day to show RidersWest the bike she rides. — Breanne Massey photo
Her dad begged her to start riding bikes four years ago, but nobody expected her to start competing in ice races.
Kyrstin Orr has placed second in the women’s division of the ice racing competition hosted by the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association (GKMA) for the last two years. She is the youngest woman competing in the Stake Lake ice race, held 25 kilometres south of Kamloops, B.C., but it doesn’t faze her.
“It’s kind of funny being the youngest,” said Orr, “but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it because we’re all pretty even out there.”
At first glance, Orr looks like a typical teenager, but one critical difference sets her apart from most high school girls: it’s the simple fact that she only becomes animated when she begins talking about her biking gear.
Upping her game
After starting out on a pit bike, Orr upgraded for more power and began riding a 2001 Honda 250.
“The change was huge,” said Orr. “The first bike was so short, but now I’ve got a lot more power.”
Orr admitted that she has sustained some injuries while riding, but she nonchalantly brushed them off. When pressed for a more in-depth replay about what happened to her, she explained that one of her competitors dropped in on her after taking a sharp corner. The racers swapped places before Orr flipped her bike and got a concussion, but getting injured didn’t impact her riding results in the competition.
“I didn’t want to . . . not place,” she said. “I didn’t want to not finish the race.”
After a one-hour break, Orr opted to compete in the race once again and that led to her placing second in the women’s division.
The important stuff
Orr said ice racing is addictive, even though there are some dangers to the sport. She said it’s important for new riders to take their time to get used to riding with studded tires when they start off.
Orr and her family buy parts from local retailer River City Cycle, but she expressed more concerns about having warm clothes to wear to the races than she did about getting studded tires for her bike.
Orr can’t wait until her youngest sister, aged four, starts riding with her and her father.
In the dry season, Orr often travels to Agassiz, B.C., to ride with her family and friends, and she participates in the Big Kahuna Race at Whispering Pines.
The other side of life
Orr works part time at a movie theatre in addition to attending classes at Valley View Secondary School. She anticipates an early graduation from high school, and she has been accepted to Thompson Rivers University for fall of 2012.
Orr will be taking classes to meet the entrance requirements for the animal health technologies program because she hopes to become a veterinarian.
Up close:
• Kyrstin hates when people pronounce her name wrong—most people call her Kirsten.
• This rider’s favourite singer is Pink.
• She enjoys hunting in her spare time.
• Kyrstin is an honour roll student at Valley View Secondary School in Kamloops, B.C.
• She considers her family supportive, but considers her mom a bit of a worrywart.
• The ice race at Stake Lake will mark her fourth year of riding.
A visit to the 2012 Calgary Motorcycle Show
This motocycle junkie checked out the latest gear at the show
Phil Budiselich tests the merchandise at the 2012 Calgary Motorcycle Show. — Deborah Budiselich photo
Phil Budiselich leads two lives—one as an accountant at a publishing company and the other as a motorcycle junkie. Budiselich said he was pulled towards the tones of a revving engine, and eventually he began attending motorcycle conventions.
The 2012 Calgary Motorcycle Show, the most recent show Budiselich went to, took place between January 6 and 8; it was held in the BMO Centre located in Calgary's Stampede Park. Highlights of the official event were the launch of the new 2012 motorcycle models and a freestyle show; as well, there was information from retailers and clubs. But for Budiselich, it’s about products, performances and oddities.
Budiselich attended the show with his wife, Deborah, and another couple. His favourite displays were the ones for Honda, BMW and Russian Ural, and he also liked the vintage display. He believed the parts displays had improved significantly this year.
“They were way better than in the past,” he said.
Budiselich dreams of buying a red BMW adventure bike to replace the sport touring bike he currently uses. He also rides a dual-sport bike for both on and off roading. If Budiselich wins the lottery, he anticipates an Edelweiss tour would be in his future.
Deborah, on the other hand, was impressed that it was ladies night the day they attended. She got into the show for a discount and received multiple promotional gifts.
Contact Laurie Paetz, the show manager, by phone at 403-245-9008 for more information on national motorcycle shows. Details can also be found on the Canadian Motorcycle Shows website or the Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows website.
WARN ProVantage plow blade turns the 2012 Rhino 700 FI Sport into a winter workhorse
Vegas on a Harley-Davidson
This couple’s honeymoon wasn’t complete until they cruised the Strip
Monte poses for a photo at the Spring Mountains Visitor Center. — Kirsten Armleder photo
One of the items on my bucket list was to ride a Harley-Davidson on the Strip in Las Vegas. My wish finally came true while I was on my honeymoon in July 2010. My husband, Monte, grew up riding motorcycles and wanted to try a Harley-Davidson as well.
The second day we were in Vegas, we rented a Heritage Classic soft-tail from Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rental USA. This company offers motorcycle rentals as well as guided tours to major attractions around Vegas, such as the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
After a brief orientation with the bike, we set out on our voyage. It had been years since I had been on a motorcycle, so I had to readjust to keeping my balance as a passenger on the bike. I also found it intimidating being closer to the pavement and seeing much larger vehicles whiz past. However, Monte assured me that we were safe.
Beyond the big city
We headed northwest of Vegas on our route to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. It was very hot and windy that day, but once we turned off the main highway and began our ride into the mountains, the wind stopped blowing and the temperature cooled down. From here the road was smooth, and as we navigated the corners I began to see why this was a great place to ride a motorcycle. The scenery changed quickly; in just a few minutes it went from dry desert to forested slopes and sharp, jagged mountain peaks.
We stopped at a visitors centre at the side of the road to take a break and get some information about the area. We learned that the Spring Mountains offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as camping and hiking; you can even ski and snowboard.
We continued to follow the road that led to Mt. Charleston Lodge. There is a restaurant at the lodge that has an outdoor patio, so we stopped to enjoy a meal and take in views of the alpine landscape.
On the way back we took a different route through Lee Canyon. It was a very scenic and beautiful ride.
A cool cruise
By the time we got back to Vegas, it was starting to get dark. We explored a few lesser- known streets and then made our way to the Strip. The sparkling, bright lights and bustling streets combined with the notoriety that comes with being on a Harley-Davidson made this part of the ride a highlight for me.
When we got back to our hotel, we were ready to relax and enjoy some much-needed refreshments. Seeing Las Vegas from the back of a bike was a new and exciting experience. From gambling and fine dining to sightseeing in the outdoors, this city has something for everyone.
Those who are thinking of renting a motorcycle in Vegas should keep in mind that during the summer months temperatures in Vegas can reach well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it may be wiser to rent a motorcycle in the spring or fall. Either way, wear sunglasses and lots of sunscreen. Also, the bike we rented was air-cooled, so the engine produced a lot of heat, which means long pants and closed-toed shoes are requirements for riding.
For more information, check out EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
Saskatchewan safety
Gary Paré, executive director of SATVA, is promoting ATV awareness in Saskatchewan
Gary Paré, executive director of the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA), is the only licensed safety instructor in Saskatchewan and is trying to raise awareness about ATV safety.
"There were seven ATV fatalities in Saskatchewan last season," said Paré.
Paré also said it is paramount that ATVers take the course in rider safety.
The Canadian AQCC Safety Institute (CASI) is a division of the All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC). CASI, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) jointly offer the CASI ATV RiderCourseSM.
The course is designed to increase students' safety awareness and knowledge as well as to give them an opportunity to practise in a safe environment with an instructor. Paré said that the course offers the newest and greatest information on safety in Saskatchewan. Paré wants to emphasize ATV riding training and encourage safety equipment.
"Wear proper safety gear, and don't drink and ride," said Paré. "I taught (the safety course) right up until the freeze. Mostly in Regina and up north." Paré said he still had time for a couple of great rides despite the wet year.
"They was lots of mud and lots of water," he laughed.
Other news in Paré's neck of the woods is the establishment of the Queen City Quadders in Regina. The club is going strong after only a year, with 30 plus members.
You can register for the ATV Rider's course at SATVA's website and don't forget SATVA's annual general meeting on January 7th, 2012.
Yamaha raises the bar on SxS technology for 2012 with the new Rhino 700 FI Sport Edition Deluxe
Bling Star suicide doors new for 2012
No grass is growing under this team
The year 2011 brought triumph to all members of the Corner Grass extreme team
Cole Dobovich of Provost, Alberta, was top junior at Xtinction.
For the Corner Grass racing team, 2011 was a season of growth, learning and triumph.
Things began to heat up with the addition of Ben “Giant Killer” Rego to the extreme team. He’s the quiet man from Kitimat, B.C., who prior to the inaugural Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) in Blairmore, Alberta, in 2009 had only raced a handful of races. Rego earned Corner Grass Racing Team (CGRT) support with his seventh overall finish in the 2010 CECs. He continued improving, splitting the eight-round Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships with four fourth place E2 class finishes and four third place finishes, earning third overall in class and fourth overall in the series. Rego also competed in his first endurocross in Everett, Washington, where he took the open amateur win.
Shane Cuthbertson, one of the premier riders in Canada, shifted his focus in 2010 from racing the entire CEC series to only competing in the western rounds. The ever-fierce competitor finished just off the podium after four rounds, in fourth in E2 and fifth overall in the series.
Immediately after the last western CEC, Cuthbertson began setting up a 2012 TE300 Husaberg motorcycle in preparation for Xtinction II, where he would finish seventh, the third of three Husabergs in the top 10. The following weekend, Cuthbertson accompanied Rego and Graham Jarvis to Everett, Washington, to ride the first of three U.S. endurocross events, where he won the veteran amateur class. Travelling to Boise, Idaho, for the second-to-last round, Cuthbertson again won the veteran class. At the final round in Las Vegas he cemented two podiums, finishing third overall in both open amateur and veteran amateur. By season end, the veteran rider had also won Alberta’s Canadian Motorcycle Association pro title and second overall expert in the Alberta Trails series.
Another addition to the team was Simcoe, Ontario’s Jessie Grummett. He had ridden in the intermediate class on a 125 for the first half of 2010, graduating to the pro class and a 250 for the fall half of the series in Ontario. He joined the team as a junior member in CGRT’s effort to nurture young riders to become competitive pros. The first CEC of the season greeted Grummett with hills and mud, neither of which he had much experience with. After a slow start, Grummett finished the series in sixth position Amateur A. In his home province of Ontario, as a first year pro, Grummett improved, rode smart and finished a well-earned third overall in the Ontario cross country series.
Second year junior rider Cole Dobovich of Provost, Alberta, worked hard in the off season and came into 2011 with high hopes. Riding his FX450, Dobovich had two poor rounds in the west CECs. He travelled east with a goal to improve his performance, and improve he did. Dobovich scored two wins and two second-place finishes to win the eastern national amateur A championship and finished third overall for the entire series. He made a great effort to improve his technical skills and worked very hard for his seventeenth place finish at Xtinction, which earned him the award for top junior at the event.
After missing the first round due to sickness, Lee Fryberger rode his FE 570 to second place veteran pro. Fryberger and founding CGRT members Jay MacGregor and Rick Riewe also kept busy this year assembling the second edition of Xtinction, with Husaberg as title sponsor. The event saw growth in ridership over both days of competition and growth in spectator attendance as well. Xtinction attracted world class riders Mike Brown, Graham Jarvis, Kyle Redmond, Rick Fahringer and Bobby Prochnau, with Husaberg’s Jarvis taking the win.
The year 2011 has been a tremendous year for CGRT, but without the support of KTM/Husaberg Canada, our individual and team goals could not have been achieved. As well, CGRT would like to thank the following for their incredible support: Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestar, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA and Xtreme Hot Oil.
Vancouver Island motocross season wraps up
Awards were recently handed out to 2011's best riders
Michael Masters getting his True Grit award from Harold Youland. — Photo by Ed Masters
It’s one of the world’s most physically-demanding sports, but motocross racing continues to thrive here on Vancouver Island. There are about 150 riders who participate in the sport at various tracks from Port McNeill to Victoria. You can start racing motocross at the age of four and race until you decide it is time to stop, as there is a 50-plus class. Racing on the island starts in early spring and goes until mid-fall.
This year there was some great racing at all the tracks, including some thrills and some spills. This year saw the return of the CMRC Pro Nationals to the Wastelands track in Nanaimo, where Campbell River pro rider Dusty Klatt gave his all to defend his number one plate. Klatt came up just short of his goal, but is still the number two rider in all of Canada.
One of the toughest tracks on the island has to be the Seven Mile Track in the north, with its very deep sand sections where you have to be in great shape to keep control of your bike. One of the easier tracks is the Cherry Creek Track in Port Alberni, with its flat, hard, compact straightaway, enabling bikers to ride faster.
The annual island series came to an end on the Thanksgiving weekend this year. An awards banquet was held on November 19 in Port Alberni. There were great people, great food and most of all great awards for all the riders that worked hard to achieve them.
The evening MC was Mark Swanwick of Victoria, who did a great job of presenting the series awards to all the riders.
The acknowledgment and perpetual awards were presented by Harold Youland, president of the Nanaimo Motocross Association.
The Mike Belinski Award is given to a rider who refuses to let setbacks or lack of trophies curtail his or her love of the sport and display of sportsmanship. This is otherwise known as the True Grit award, and honours a rider who was given this award the day he passed away. This year’s winner was Michael Masters of Campbell River for his great attitude and his never-give-up spirit throughout the year.
The Al Holloway Award recognizes the extraordinary contribution and energy of any volunteers with the Nanaimo Motocross Association. This year there was tie for the award between Ryan Bradley of Salt Spring Island and Derek Mann of Victoria.
The Harold Johnsen Award is also a volunteer award that acknowledges assistance for all clubs on the island, with a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Harold is a motocross enthusiast who is known for expressing his love of the sport by encouraging riders, even those competing against his own daughters. This year the award went to Andy Jenkins of Parksville for all his help at the tracks on Vancouver Island. Jenkins also has a daughter racing here on the Island.
The Most Sportsmanlike Rider Award is presented to the rider that has shown that winning isn’t everything. He is a true sportsman by being humble in victory and courteous in defeat. This year the award went to Eli Titus of Duncan.
The Troy Kernachan Award is presented to the Nanaimo Motocross Association rider who has improved the most in the MX2 junior class for the current year. This year the award went to Brandon Williams of Nanaimo, who showed the most improvement over the 2011 season.
The Wasteland Series High Point Award went to Shawnigan Lake rider Joe Nikirk this year. Nikirk racked up 457 points while racing at the Wastelands track. His points were calculated from both the spring and fall series.
Port Alberni also awards a most-improved rider trophy. This year it was Dylan Hansen of Port Alberni who received the award.
Port McNeill gives out the Silver Shovel award to recognize a person or persons who helped out around the track all year without being asked. This year the shovel went to a father and son team, Stu and Jason Abernethy, both of Port McNeill.
Swanwick then handed out awards to all the riders who finished in the top three for both the spring series and then the fall series.
Spring series winners
In the 50cc 4-6, Ryder Roth of Campbell River was first, Cole Wasmuth of Nanaimo second.
In the 50cc 6-8, Cameron Bradley of Saltspring Island was first, Wyatt Soderstrom of Lantzville second and Kyron Ketch of Duncan third.
In the 65cc it was Brandon Johnston of Saltspring Island first, David Bradley of Saltspring Island second and Tanner Mayland of Crofton third.
In the 85cc 7-11 it was Harrison Bradley of Saltspring Island first, Brandon Johnston of Saltspring Island second and Wyatt Sheres of Saltspring Island third.
In the 85cc 12-16 it was Joe Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake first, Wyatt Waddell of Delta second and Tanner Cardinal of Crofton third.
In the Supermini, Wyatt Waddell of Delta first, Joe Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake second and Harrison Bradley of Saltspring Island third.
In the Ladies category it was Camille Baker of Nanaimo first, Lindsey McLean of Campbell River second and Jessie Jenkins of Parksville third.
In the MX2 Beginner it was Owen Addy of Parksville first, Nathan Donahue-Bragg of Nanaimo second and Dallas Bradshaw of Port Alice third.
In the GP Beginner it was Dallas Bradshaw of Port Alice first, Jessie Jenkins of Parksville second and Owen Addy of Parksville third.
In the Junior MX2 it was Jason Abernethy of Port McNeill first, Chase Krompocker of Powell River second and Bryce Currie of Victoria third.
In the Junior GP it was Chase Krompocker of Powell River first, Jason Abernethy of Port McNeill second and Jesse Ryan of Nanaimo third.
In the Youth class it was Cory Cardinal of Crofton first, Nick Syrotuck of Nanoose Bay second and Tyler Pedersen of Qualicum Beach third.
In the MX1 Intermediate the winner was Brandon Cyr of Nanaimo.
In the MX2 Intermediate it was Cory Cardinal of Crofton first, Ryan Lalonde of Victoria second and Connor Barnes of Shawnigan Lake third.
In the GP Pro it was Nick Syrotuck of Nanoose Bay first and Derek Thompson of Nanaimo second.
In Vet Junior it was Matt Kerigan of Saltspring Island first, Mark Ellis of Port McNeill second and Dan Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake third.
In the Vet Masters it was Bryan Whitcomb of Nanaimo first and Darcy McKenna of Campbell River second.
In the Plus-40 class it was Bryan Whitcomb of Nanaimo first, Mark Ellis of Port McNeill second and Dan Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake third.
Fall series awards
In the 50cc 4-6 it was Ryder Roth of Campbell River first, Spencer Whitcomb of Nanaimo second and Adam Polichek of Sooke third.
In the 50cc 6-8 it was Cameron Whitcomb of Nanaimo first, Cameron Bradley of Saltspring Island second and Wyatt Soderstrom of Lantzville third.
In the 65cc it was Colby Egeland of Shawnigan Lake first, Michael Masters of Campbell River second and David Bradley of Saltspring Island third.
In the 85cc 7-11 class it was Tanner Mayland of Crofton first, Harrison Bradley of Saltspring Island second and Austin Archer of Saltspring Island third.
In the 85cc 11-16 class it was Nolan Egeland of Shawnigan Lake first, Austin Gregg of Ladysmith second and Joe Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake third.
In the Supermini it was Nolan Egeland of Shawnigan Lake first, Austin Gregg of Ladysmith second and Joe Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake third.
In the Ladies category it was Tracey Marshall of Calgary, Alberta, first, Jessie Jenkins of Parksville second and Paige Hansen of Port Alberni third.
In the Beginner MX1 it David Hills of Campbell River first.
In the Beginner MX2 it was Nathan Watts of Port McNeill first.
In the Beginner GP it was David Hills of Campbell River first and Jessie Jenkins of Parksville second.
In the Junior MX2 it was Dylan Hansen of Port Alberni first, Alex Haley of Port Alberni second and Nick Coburn of Cobble Hill third.
In the Junior GP it was Dylan Hansen of Port Alberni first, Alex Haley of Port Alberni second and Zack Mix of Nanaimo third.
In the Youth class, Ryan Lalonde of Victoria took first, Daniel Vanderbasch of Victoria second and Jesse Ryan of Nanaimo third.
In the Intermediate MX2 it was Ryan Lalonde of Victoria first, Daniel Vanderbasch second and Trevor Devlin of Campbell River third.
In the Pro GP the winner was Coleton McLean of Campbell River.
In the Vet Junior it was Aaron Symonds of Coaldale, Alberta, that was first, Matt Kerigan of Saltspring Island second and Mark Ellis of Port McNeill third.
In the Vet Master it was Paul Sprentz of Sannichton first, Bryan Whitcomb of Nanaimo second and Jason James of Victoria third.
In the Plus-40 it was Paul Sprentz of Sannichton first, Bryan Whitcomb of Nanaimo second and Dan Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake third.
It was great season here on Vancouver Island for all the riders. Whether you made the podium at races or at the end of the year, you all did well and should be very proud of how you did in the 2011 season.
For those of you who had your race season end early due to bike problems or injury, the best to you and we hope you can make it out the track again for the 2012 motocross season here on Vancouver Island. For those island riders that are going to be heading over to the Lower Mainland to participate in some of the arenacross races, good luck to you all.
The ultimate in extreme performance
Discover the 2012 Ranger XP 800 Walker Evans LE
Polaris introduces the Ranger XP 800 Walker Evans LE. — Photo courtesy Polaris Industries
The introduction of the Ranger XP 800 Walker Evans LE from Polaris eliminates any question about where to find the hardest working, smoothest riding side-by-side on the market.
There is no doubt the 50-horse, 800 twin electronic fuel-injected engine redefines extreme performance in a side-by-side. How does incredible one-ton towing capacity sound? Hunters, workers, and explorers alike will love the versatility provided by the Ranger XP 800’s monster strength.
This machine tackles extreme environments with 12 inches of ground clearance and true all-wheel-drive that automatically engages when you hit the rough stuff and slips back into two-wheel-drive when the ride evens out. VersaTrac Turf Mode unlocks the rear differential for easier handling in tight turns so you can make the turn and leave the grass in one piece.
And the only thing better than tearing through almost anything is doing so while riding in style. Tilt steering with 10 inches of movement, extra leg room and an easy cab slide-through design mean the only thing feeling rough at the end of your adventure is the trail you just conquered.
For more information visit polarisindustries.com
Kawasaki updates the Brute Force 750
Overhauled camshaft profiles improve the power delivery
The 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i ATV — Photo courtesy Kawasaki
Kawasaki’s heavily updated Brute Force 750 is breaking into 2012 faster than you can say liquid-cooled, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin. New cylinder heads in the improved performance engine provide a higher compression ratio, giving a well-received boost to the machine’s low-end torque. Kawasaki overhauled the camshaft profiles for 2012, with revised timing and increased valve lift that greatly improve the Brute Force 750’s power delivery.
Count on great traction and smooth handling thanks to dual-range four-wheel-drive and a highly maneuverable double-cradle frame chassis that boasts extra reinforcement at all the important places, including front A-arm mounts, rear stabilizer mounts and engine mounts.
New double-wishbone front suspension and revised body work featuring wide-stance styling right down to the six-spoke cast-alloy wheels will turn heads on the trail while keeping you upright. On the rear, double A-arms and a preload adjustable shock at each wheel offer 7.5 inches of travel and an all-around comfy ride.
For more information please visit www.kawasaki.com
Speak up for trail users in a national survey
The National Trails Coalition wants to hear from you
The National Trails Roundtable is asking for support from trail riders across Canada in the development of a comprehensive collaboration project for national trail usage.
Users of motorized and non-motorized recreational trails are invited to participate in a national trails survey to determine the most challenging aspects of trail use, construction and maintenance, and identify potential areas for collaboration.
The survey is available online and takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Individuals are encouraged to take the survey, as are representatives of organizations that build and maintain trails or are otherwise concerned with trail use in Canada.
The development of the survey results from a 2010 meeting in Banff, Alberta, that was attended by trail enthusiasts from every province. Participants created a National Trails Roundtable Report, which identifies 10 areas of major challenge that impede the progress of realistic and usable trail development in Canada.
The group identified the following areas as those needing improvement: government involvement, funding, fragmentation of the trails sector, user group conflict, land use, marketing, trail building and maintenance, education and engagement, risk management and environmental stewardship. Participants will have the opportunity to rate and comment on these issues when they complete the survey.
Those interested in participating in the survey must read the National Trails Roundtable Summary Report available through the websites of National Trails Coalition members—the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, Canadian Trails Federation and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicles Distributors Council.
The National Trails Coalition was responsible for distributing the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan investment of more than $23.2 million in federal funding to infrastructure investments in 474 trail projects between 2009 and 2010.
For more information, please visit the National Trails Coalition.
Safety school is back in session
An instructor in Bonnyville, Alberta, takes on 12 kids for no-charge ATV safety training
Canadian Safety Council-certified instructor Glen Smith teaches ATV safety and awareness to children. — Photo courtesy Glen Smith
Three years ago, Canadian Safety Council-certified instructor Glen Smith taught ATV safety and awareness to 85 children in his backyard, four or five at a time, twice a day, for eight Saturdays.
Apparently half a summer’s worth of pro bono training done solo in 30-degree weather wasn’t enough for the enthusiast from Bonnyville, Alberta; he taught another round this year and has more in store for 2012.
Last summer Smith was approached by the Willow Prairie Agricultural Society, a group that wanted to provide the training to youths in the La Corey district.
As a certified ATV instructor, Smith has honed his technique teaching adults, but teaches a simpler, age-appropriate version of the course for kids.
“It’s not quite as involved and it is not the same technique, and I obviously don’t push them as hard,” Smith said. “They also learn differently, so I have to speak differently.”
The first step was finding out what the kids already knew, said Smith.
“I introduced myself and tried to find out if they’d ridden before or whether they even knew where the brakes are,” he said. “You can get some pretty experienced six-year-olds, but you still want to make sure they know how to handle their quads.”
The kids are required to wear some kind of protective gear—or at least long pants, long sleeves and shoes that cover their feet—and a DOT-approved helmet.
“I talk to them about how on a hot summer day they might be out playing in cut-offs and flip flops, and if they decide they want to go quadding they can’t just hop on and ride off,” said Smith. “They have to take the time to dress properly.”
The lesson begins with a pre-trip inspection. Smith explains that if a person were to ride for a half hour on a quad that goes 30 kilometres per hour, they would be as far away as the distance between Bonnyville and nearby La Corey.
“What if your quad quits?” he asks them. “It would take you all day to walk home, and your cellphone doesn’t work in the bush.”
Smith follows the scenario with a once-over on how to check the quad for sufficient gas and oil, proper air pressure and other items on a simple checklist.
“Next, we talk about how to get on a quad,” said Smith, cautioning riders to mount and dismount on the left. “The handlebar on the left has the brake and the one on the right has the throttle. If the quad is running and in gear and you hit the throttle, you can go ahead or run over someone. If you get on the left, you are already on the brake before you are even on the quad.”
Body positioning is a lesson anyone can benefit from. Smith instructs the young riders to sit properly for a stable ride and to shift their weight on corners or when they have to stop in a hurry.
“You have to slide your body back if you hit the brakes so the quad doesn’t tip forward,” he said. “They are also taught to straighten the handlebars if they hit the brakes in a turn.”
Some of the training takes place while standing with the machines, but a good portion happens on the 100-by-75-foot course that Smith arranges on flat ground; he uses pylons as guides on turning and handling lessons. A small hill or two in the terrain is handy for teaching the children how to ride up and down and position their weight accordingly, he added.
“I can also demonstrate how to, if the quad stalls on a hill, put the e-brake on and get an adult,” said Smith. “I tell them to not try to get the quad unstuck. It is safer to get off and ask for help.”
Smith also covers trip safety—“Always tell an adult where you are going, your expected route and when you expect to be back”—and a little about first aid, including the importance of carrying a kit.
Smith added that the most important safety issues for children are the same as for adults: body positioning and helmets. Another issue is children riding more quad than they can handle.
“The Alberta Safety Council says six- to 11-year-olds should be on a 50cc machine,” said Smith, “and 12- to 15-year-olds are to ride 90cc quads. The important thing is to make sure that the parents understand that adult quads are too big for children to drive.”
Smith was approached by the Willow Prairie Agricultural Society to teach the course and T&T Motorsports provided the ATVs. In lieu of payment, Smith accepted a monetary donation to the Bonnyville Snowmobile Club, of which he is the president.
“It all works out,” said Smith. “The kids have learned from the course. The course was an awareness course and they all received a certificate at the end of the course for their wonderful efforts.”
Willow Prairie Agricultural Society is planning another children’s training session in the spring and Smith has volunteered to teach once again. Email Smith for more information.
Ups and downs at Logan Lake
The Logan Lake ATV Club’s Riding Weekend adventure took 16 new and seasoned riders along terrain they won’t soon forget
The Riding Weekend was a blast for all involved. — Carol Dawn photo
Carol Dawn is new to the Logan Lake ATV Club, and fairly new to the sport—but she isn’t at all new to adventure.
“I started four years ago doubling, and then I went from that to getting my own,” she said. “Then I rolled it—that is what happens if you aren’t safe.”
That year there was a new quad waiting for her under the Christmas tree and she’s never looked back.
Dawn was one of the only women on her own machine at the club’s Riding Weekend in Paska Lake from August 23 to 25, and she says the camaraderie was as fantastic as the view.
Logan Lake is a starting point for park and trail trekking all over B.C.’s interior. Its central location 60 kilometres southwest of Kamloops and 47 kilometres north of Merritt makes for an abundance of long and short rides through one of B.C.’s most inviting areas.
Off for a weekend of adventure
The group’s Riding Weekend started with 16 people and eight quads testing their skills over tricky trails, giant mud puddles and log “bridges” that were a balancing act to say the least.
They started in Logan Lake and went 41 kilometres the first day, up past Dominic Lake, and looped around past Face Lake to Inks Lake. The second day they passed Jewel Lake and wound up at Greenstone Provincial Park.
“Sometimes you end up backtracking a bit, and there is a lot of climbing,” said Dawn.
Seasoned local rider Ray Watson planned the route to include challenging obstacles and smooth recovery sections—enough to keep the group on their toes.
“He rides every day and knows this area and the trails like no one else,” Dawn said. “We saw beautiful country in Paska Lake, up into Greenstone, and on to Inks Lake, almost to Kamloops. We covered 100 kilometres in a weekend, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but on trails it is.”
The group camped out at Paska Lake for two nights and rode out from there each day. The well-planned trip found the group at breathtaking lookouts for lunches and stretch breaks.
“We stopped at Greenstone Mountain lookout to have lunch and from there you can see out to Savona and way past Kamloops in the Clearwater direction, back over past Logan Lake and all around. It’s beautiful,” said Dawn.
The route took the group up hills and down through rough, well-worn and rutted roads and places where exposed roots added an extra challenge.
“The terrain can go from one extreme to the other,” Dawn said. “We were on smooth trails and logging roads that were in not-too-bad shape, and onto older trails. Then we’d start climbing and head through some puddles and back through some rough stuff.”
A bit of a challenge
Big mud holes and small creeks deep enough that “you have to lift your feet onto the front of your quad so you don’t get wet,” accounted for some of the fun.
“There was one spot where the water came right below the motor,” said Dawn. “There were some bridges made of logs up by Wise Lake. They are just logs laid across a mud puddle so you can’t sink in and bog down. It’s kind of a balancing act. I received a lot of guidance from the others. There’s a lot of camaraderie.”
Because the trail conditions are diverse, it helps to have at least one experienced rider when heading out from Logan Lake, although Dawn says the trails are suitable for most levels of riding.
“It’s nice to have someone who does know the trail, and you have to be able to handle your quad a bit to get through parts of it,” she said. “It was okay. The others coaxed and talked us through any of the rough stuff and made sure we got through it.”
The Logan Lake ATV Club is working on having the provincial government mark and map the trails for easier public use. In the meantime, club members are open to giving advice and direction to anyone new to quadding in the area.
Club members are hoping to expand their offerings to include four or five major events per year, including its usual Poker Run, Christmas party, organized, longer rides and a fishing derby.
Crazy weekend in Campbell River
The Vancouver Island fall series of motocross wraps up a super season
When you set a goal in racing motocross, it pays to stay focused. That’s just what Michael Masters of Campbell River did this Thanksgiving weekend while racing rounds 7-8 at the Campbell River motocross track in the 65cc class. Masters was determined to retain his second place overall standing for the Vancouver Island fall series.
“My goal this weekend was to ride smart and keep the bike with the wheels on the track and not take any chances,” said Masters.
He achieved his goal, taking home third place overall for both rounds while finishing the series second overall. First place for round seven went home to Saltspring Island with David Bradley, who rode great on Saturday but had bike problems and was forced to leave the race on Sunday. Second overall Saturday went to Victoria rider Colby Egeland.
Mother Nature opened the floodgates Saturday evening and soaked everyone who was headed to the huge turkey dinner hosted by the Campbell River club. All the rain meant that Sunday the riders awoke to a soggy track. Still, Egeland rode away with first overall for the day while Masters and Victoria rider Andrew Bradbrooke were in a battle for second place overall on Sunday. Masters made a great pass in the morning moto for second, while Bradbrooke settled for third. With a great start in the afternoon, Bradbrooke was able to hold off the early charge and build a lead over Masters to finish the moto in second, leaving Masters the third place finish. His second place finish for the afternoon was enough to give second overall for the day to Bradbrooke, while Masters had to be content with third place.
Ryder Roth of Campbell River was also a rider with a mission this weekend: To go undefeated in the whole series. He did that, with four first place finishes in the 50cc 4-6 class. Roth brought home first overall in the class for the fall series as well. Second overall for Saturday went to Spencer Whitcomb of Nanaimo, while Sooke rider Adam Polichek took home third overall.
On Sunday it was a battle to the checkered flag for second overall between Polichek and Whitcomb, who were riding their best. Things ended up in a tie, with both riders achieving the same points for the day. However, Polichek crossed the finish line first to take home second overall for the day, while Whitcomb had to settle for third.
In the older 50cc 7-8 class it was a tough break for Cameron Bradley of Saltspring Island, as he was leading the afternoon race on Saturday but went down and was required to restart in last place. With his first place in the morning moto he still gained the podium, with third place overall for the day. Second place overall went home with Hudson Scheres, also of Saltspring Island. First overall for Saturday went to Wyatt Soderstrom of Lantzville.
On Sunday there were no mistakes made by Bradley, who took first overall for the day. Second overall for the day went to Kyron Ketch of Duncan, and third overall to Scheres.
Huge air and roost throwing action took place on Saturday and Sunday during the MX2 Intermediate class as Ryan Lalonde of Victoria, Jason Abernethy of Port McNeill and Campbell River rider Trevor Devlin battled it out for first overall. The hang time of these riders and others in their class was unbelievable. The roost they threw went across the track and at times into the crowd that stood on the corners, watching the riders. In the end it was Lalonde who took home first overall, while Abernethy had to settle for second place. Devlin finished in third for the weekend.
In the youth class this weekend there was also some high flying over the tabletops. Lalonde was involved in some of it as he roared around the track. He finished in top place on Saturday, while Victoria rider Daniel Vanderbasch went home with second and Peter Swanwick, also of Victoria, took third place.
On Sunday in the youth class, Lalonde was leading the race until he third lap. While being chased down by Swanwick, Lalonde took a soil sample, blew his front tire and left the race. Swanwick went on to win the moto, while Vanderbasch took second. Third went to Abernethy.
In the afternoon Lalonde was back with a new tire and ready for action. He rode well and took first for the moto, while Abernethy and Vanderbasch were in a battle for second. In the end it was Abernethy who placed second, just ahead of Vanderbasch. When the day ended it was Swanwick who took home first place, as he finished the day with more overall points than Abernethy, who placed second overall, while Vanderbasch went home with third. Lalonde place sixth overall for the day.
Dean Tipper of Campbell River had great weekend of racing between grooming the track to ensure it was in fantastic shape for the riders. Tipper, who has not raced in a few years, showed no sign of rust at all as he rode in the Vet Junior class. On Saturday Tipper finished the day in second place behind Saltspring Island rider Matt Kerrigan. Third place overall went to Port McNeill rider Mark Ellis.
After grooming the track Saturday evening and walking it to see where it needed a few places touched up after the heavy rains Saturday evening, Tipper fired up his big new Honda four stock and was ready for the Sunday races. He roared out of the start gates and rode to first place overall for the day. Meanwhile Aaron Symonds, who recently moved to Nanaimo from Alberta, rode well and took home second place overall. Third overall for Sunday went to Kerrigan.
Other riders who did well this weekend included Corby McCartney, who was racing the MX1 Intermediate class and rode home with first overall. He also rode in the Vet Master class and roared to a second place finish behind Jason James of Victoria. Third overall for the class went to Victoria rider Paul Sprentz.
David Hill of Campbell River rode well enough this weekend to finish first in all four of his races. He went away with first overall in the GP Beginner class as well as the MX1 Beginner class both days.
Now that motocross season has come to an end for the 2011 season, all that is left to do is hand out awards for the year. That will take place in Port Alberni in early November. It was a fantastic season of motocross racing here on Vancouver Island. All the best to riders who are going to be racing the arenacross circuit on the Lower Mainland.
The off-road to Wells is paved in adventure
Several ATVBC Jamboree participants made the trip from Prince George to Wells—and were treated to scenic views and surprises
The group of riders line up to head out on the trail to Barkverville and Wells. — Photo courtesy Lisa Bowell
The 2011 Peaks, Pines & Rivers Jamboree and Poker Ride was the highlight of summer 2011 for ATVers from across B.C. and beyond. Veteran jamboree attendees are calling it the best event of its kind ever held in the province, and participants are still wondering how ATVBC is going to top it.
As if a series of unguided tours, a family ride, a poker run and what may have been the only ATV rodeo to grace a jamboree in B.C. weren’t enough, a group from the event made an awe-inspiring journey from Prince George to Wells with a stop in Barkerville.
About a dozen people—a mix of experienced and veteran riders—made the trip, which isn’t an overly technical ride, as a significant portion of it is on forest service roads. The route is well maintained and clearly marked, with beautiful scenery and varied terrain along the way.
The Prince George to Barkerville/Wells route was first created by the Prince George Snowmobile Club (PGSC) in the mid-'90s as part of the Trans Canada Snowmobile Route. The PGSC holds the 56 trail rights designation and maintains the majority of trails in the Tabor Mountain end of the route, along with help from the Prince George ATV Club.
The stuff of dreams
“There are low valleys beside the river, high mountain passes and open meadows that are not quite above the treeline,” said Greg Smith, a volunteer guide on the trip. “In the distance there is a view of the Bower River and Willow River valleys, and the trail parallels the Willow River.”
Smith is a Prince George resident and self-proclaimed ATV addict who has been into outdoor motorsports for over 40 years; he said he knows the area trails in his sleep. He organized and planned the ride a week ahead of time and scoped the trail for large obstacles.
“The ride was great because of the people who were on it and because of the varied terrain,” said Smith. “You get to see different things. A destination ride is hugely different than a ride to just go and look around.”
One of the rest stops en route was at Stony Lake, where there is a beautiful provincial recreation area on a skinny, stone-bottomed lake that runs north-south in a mountain valley.
In Barkerville, the group enjoyed an amazing meal of Chinese food and spent a few hours wandering the period-setting shops and exhibits Barkerville is known for. Eight kilometres later, the riders were in Wells. Most of the group checked into a hotel and they all headed out for dinner.
A sweet surprise on the Sugar Creek Loop
In the morning, they rode the Sugar Creek Loop—a 40-kilometre loop used regularly by snowmobilers in the winter and ATV riders in the summer. At the end of the trail, the group was in for an interesting surprise.
“We came out of the bush from a nearby trail to a private property with a sign on it that says Private Property – Please Come In,” said Smith. “We just had to take him up on it.”
The property belonged to a “musher,” who, along with his wife, welcomed the riders and talked with them for an hour about the life of a musher and life in Wells. He even let the visitors pet his 30 dogs all neatly lined up in kennels in the front yard.
“For me that was a highlight of the trip,” said Smith. “It was completely unplanned, and Sugar Loop was actually an alternative route to the way we wanted to go, so we took it and ended up at this guy’s place. It was great.”
The original route would have taken the group up to Groundhog Lake, an alpine lake above Wells, but the trail was blocked by a mining operation.
Smith had gone ahead to Wells before the jamboree and parked a camper, and on the second night he invited everyone over for some storytelling and good times.
“We watched a beautiful storm go down the valley,” said Smith. “It was like we had a TV window to it. On the way back at Perspiration Pass near Frost Lake, we went to the top of the pass and it was still white from the hailstorm we saw in Wells.”
Islanders in the Interior
Steve and Lisa Bowell from Nanaimo were on the trip, and they found it to be an interesting change from the terrain they usually ride on Vancouver Island. They are used to less mud and more mystery on the trails they ride on their Can-Am Outlander 650s. Though they’ve only been ATVing a few years—Steve since 2006 and Lisa since 2008—they’ve clocked about 20,000 kilometres on their machines and are eager for more.
The terrain is a little of everything said Steve: lots of mud, puddles, bridges, creek crossings, old logging roads and well-kept trails.
“We really lucked out because it was still green—and it rained earlier and in the evening, so there was almost no dust,” said Steve. “The trails are fantastic and well marked. We didn’t have a GPS unit, but it was OK because there was signage telling you where to go, how far to get there, how far to go back and alternate routes.”
The first 30 kilometres was typical logging road and several kilometres were backtracking, but once they hit the treeline it was a different story.
“It was like getting into miniature mountains,” said Steve. “The road between these two peaks was just wide enough for a road and a creek ran alongside it. The peak went straight up beside you about 100 feet. It was amazing.”
The couple enjoyed wide open views between mountain peaks and decent technical trails in the hills, said Steve.
“It’s different than here (around Nanaimo) where you are riding on timberlands most of the time,” he said. “There, you can ride for four hours and pull up and there’s a firepit and an outhouse every 30 miles, it seems.
“It just seems like people really care (about the sport). Everything is really clean and well taken care of. We would do that trip again in a second.”
RidersWest October, 2011 eNewsletter: Crisp autumn air beckons riders
A Harrison motorcycle adventure
This route will keep you thrilled from start to finish
Take this route to see unique sights and enjoy warm hospitality. — Photo courtesy Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau
From the top of the Crescent Hotel to the bottom of the “Pig Trail” on Arkansas Highway 23, the Eureka Springs Backroads Route from Harrison, Arkansas, is a memorable route you will want to take. This 132-mile (round trip) ride has 571 curves to keep you occupied, with the estimated time at just under five hours.
Starting from Harrison, you will head south on Arkansas Highway 43. Be sure to allow time to stop at the lookout that you can view, back towards Harrison when you reach the top. Watch for road construction when heading up Gaither Mountain. Be careful, as spring rains have forced the closure of one lane due to a landslide. The Highway Department deems the road safe for vehicles and motorcycles.
Take Arkansas Highway 21 five miles south of Ponca. Between Ponca and Boxley you will pass fields on the left which are often full of Arkansas elk that roam the lands of the Buffalo National River. Off to the right is the Lost Valley Trail and camping area. The 2.3-mile trail (round trip) is one of the most popular along the 149-mile Buffalo National River, America’s first national river.
At the stop sign, turn right towards Kingston. In Kingston, circle the iconic square (maybe even twice) to see the sights and then head west on Arkansas Highway 74 to Huntsville. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County and the original home of former Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, who became famous for his role in the Little Rock Central High School integration crisis of 1957. His former home is located high above the town.
A special place to ride
While in Huntsville, a great restaurant that is popular with bikers is Granny’s Kitchen. You can indulge in homemade food of all kinds, a great atmosphere and some of the best homemade pie in all of Arkansas.
Turn right on Highway 23. You are now on the upper stretches of the famed “Pig Trail” heading to Eureka Springs.
What can one say about Eureka Springs that hasn’t already been said many times? This quaint, Victorian village is a special place to the Arkansas Ozarks. A drive down Spring Street on the historic loop is something you do not want to miss. The narrow streets remind you of being in a foreign country, adding to the uniqueness of the city. There is too much to do in Eureka Springs to list all of it; you must experience it for yourself.
After you have experienced Eureka Springs, get back on US 62 heading east until you come to Highway 221 (also known as Race Track Road). Turn right and follow the signs to Berryville and Harrison. If time permits, a stop at the Saunder’s Museum just off the Berryville Square at 115 E. Madison Ave. is worth a visit. Colonel “Buck” Saunders left his extensive gun collection to the city so that others might enjoy it.
When you are finished, get back on US Highway 62 and head to Harrison. This route will offer numerous climbs and descents with plenty of thrills. Gas is available in Harrison, Ponca, Kingston, Huntsville, Rockhouse, Eureka Springs, Berryville, Green Forest and Alpena.
For more information on motorcycling in Harrison, including the Motorcycle Riding Guide of the Ozarks (with five other great rides), hotel, motel and restaurant listings, phone numbers and website addresses, contact the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at 870-741-1789 or toll-free at 1-888-283-2163 or visit their website. Many of the restaurants in Harrison now serve alcohol. Harrison would love to host you or your group for a day, a weekend or a week. Call now to book your trip.
Safety basics and beyond
ATVers in Grand Forks, B.C., learned all kinds of safe moves this summer
A participant manoeuvres around the pylons, shifting his body weight. — Photo courtesy Grand Forks ATV Club
The Grand Forks ATV Club gladly mixes business with pleasure, especially when it means members can beef up their safety knowledge while spending quality time on their quads. The club held a safety course weekend earlier this year that saw eight members certified in Canada Safety Council (CSC) ATV Safety. Club president Cody Zorn said the decision to host the two-day course was a no-brainer considering the club’s mandate is to promote safe riding.
“We encourage all ATV riders to become involved with their local ATV club, take the ATV safety course and ride their ATV safely and responsibly,” said Zorn.
The course—taught by Don Frew, a Canadian AQCC Safety Institute- and CSC-certified instructor—covered 22 lessons on general riding techniques, as well as driving manoeuvres like maintaining control during cornering and stopping, hill climbing and descent, and going around a series of obstacles.
“Members were also taught how to perform a thorough pre-ride inspection and were instructed on how to observe their path ahead for dangerous situations and obstacles,” said Zorn.
Some lessons went back to basics, such as shifting weight to the inside of a turn, or leaning up or down when travelling uphill and downhill.
“So much has to do with just shifting centre of gravity,” said Zorn.
Other lessons were trickier, like how to pull off a K-turn, which is used if an uphill ride bogs down and it seems a roll is imminent.
Frew said the course requires at least 100 by 200 feet of area in which to learn S-corners, zigzags, figure 8s, tight corners and emergency stops. His location of choice is a gravel pit for minimal environmental wear and for the wide open space.
Taking their skills out on the trails
Novice riders and seasoned longtimers can learn from the course and apply the knowledge right in their own backyard. Grand Forks is the land of diversity when it comes to riding, said Zorn. To the east is desert-like mountain terrain, and 40 kilometres north is extreme high-mountain territory that stretches up into Granby Provincial Park—an area also popular for snowmobiling. The local trail system offers excellent riding for day trips and longer treks.
“North Fork Road is paved 40 kilometres to the Burrell Creek Forest Service Road, which goes about 50 kilometres—another 20 kilometres and you are in Edgewood,” said Zorn. “You can go all along the tops of the mountains and dip down to the lower lakes and into Renata in a day. There are a lot of excellent opportunities.”
It's all worth it
Feedback from participants was positive—even from riders with lengthy track records on the trail.
“The best thing is when you have someone who has ridden for 30 years who says they learned something new,” said Frew.
An added bonus is that riders receive a discount on their insurance after having taken a safety course.
Frew said that the course goes rain or shine, and he likes to make the process enjoyable.
“I am here to teach people, but we are also there to have fun,” he said.
Riders left with a certificate, a broader knowledge about riding safety and big smiles from a well-spent weekend. The Grand Forks ATV Club plans to hold another weekend of courses in spring 2012; this could potentially certify another 12 to 18 club members.
The club’s next venture is collecting funding to put together a mapping project with the aim of generating more interest and ATV activity in the area.
She’s got class
This young rider rode to victory in her first race
Jessica Froese shows off her new Axo gear. — Photo courtesy Jeff Morgan, Inside MotoX & Off Road
Four-year-old Jessica Froese won the Axo Athlete of the Week Award presented by Yamaha at this year’s Western Canadian Amateur Motocross Championships in Raymond, Alberta, this summer.
Froese, a first-year racer, competed in the Mini ATV Beginner Class at the Temple Hill track and finished second overall in the three-day event held June 29 to July 1, 2011. She earned the award because of her “hard work, passion, and respect for the sport and fellow racers,” stated a press release from Yamaha Canada.
Riders in the 50cc to 85cc classes were eligible for the award, which included a compete set of Aso riding gear, available exclusively through Yamaha.
Froese started riding her quad when she was three years old and practises regularly at the Temple Hill track where she rode to victory in her first race. Her father, Tony, said the family plans to keep her going in motocross for as long as she is interested.
“We’re going to get her a dirt bike and see if she enjoys that as much as her quad,” he said.
Race attendees were encouraged to vote for a rider they felt demonstrated a strong devotion to racing and great respect toward competitors and race officials, said Yamaha’s national marketing manager, Tim Kennedy.
“After seeing Jessica’s photo and her smile—and considering her family’s efforts in helping to prep the pit area at Raymond—we couldn’t be happier with the result,” said Kennedy.
A healthy indulgence
A recently completed study proves riding is healthy in many ways
The benefits of ATVing are numerous, as these riders in Valemount could attest. — Photo courtesy Valemount Area Recreation Development Association
An independent study by researchers at York University proves that consistent participation in off-road vehicle riding has emotional and physical health benefits for riders.
The study was completed between 2007 and 2011 with the support of the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council, the All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada, the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, and the Government of Nova Scotia.
Jamie F. Burr, a researcher at York University’s Physical Activity and Chronic Diseases Unit, evaluated participants’ fitness and health after they completed a six- or eight-week training program that involved riding ATVs or off-road motorcycles.
Aerobically satisfying
Study analysis indicated approximately 14 per cent of an ATV ride and 38 per cent of an off-road motorcycle (ORM) ride are within the intensity range required to achieve changes in aerobic fitness.
Participants experienced a decrease in adiposity (storage of fat), as well as increased muscle mass, and increased lower body endurance. Researchers say off-road riding is also effective for lowering blood pressure, improving metabolic regulation and positively affecting a person's mood.
Off-road riders scored higher on mental component summaries than Canadian normative non-riders, indicating riders are “expected to have lower levels of stress and depression and a higher overall life satisfaction,” according to the study.
The York University study has positive implications for all riders; in particular, it shows that off-road riding provides an effective form of non-traditional exercise for the 77 per cent of rural Canadians who have access to off-road vehicles for recreational use.
The final sections of the study address fitness and health characteristics including body composition, musculoskeletal fitness, aerobic fitness, back health and lifestyle of the participants.
For more information, contact the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.
The importance of being active
Getting involved in an ATV club has many benefits, both personally and for the ATVing crowd as a whole
Al Obrigewitsch is a longstanding member of the Revelstoke ATV Club. — Glynis Fediuk photo
Al Obrigewitsch has been actively involved in the Revelstoke ATV Club for more than a decade, including stints as the treasurer and president. With more than 100 members, the Revelsoke club is one of the largest in B.C. One of the club's largest events during the year is its GPS Ride, which this year was the club's largest yet.
"Word of mouth is starting to work," said Obrigewitsch. "We had people from the United States this year, and as far away as Saskatchewan, northern B.C. and Alberta. It’s an event to bring other people into our area."
But, said Obrigewitsch, the benefits of joining a club go beyond having a good time at a ride. It is an opportunity for ATVers to keep riding areas open, meet new people and change the public perception of the sport.
"People who don't join the club don't see that even if you join the club and don’t want anything to do with it, we’ve got your name," said Obrigewitsch. "When we go to the government, we can say, 'Look—we want to keep the area open and here’s our membership.' "
Obrigewitsch said typical club activities involve a morning ride, a lunch and a ride back after cleaning garbage out of the area. A few bad apples spoil the barrel when it comes to environmental damage, as the vast majority of quadders are conscientious about keeping the landscape intact, both for themselves and future ATVers. Riding with the club means not only respecting the environment, but yourself, too—club outings require the rider to have the correct gear and a helmet.
Obrigewitsch said that on many occasions during club rides he has come to the aid of other OHV users requiring assistance—something indicative of the club members as a whole.
"You associate with great people—they’ll give you the shirt off their back if you’ve got a problem," said Obrigewitsch.
A busy season in Big River
From pioneer homesteads to fields full of wildflowers, there are many sights to be seen in Big River
ATVers check out Timberlost, near Big River, where early residents of the area once lived — Photo courtesy Barry Nontell
The past ATVing season has been very busy for the newly formed Timberland Tours in Big River, Saskatchewan. The ATV season started out very dry—but then came the rains, the summer storms and the plough winds. We have kept busy clearing fallen trees, including along one trail that was hit very hard. Approximately five kilometres of this trail are completely blocked off; Big River's ATV and snowmobile clubs are currently working to get it cleared before the snowmobiling season begins.
Many of Timberland Tours' rides took ATVers to an area referred to as the Block, containing a community called Timberlost. This was an area where settlers arrived during the 1930s to escape the parched land of the Prairies. These early settlers built log homes, barns, stores, schools and a post office. Some remnants of these buildings still exist today, and local volunteers have marked the homestead locations, the Timberlost cemetery and many other sites. In 1956, the government paid each family left in the area $500 to move. Fortunately, the settlers gladly accepted the offer, as it was a tough area to make a living.
Big River is a great area for ATVing, with many abandoned logging roads. Lakes and streams lie within minutes of town, and it is possible to fish from the dock at the end of Main Street. There are trails leading everywhere, so unless you are very familiar with the area, it is advisable to have a GPS or a guide. As the seasons change, so does the ride. Early in the year, the smell of spring is in the air. As the seasons progress, the wildflowers emerge, and during the berry season it is not uncommon to see where the bears have pulled down the berry trees to get at their favourite fruits. In fall—wild mushroom season—the aroma of the woods changes with the colours of the leaves.
Timberland Tours has guided many groups of ATVers through the Big River area, with rides varying in length from 40 kilometres to 100 kilometres. Timberland Tours' guides can be contacted through the Timberland Motel in Big River, Saskatchewan.
A site of historical significance
The Quad Squadders helped family members commemorate those lost in a historic plane crash
From left to right: Gary Salekin, stewardship co-ordinator of the Calgary ATV Riders, MLA Cindy Ady, Minister for Tourism, Park and Recreation and Dennis Beasley of the CNP Quad Squad — Photo courtesy John Kinnear
The Douglas DC-3 aircraft is a remarkable plane that was designed over 75 years ago and is still in the air flying cargo and people all around the world. It is probably the most important airliner ever designed—and its military counterpart, the C-47 (DC-3 Dakota) played a hugely important role in the Second World War. They were dependable, reliable aircraft designed to be able to fly and land on only one engine if necessary. But occasionally accidents happen and things can go terribly wrong.
On January 19, 1946, a C-47 on its way from Comox, British Columbia to Greenwood, Nova Scotia got into some kind of trouble east of Cranbrook, clipped Mount Ptolemy and plummeted into the valley below.
Five days later Crowsnest Pass forest rangers led a rescue crew of twelve men to the site and recovered the bodies of the seven men from the Royal Canadian Air Force who were aboard that fateful day.
And so it has remained. A tragic story and an amazing place to visit high in the meadows below the massive Flathead Range. Recently the whole picture of what this site is, and its significance to us all, was transformed by a visit from family members of one of the crew members aboard that C-47 that day.
A meaningful visit
August 1, 2011, two adult children of William James Sealey, senior officer aboard that historic Dakota, visited the Crowsnest Pass with their family. Now both in their 60s, son Gary and daughter Karen had planned to hike part of the way to the remains and then use a BMW 650 for the steepest parts, but they found the mud swales left by summer’s snow melt made it too difficult to ascend. Stranded in the valley below, they worried that their pilgrimage to the historic site was ruined, until Quad Squad members Ken and Sharon Morton came to their rescue. The Mortons kindly offered to ferry them to the site.
For Karen (“Kelly”) Murphy it was a visit with much meaning. “I was only nine months old, so I don’t remember my father,” she said. “The plane is a kind of monument to his life and work and the spirit of dedication he and the other lost young men gave to Canada, through the wartime Air Force”.
Karen’s son Shane, a young commercial jet pilot who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps, offered his opinion on what might have gone wrong that night.
“After reporting safe passage by radio over Cranbrook, they ran into a raging snowstorm in Crowsnest and one of the engines may have iced up. With the plane heavily loaded and full of fuel for its next planned stop in Winnipeg they lost altitude and perhaps drifted a bit south. They were so close to making it over the Flathead range, to safety,” he said.
Son Gary Sealey said, “my father was a teenager in Vancouver, in the Great Depression of the 1930s. He got good grades, loved sports and won the school prize for Best Boy. He had a technical bent and took the cooking trades course. In the cities there was hardly any work for youth. His training led him to his first jobs, in kitchens of big logging crew camps. As Canada prepared for war, he volunteered for the RCAF as a cook. He was popular and hard-working. He helped open many Commonwealth Air Training bases in Canada’s west. But his love was flying, and he took the courses and won his pilots badge in 1943.”
In memory of brave souls
When Sealey showed up at York Creek he had a small plaque with him that the family had intended to place somewhere at the site. Because of the significance of what they were contemplating they decided to let Quad Squad member Joe Lumley investigate whether the plaque’s placement was okay with government types. Joe also talked to the family about placing 7 black iron crosses at the crash site to increase awareness of what had happened there in the hopes that future visitors will be respectful of its importance. Karen likened it to the white crosses on the highway in a way.
The family liked the crosses idea and Joe proceeded to construct them and get the nod from SRD for both efforts. Turns out that MLA Cindy Ady, Minister for Tourism, Parks and Recreation was on holiday in the area and had planned to visit the site with her family. So Friday August 19th, everyone wound up at the site where the plaque and the crosses were reverently placed.
The plaque was attached to the new information sign and lists Flight Lieutenant William James Sealey’s life markers until Mt. Ptolemy took him at the age of 26. There can be no doubt to anyone who now visits here that this is an important and historic site that Gary Sealey feels “future generations and tourists and residents could learn from and cherish.” Gary wants to do further research on the rest of the crew who perished with his father and feels it would make a wonderful “school speakers’ resource kit.”
It is important to note that CNP Quad Squadders were instrumental in having the site cleaned up and in bringing the Sealey family to the place where some closure could be achieved. Minister Ady got a good look at some of their trail and bridge work in the York Creek basin and no doubt this ambitious bunch bent the minister’s ear about future funding to carry on this important work.
In spite of what happened to his father it is Gary’s hope that “all this leads to inspiration and confidence among youth, and encourages them to keep going with their lives and get as far as they can—and realize that other Canadian youth came before them, tried their best, and did what they could.”
The crash site is a place he feels has a special meaning and that we need to interpret and protect it and make its meaning accessible to others.
The Sportsman XP 850 will not be outperformed
Retired, rejuvenated and rarin’ to go
This bike-loving lady doesn't let anything stand in her way
Mary Johnson riding her 2001 BMW R1200C on the way to Sturgis, South Dakota in 2004. — Photo courtesy Mary Johnson
Within five minutes of jumping on a motorcycle for the first time, Mary Johnson hit the pavement...hard. She crashed into a parked van, suffered a concussion and caused $11,000 in damage to her first bike, a 2001 BMW R1200C. But this initial brush with danger was not enough to stop this 60-year-old from gripping the handlebars, and it seems like nothing can.
Johnson, who was born and raised in rural Manitoba, recently retired after almost 20 years of working as a union representative for United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 832. She is currently a member of the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups and Motorcycle Confederation of Canada, Women’s Rider Council. She also serves on the executive board of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba and is on the board of directors for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation.
She is truly an inspiring individual and is extremely energetic. She is a mother of four children, ages 31-39, and had two foster children who now all have children and grandchildren of their own. Now that she’s retired and the kids are grown up, she’s enjoying some much needed time off, with her bike by her side and a passion for the road.
Johnson’s long-time neighbour, Roger Arsenault (28), knows firsthand Johnson’s free spirit and passion for riding.
“Mary is so incredibly vibrant. She's probably the most kind-hearted and amazing person I've met in the past 10 years. She's always ready to help anyone whether it’s a friend, loved one or even a stranger. And she definitely loves her bike.”
After being challenged to take a motorcycle safety course while attending the Winnipeg World of Wheels in 2000, and after successfully completing the course in 2001 (at age 50), motorcycling became an integral part of Johnson’s life.
“Once I healed from my accident, my friend stopped by on his motorcycle. I suited up, and while hyperventilating, rode to the nearest parking lot. But not before I dropped the poor bike at the gas pumps! I picked it up and for the next three hours I rode figure eights around the parking lot,” said Johnson.
Sixty thousand kilometres after getting back on her bike, Johnson sold her first love and bought the bike she still rides today, a 2004 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. She logs about 20-25,000 kilometres a year, on her own and with her “decade-long boyfriend,” Doug Houghton. She prefers tenting along the way but if the weather is cold, a motel will do.
Her travels have taken her all the way to the west coast and the east coast of Canada—but, she laughs, not straight across. She has been everywhere in Canada, except for Newfoundland, PEI and the Yukon. One of her favourite places to visit is the Gaspé Peninsula, just south of Quebec.
“I’ve been there twice,” said Johnson. “Even though it’s constantly raining, the ride along the ocean front is amazing. There are signs warning motorists of impending waves which adds to the excitement and the people are so wonderfully friendly. You’ll come upon a town with all French speaking residents, and at the next town everyone is speaking English. I love it!”
Johnson also loves the mountains. Last July, she took a memorable trip to the west coast to receive a national award honouring her for her caring spirit and dedication throughout her career. But when the National Union first asked her to fly out, she replied jokingly, “July? I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba and that’s prime motorcycle riding time! If I can cash plane fare in for motels and gasoline, I’ll be there!”
They took her response seriously and before she knew it, she was on the road.
Johnson also enjoys travelling to the annual motorcycle rallies in Sturgis, South Dakota, where she’s been in attendance for the last eight years. She’s also been to the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally in Port Dover, Ontario on two occasions. She went just last month with a few friends to enjoy the rally’s 50,000-plus bikes and live entertainment. Next month, she’ll be travelling to Kamloops, BC.
Johnson also loves riding for charity. She participates in the annual CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s Breast Cancer Pledge Ride and the Canada Motorcycle Ride for Dad (an event that raises money for prostate cancer research and awareness). She also helps organize Agri-Tel Transportation’s annual Winds of Change 1000K Charity Ride for the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities.
Whether it’s for a good cause or purely for pleasure, one thing is certain; this retired grandma has no plans of putting on the brakes.
Johnson laughs, “Like I always say, riding a motorcycle is the best stress relief program I have ever experienced.”
Light at the end of the tunnel: Photo gallery
Light at the end of the tunnel
This ATV trip took riders on a journey through B.C. history
There were some tight squeezes for ATVs along this route. — Ed Jaatteenmaki photo
The darkness in the tunnel was total—absolutely solid. It was like being wrapped in black velvet and there was simply no escape. Put your hand in front of your face to no avail. Thank goodness we had only stopped and turned off our lights just to experience what total, absolute darkness was. Where were we? In Bulldog Tunnel on the Columbia and Western Rail Trail near Castlegar.
The day before, we had left the Columbia River behind in Revelstoke only to pick it up again 4 ½ hours later just behind the Hugh Keenleyside Dam in Castlegar where it is now the Lower Arrow Lake. We had come here to ride the historic Kettle Valley Railway roadbed on the Columbia and Western Rail Trail. We were four ATVs and Ed and I in our side-by-side. The trip leader was Tom from Revelstoke who has ridden this trail several times and always enthused about the experience.
Setting off on an adventure
Saturday morning was bright and sunny, a very pleasant change from all the rainy weather. The trail started right where we were camping. The first kilometre still has the rails in place and after that it turns into a hard packed surface with some gravel. The trail started at the lake level and slowly climbed its way up the side of the mountain in round, wide sweeping curves and straight stretches with tantalizing views of the lake below. We soon came to our first bridge spanning a very deep gorge.
The bridge is the old steel truss railway bridge with new decking, side rails and viewing platforms. This would the
first of three such bridges we travelled. The bridge structures of each were inspiring and emphasized the skill of the “old” bridge builders. Soon we came to our first tunnel, the first of four that we would encounter. This was a short one but an exciting taste of what was to come. We stopped to clear a windfall completely blocking the trail at one point and wasn’t it lucky that we had saws with us on the ATVs?
All the way we were climbing at an average grade of 2 per cent, which is fairly steep for the railway. At one of
our viewing stops we met a group of cyclists who had driven on the highway to an access point further up and were biking back down the trail. We found out that this was the most popular way to bike this trail as we only met one group going up the trail.
Built on history
The original KVR was constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway to a high standard with an immense amount of quarried stone culverts, retaining walls and bridge abutments. These were all constructed by Italian stone masons brought in for this job. They are still in good condition today and in many places secure the old rail bed to the precipitous terrain. In several sections, railings have been added to make the trail safer as it is straight down to the lake.
Along the way, there are name plates at the site of the old KVR stations and an old speeder is at the old Shields site. It was nice to see some of the history preserved and there is certainly room for much more.
Approximately 30 kilometres along we came to the impressive Bulldog Tunnel. It is 912 metres long, starts straight with a curve at the end which means total darkness with no glimpse of the exit portal until the last 100 metres when travelling west. We entered with headlights running but they did not make a great impression on the darkness. The tunnel trail is fairly rough and damp with running water from the ceiling in many places. Bikers and hikers with only headlamps or flashlights must find it eerie and maybe for some just a little scary. Definitely not a place for the claustrophobic! The tunnel is immense with the top of the arch at least 15 metres high. The walls are coated in soot from the old steam engines which only increases the darkness. On driving through the tunnel, it was not hard to imagine the old puffers groaning and belching smoke as they made their way up the grade. Entering the tunnel, all the smoke and noise is contained and it must have been hard on the eardrums and also to breathe as the train went deeper and deeper into the tunnel. Finally it’s the portal and with a roar the old steam engine bursts out of the tunnel into the fresh air. What a sight that would have been.
Before the construction of the tunnel, the rail bed went over the top by means of six switchbacks up and six switchbacks down, all at a grade of six per cent. Only very short trains negotiated this grade and they did it by travelling up the rails until they came to a switchback where they drove the train into a tail track. Then they lined the switch and backed the train up to the next switchback and tail track and repeated the process. These switchbacks are being reclaimed after many years of deterioration and will offer an exciting trip up and over the top.
Rich in heritage
On we went passing the site of the monument to Peter Verigin, leader of the Doukobors who died here in 1924 when a bomb exploded on a passenger train. Then it was under the impressive Paulson highway bridge several hundred metres above us. A little way further and our trip came to a frustrating end. The roadbed and culvert had washed out only to be replaced with an impressive bridge which was built just wide enough to accommodate some standard ATVs but definitely not a side-by-side. So it was back to camp for us while the others managed to get across with literally millimetres to spare.
The next day we went to Renata on the Lower Arrow Lake. After the easy riding on the rail trail, this was now a true ATV trail—rocky, steep and narrow in places and definitely a workout. The trail is maintained in that windfalls have been cut out the full width of the trail which was nice to see. Fruit growing was the original reason for Renata. It was located on a creek delta of rich soil and shielded from cold winds by the surrounding mountains thus forming a micro climate very suitable for fruit growing.
This was a fun ride both days and one that is in peril of being closed to motorized travel. That’s getting into politics which I won’t do here but if you haven’t been on the C & W Rail Trail, do so soon and let your MLA know what you think about access being denied.
RidersWest August 2011 eNewsletter: Hot weather, cool trails
Riders tore up the track at the Canadian Enduro Championships
An enduro of epic proportions greeted the riders in Coleman, Alberta
Riders are ready for action during this hardcore event. — Kim Shannon photo
An enduro of epic proportions greeted the riders of the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships, in Coleman, Alberta. Veteran ISDE riders Clint Riviere and Bob Reed put together an event that will be remembered as a true test of enduro skills.
KTM’s Bobby Prochnau dominated the event, showing everyone that he is the man to beat in the series. The E2 and Pro overall podium was filled by Jason Schrage in second both days and CGRT/Husaberg Canada/Royal Distributing/Parts Canada’s Ben Rego rode very strong to finish 3rd place both days. Ben continues to impress with his strong rides and his comfort with his new FX 450 is obvious in his consistent finishes in the first half of the Championships. Ben is sitting in third place E2 with 3/4/3/3 finishes, and fourth place overall pro in the series.
After four rounds, CGRT’s Shane Cuthbertson is sitting 5th overall in the series, after another steady ride on his FX 450. The veteran once again put in strong rides to finish fourth on day 1 and dropping to 7th on day 2. Competition was very tight on the second day, as 42 seconds separated the 4th to 7th place riders after over 62 minutes of special test times!! Sitting right behind Ben in the Championship points, Shane sits in 5th place overall heading east. A great accomplishment for CGRT to hold two of the top five overall positions.
Lee Fryberger joined the ranks of the Vet Pro class, enjoying the time on the bike as opposed to spinning wrenches and pouring gas. Some tough love greeted Lee as the first cross test of day 1 was thrown out, pushing him off the podium and into fourth place. The Xtinction event co-ordinator showed that old age and treachery can delivery the goods to the young riders, by showing some creative line selections in the extreme test. Fourth place was all the vet rider could manage on day 2, as a bent brake pedal early in the second enduro test cost Lee time to straighten.
Simcoe Ontario’s Jessie Grummett experienced a totally new environment yet again this weekend, as the flatlander finally rode real hills. While his results are not there yet, the young 17-year-old will take the experiences of breaking barriers back and develop his skills for his future. The course was not kind to many people, especially to the eastern riders who are not comfortable with the steep uphills, and seemingly bottomless downhills but Jessie took it all in without faltering or weakening...something he can be proud of.
CGRT had two other riders in Amateur A, with Corner Grass Hare Scramble mastermind Jay McGregor joining the competitive ranks and enjoying a 10th place ride on day 1. The ISDE bronze medalist had poor luck with a clogged fuel filter on his FE 570, ending his day early on day 2.
Cole Dobovich is living up to his potential, as the 17 year old rode to a third place Amateur A on day 1, with very competitive rides in both the cross test and enduro test. The second day brought similar results in the tests for the young man, but a mistake on the route in a section aptly named “little Erzberg”, resulted in a broken clutch case and the loss of his engine oil. A 10th place at Sun Peaks on day 1 and this 17th leave Cole in sixth place going east, 15 points off the podium. Hopefully better luck will greet Cole in the east, and he can gain some points back in the championship.
For more info on results from the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships, check out www.worldendurocanada.com.
Shane will be attending a number of regional Alberta events, preparing for his attempt at Xtinction, coming Aug 7, www.xtinction.ca. For those that do not want to tempt fate, check out www.cornergrass.com for info the Johnny O Classic Hare Scramble, Aug 6.
Corner Grass Racing Team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support; Husaberg Canada, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestar, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA, and Xtreme Hot Oil.
RidersWest July 2011 eNewsletter: Fantastic summer riding destinations
Help find this stolen side-by-side
We welcome any information you can provide to locate this missing Polaris Ranger
Stolen: A 2010 green 6x6 Polaris Ranger side-by-side with ITP mud lite tires and winch. The box has an aluminum 100-gallon tank and the box was custom-built, with red hosing/nozzles a blue intelli-reel with a 6.5hp Honda motor.
It was stolen on June 11, 2011, at 12:30 a.m. from a surveillanced, locked compound in Wayland Industries yard, in Fort St. John near Charlie Lake.
We followed the tracks, and they stopped at Beech Road. The thieves may have loaded the machine up and driven off with it to one of the surrounding towns (Grande Prairie, Prince George, etc.) The surveillance camera showed two males, aged 19-25.
They will need to order/install a new ignition, as they hot-wired it. VIN # 4xahr76a8a4190679, 182 hrs.
We are offering a $5,000.00 reward. This unit is for our business—spraying/herbicide application. If you have any information, please contact Nathan 250-794-7947 or Jessica 250-681-0148.
Summer 2011 RidersWest magazine
Soak it up
RidersWest June 2011 eNewsletter: Get into the action this summer
Taking on the new track
Ed Masters reports all the wins and falls of motocross on Vancouver Island
What a great job Mark Ellis and all the volunteers did during the weeks leading up to rounds 6 and 7 of the VIMX Spring Series on May 20 - 21. The job the North Island Tri-port Club did was just amazing. A new cement start with a roof over it is just unheard of—I'm not sure, but I don’t think there is another club in B.C. that has one—but then again we are in the north end of Vancouver Island where the weather can change from sun to rain or snow very fast.
The changes that were made to the track were great. The longer straight-away made for some great hole shot speed leading into a corner, then a step up to another straight-away that you need to be careful on as it was very sandy. The club has made the track one of the longest if not the longest on the Island. The distance around the track is 1.9 kilometres. Some of the bikes were making it around in just less than two minutes.
Putting on a show
Along with watching some fantastic motocross racing the crowd was entertained with some fancy flying from three eagles. Two of the eagles locked talons and came down on the track during a race. Lucky for the eagles there were no bikes close to where they came down. Once they hit the ground they became unlocked, had a shake and flew away.
Campbell River rider Ryder Roth had a great time up at the Tri-Port track on the long weekend while riding in the 50 cc 4-6 class. He had a good morning moto on Saturday as he took the checkered flag first over Cole Wasmuth of Nanaimo but things were a little different in the afternoon. Roth started out good but the sandy track conditions were a lot tougher in the afternoon as he went down a few times. He never gave up and was fighting his way back to the lead but ran out of time and finished second. Roth finished the day in second place while Wasmuth took home first place.
Sunday with a nice freshly groomed track, Roth roared out of the start gates and never looked back to see who was chasing him down. He was roaring around the track and took the checkered flag first once again. In the afternoon he was through the hole-shot first and building a lead each lap. Wasmuth had a little bad luck this moto as he took home a sand sample as he went down early in the race. He did finish the race in second place and took home second overall while Roth brought home first.
Tearing up the new track
Good weekend of racing for the ladies class on the North Island as well on the long weekend. Nanaimo ladies class racer Camille Baker made the trek up to the Island for the events and made the most of her trip. She was ripping the track up and just flying over some of the new jumps that were put in. She took home first for both days. Campbell River rider Lindsey McLean had a great weekend of racing as well, going home with two second place finishes. Parksville rider Jesse Jenkins also did well, although she did go down during her first moto on Saturday and was pinned under her bike. Another rider came by, stopped and took the bike off her, then resumed the race. Jenkins returned home with third for both days.
It was home track advantage this weekend as Jason Abernethy of Port McNeill put in some fantastic moto wins in the MX2 Junior class this past weekend. He had to use his home track advantage as Chase Krompocker of Powell River was hot on his back wheel for most of the motos, but even Krompocker had trouble on the North Island in the sandy sections on the revamped track. He went down and had to restart the big Yamaha four-stroke; that took a while, enabling others to get by. It was Jason Abernethy that took first place on both days, on Saturday it was Graham Scott of Sidney taking second place while Dylan Hanson of Port Alberni went home with third. On Sunday it was Ladysmith rider Jeremiah Sims that went home with second place while third place went home with Victoria rider Bryce Currie. Krompocker finished Saturday in seventh place while Sunday he finished the day in fourth.
Abernethy also rode in the Junior GP class on Saturday and finished the day in first place overall while Jesse Ryan of Nanaimo rode his Honda to second place. Third overall for the day went home with Krompocker. Abernethy sat the class out on Sunday. Currie took home first overall while Ryan went home with second place and Scott third overall.
Some of the best racing of the weekend took place in the MX2 intermediate class. Some of the riders were just flying over the table top and dropping right into the step down in front of the grand stand. It was quite a sight to see. Especially watching Cory Cardinal of Crofton when his bike stalled in mid air and he came crashing to the ground. Lucky he was able to get up, dust off, restart the bike and continue to race. And what a race he had. He came all the way back to finish up in second place. The rider he was chasing, Ryan Lalonde of Victoria, took the win. These two went at it again in the afternoon with Lalonde once again taking the checkered flag first while Cardinal took second place. It was Lalonde that finished the day in first while Cardinal finished the day in second. Third went to Connor Barnes of Shawnigan Lake.
Both Cardinal and Lalonde were right back at it on Sunday picking up where they left off on Saturday. This time it was Cardinal that took home first and Lalonde second place. Victoria rider Peter Swanwick took home third for the day.
In the MX1 intermediate class on Saturday it was Victoria rider Daniel Vanderbasch that took home first place while Kyle Morlock of Nanaimo went home with second place.
More riders were on hand for the class on Sunday making for some interesting riding. Tough break for Vanderbasch during the warm-ups. He went down hard breaking his collarbone and will be out for up to six weeks. Royce King of Port McNeill showed up for the day and rode well. He took home first place while Victoria rider Darcy Lalonde took home second place. Third place went to Campbell River rider Corby McCartney.
Wyatt Weddell of Delta made the trip over the Pacific and trekked up to the North Island for the event and went eight for eight for a perfect weekend of racing. He was riding in the supermini class as well as the 85 cc 12-16 class. The sandy conditions did not bother him as he was putting in some very impressive lap times. He took home first overall on both days in both classes. It was Joe Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake that took home second place on both days while Tanner Cardinal of Crofton went home with third both days in the 85 cc 12-16 class.
Both Weddell and Nikirk went home with first and second respectfully in the supermini class while Harrison Bradley of Saltspring Island went home with third for both days.
More racing action
Brandon Johnson of Saltspring Island in the 65 cc class just powered his KTM through the sand and flew over the jumps for four moto wins. Second place also went home to Saltspring Island as David Bradley took that home with him for both days. Tanner Mayland also had a great weekend as he grabbed a handful of throttle and never let off till the race weekend was over. He took home third place with him to Shawnigan Lake for both days.
Owen Addy of Parksville had a great weekend of racing in the MX2 beginner class. He was one of the only riders in the class that was able to keep the bike in the upright position for the entire moto on both days. He took home first place overall on both days. It was Port Alice rider Dallas Bradshaw took home second place for both days. On Saturday it was Nathan Watt of Port McNeill that finished in third. On Sunday John Kretzschmar of Campbell River roared out of the start gates first but he had trouble with the sandy track and brought home a sand sample, as well third place for the day.
Hope all the riders that had a bad day and were taken away to the hospital are doing well and are able to be back up and participating in the sport they love today.
On June 11th and 12th the CMRC Pro Nationals are returning to the Nanaimo Wastelands for the first time in three years. Campbell River rider Dusty Klatt will be defending his place as the top rider in Canada in the MX1 Pro Class. Also on hand will be Campbell River pro rider and pro freestyler, Jeff Banks, putting on a show that is second to none. June 11th is an amateur day and June 12th the big show with several of the top riders from across Canada and the United States coming out to race.
Communications convenience
Like a glove?
The best of the best
Watch the best throw-down gnarly tricks at the 2011 National Wakeboarding Championships in Kamloops this summer
Wakeboarders live for the chance to showcase their skills, and the National Wakeboarding Championships will feature the cream of the crop. — photo courtesy Tanya Chmilar
If you're out at a lake watching people doing surf carves, butterslides and whirlybirds, you're probably at a wakeboarding competition.
Riverside Park in Kamloops will be the venue for the 2011 National Wakeboarding Championships from August 26 to 28; here, riders from across the country compete for the rights to brag that they caught the biggest air and threw down the sickest tricks.
The event boasts more than 100 riders, who sneak in through provincial qualifiers.
"So, it's our best riders from across the country that come to nationals," said Tanya Chmilar, the event organizer, "and it's wakeboarding, wakeskating and a rail competition—the SBC Rail Jam."
Spectators can hang out in a fenced-off area that will contain food vendor booths and beer gardens—tickets are $10 a day or $25 for the whole event.
Wake sport industry representatives will also have a presence; people can buy anything from T-shirts to wakeboards.
Kids under seven are free and younger children can spend time in the kids zone, which will be set up with fun activities and a bouncy castle.
Kamloops was chosen last year as the site for the 2011 competition by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. The decision was based on the facilities as well as the commitment of the organizing committee.
Chmilar sits as a wakeboard director for Water Ski and Wakeboard BC and is on the wakeboard committee for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada.
Competition categories
9 and Under - Junior Boys and Girls
10-13 - Boys and Girls
14-17 - Junior Mens and Womens
19-29 - Womens
30+ - Womens Masters
18-24 - Mens #1
25-29 - Mens #2
30-39 - Mens Masters
40+ - Veteran
Sunday
Open Mens
Open Womens
Jetting to the finish line
Watch boats speed down northern Alberta rivers at the Outlaw Eagle 2011 World Jet Boat River Marathon
Jet boats can reach speeds up to 220 kilometres per hour while racing at the Outlaw Eagle 2011 World Jet Boat River Marathon. — Frank Mignerey photo
Get the adrenalin flowing by watching the Outlaw Eagle 2011 World Jet Boat Marathon in northern and central Alberta from July 1 to 9.
Up to 70 teams from around the world will race their boats in waterways around Hay River, Whitecourt, Peace River and Grande Prairie. Spectators can a find spot along one of these rivers and watch boats hit speeds up to 200 kilometres per hour.
Final preparations and inspections will wrap up on July 1, when the festivities will kick off with a show and shine, a Canada Day parade and a fish fry, and the races will begin the next day.
Starting in the community of Hay River, N.W.T., jet boats will roar 78 kilometres down the waterway of the same name to Louise Falls and back. Peace River, Grande Prairie and Whitecourt are other racing locations as the marathon continues through the week.
Whitecourt is where the racers will finish their run, and the winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on July 9. The event rotates every year between Canada, the U.S.A., Mexico and New Zealand.
Meet the racers
Gordon Humphreys is a jet boat racer based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, who has participated in jet boat marathons in all four countries and won the event in 2005. He began racing in 2002 with an entry-level sport jet 240 that topped out at roughly 100 kilometres an hour.
The need for speed hooked him and Humphreys soon tracked down a bigger boat with better performance and jumped full feet into the unlimited class.
"I just wanted to be competitive and be faster, so I went into B class to step it up," said Humphreys. "Then B class wasn't fast enough either, so I went to unlimited."
Humphreys describes the Canadian course as a "big speed race," whereas the New Zealand marathon is more technically challenging.
While he can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, Humphreys still has to be wary of hazards like rough whitewater and rocks.
International representation
Ryan Ringer hails from Gold Beach, Oregon, and has been riding in jet boats for about 10 years but got behind the wheel in 2006, when he won the A class world title in Mexico.
Tim Harding, a fellow jet boat racing enthusiast, showed him the ropes of racing jet boats and Ringer hasn't looked back since.
"The feeling of pure horsepower combined with something I really love to do—which is boat—it's a passion, I guess," Ringer said.
Ringer's boat—a 21-foot Eagle—has a groundbreaking feature in that it was the first to be powered by a helicopter turbine. That's right—a helicopter jet engine.
The idea was the brainchild of Harding, and he worked with Ringer to seek out and acquire all the necessary parts for the installation.The pair were able to get the unit working on their first build attempt and managed to reach top speeds over 220 kilometres an hour.
While racing jet boats is something Ringer enjoys, the sport also enables him to travel to other countries like Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.
"I've been to all these places that I probably wouldn't go unless it was to race," Ringer said. "It's fun and I've met a lot of good friends."
Building on success
Members of the Elkford ATV Club are proud of their new bridge and are busier than ever this summer
Elkford ATV Club members having a hard-earned rest after completing the construction of the new bridge just out of Elkford. — Gordon Galloway photo
The bridge recently built by the Elkford ATV Club over the Elk River north of Elkford has been a resounding success.
“The bridge is working out great," said Gordon Galloway, a director with the club. "It worked for the snowmobilers all winter, and now (that) we are in the next season, the ATVers are out there among all the other users. It's open to the public for all users.”
The Elkford trail system includes six to eight trailheads that provide access to the backcountry from various locations. Destinations from these trails include the Elk Lakes, Crossing Creek (northwest of Elkford), Bull River, Canal Flats, Fernie and Wardner.
Because their last bridge project turned out to be such a success, the club is planning a total rebuild of another bridge in the trail system, and it is right within the district.
“We have asked for funding out of the district,” said Galloway. “The bridge has to be done, and one way or another, we have to find funding somehow.”
The Elkford ATV Club is well known for its volunteer efforts.
“Our club has done very well at volunteering for anything that makes life easier and a better way of life for the town,” said Galloway.
He said other projects for the year include a cleanup of the Elkford area—which some of the members have been doing since 1974—and a toy run for donations for the food bank.
Members of the Elkford ATV Club will also attend the ATV/BC Annual General Meeting and Jamboree in Prince George in August.
“We are pretty big and pretty active,” said Galloway of the club.
As an individual, Galloway himself is very active. In addition to being a director with the club, he is also the safety director for ATV/BC and the chief and only instructor west of Ontario for the Canadian All Terrain Safety Institute.
See it, fish it
Bill Gerow, president of the Timber Trails ATV Club, can fish in 40 lakes within an hour's drive of Big River, Saskatchewan
Don't forget about Big River this summer. Quadding and fishing are a perfect match according to Bill Gerow, the president of the Timber Trails ATV Club.
“There are 40 lakes within an hour's drive from Big River,” said Gerow. “You can catch any kind of fish you want. Many of these lakes are available only with ATVs, while some have motorhome hookups and everything in between.”
Gerow's favourite places to fish? Delaronde and Cowan Lakes. Delaronde Lake is 10 kilometres out of Big River, with 14 great sandy, pristine beaches and lots of trails to ride. Gerow said that South Stoney is a new development at the end of Delaronde Lake that has a large marina. The lake itself is the largest in the area; it is 32 miles long and up to 160 feet deep at the north end.
“Cowan Lake is great for fishing with kids because you can stand on the dock at the end of Main Street and catch all the fish you want,” said Gerow. “You can also camp right on the lake and catch your limit within an hour.”
Gerow's favourite place to ride? The Timberlost area on the west side of Big River. Gerow explained that it has a rich history.
“It was first settled in the mid-1930s when the farmers created trails between the homesteads and created a small townsite including a school," said Gerow. "They were moved out in the mid-'50s, and the land that was cleared was reforested in the early '60s. Many of the old homestead buildings still remain today, along with the trails joining everything together. This is all Crown land and you are able to get to many of the areas only by ATV or snowmobile."
Gerow said there are five lakes in the area, most of which are accessible only by ATV or sled. Gerow also recommends the area known locally as the Moonlight-Pancake Lake area.
In total, Gerow said, there are over 300 kilometres of trails to explore and you can leave right from town on the trail.
“It is its own destination and you can spend a week and never hit the same trail twice," said Gerow, adding that a GPS is helpful because there are so many trails.
For more information, check out Big River's information centre.
The name says it all
The Right Nuts ATV Club members love the thrill of their rides in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia
Right Nuts ATV Club members descend a challenging hill on one of their technical rides. — Greg Sue, Quads.ca photo
“Why the name?” laughed Jacquie Horn, president of the Right Nuts ATV Club, when I asked her about the club's name. “You have to be nutty to ride with us; it's all about fun, laughing at ourselves and no politics."
The club was formed in June 2010 as a result of members' concern in B.C.'s Lower Mainland about losing trails and access to the areas that they rode in, and because of the fact that there were no other clubs in the area who ride the same types of trails as they did.
“Members of the Right Nuts are technical riders,” said Horn. “We like the steep terrain. We like to ride steep hills and climbs, tight, twisty trails, and to get between the trees and up over the roots and rocks. "
Right Nuts members also love off-camber riding.
"Riding across a slope gives you the feeling that you can tip at any moment," said Horn, "and if there is a cliff on one side, it makes it all the more exciting.”
There are 43 members in the club and they come from anywhere from Chilliwack to North Vancouver.
”If you like our style of riding, you are welcome,” said Horn.
Club members ride mostly in Chipmunk and Tamohi Mountain near Chilliwack on Crown land. They ride and share the same trails on Tamohi Mountain as dual-sport riders.
“It's great that we can share the trails,” said Horn.
She said sometimes they are out all day and go only 40 kilometres because of the type of riding they do.
“It's so interactive: you are constantly watching the trail ahead, picking your line and thinking about how your bike will react," said Horn. "What you think is going to happen doesn't always happen, so you have to recalculate what you are doing. It's a workout and it is mentally engaging, and when I am on the trail, I am in my own little world.”
For more information about the club, see rightnutsatv.ca.
Kootenay quadding
Take a tour of the trails around Cranbrook to find rugged terrain and gorgeous alpine views
A family stops for a photo at 7,800 feet during an ATV ride on the VOR ridge trail. — Photo courtesy Doug Williamson
The trails near Cranbrook are some of the best in B.C., as evidenced by the six Rider’s Choice awards won by this ATV-friendly community.
On top of the world
For a tremendous view of the East Kootenay landscape, try the Baker Mountain ATV ride. It begins on Gold Creek Road, opposite the Cranbrook reservoir, with a 20-kilometre drive to the top of Baker Mountain.
From the reservoir, go south on Gold Creek Road to the junction of Gold Creek Road and Haha Road, then turn left and travel three to four kilometres, make another left turn and follow the trail to the mountaintop.
Local ATVers suggest that it is best to unload at the Haha/Gold Creek Road junction and ride from there. This is a fairly easy ride with good road conditions, best enjoyed during mid-summer due to the snow melt and 7,500-foot altitude.
ATV at Jake Lake
Jake Lake is a tranquil area at an elevation of 6,500 feet. From Sunrise Road at the Moyie landfill site, take a left at the Teepee Creek Road junction and drive for six kilometres before taking a right turn into the mountains for another 10 kilometres.
This trip is best made in late summer due to the altitude and snow melt factors. The end of the trail may be a tight fit for side-by-side machines.
Take the VOR route
For the adventurous rider, the VOR ridge ATV route can be accessed via Perry Creek or Angus Creek/St. Mary’s River Road. The trail itself is suited to quads and side-by-side machines.
The access points to this area can be difficult to find; however, interested quadders can contact local ATV enthusiasts Doug Williamson or Gordon Vogell to join in one of their regular organized rides. They can be reached by phone at 250-489-4082 or email, wdwilliamson@shaw.ca.
It’s not just about riding
The Houston Quad Riders Society, a new ATV club in British Columbia, is enjoying all that riding has to offer
You are never too old or young for this sport. Theresa Niven's father and her son ride down the road. — Theresa Niven photo
Theresa Niven is one of the founding members of a new British Columbia ATV club, the Houston Quad Riders Society. She said that initially all the members used to ride on their own.
“Three years ago we decided to form a club with ATV/BC to protect the area we ride in,” said Niven. “Then we found out many people want to ride but don't know anyone to ride with or where to ride.”
Niven explained that Houston and the surrounding areas, as well as Hazelton, are popular places to explore, and ATVers can often clock 100 kilometres in a day.
The club has both family and adult rides, and a highlight for many has been riding the Telkwa Pass, a gas pipeline that goes to Copper Road just outside Terrace.
“It is 120 kilometres one way and is a good day event for people starting out,” said Niven.
The Houston riders have also camped as a group at the mouth of the Skeena River. Niven said packing up the fishing rods, tent, family and dog has been great.
“It's nice that we can incorporate more than just riding," said Niven. "I like being outside, being on top of a mountain and showing the kids the beauty that not a lot of kids get to see. It's always an adventure and you don't know what you are going to run into.”
One of the reasons Niven likes the club is that her children enjoy it.
"It's neat when the older members can teach the younger ones some history about the areas we ride in,” said Niven.
Niven loves to take photographs, and for her, riding is all about that as well. She has been able to capture some fantastic shots of their explorations—such as a ptarmigan on Sweeney Mountain, an old, abandoned railway at the Emerald Glacier Mine and the beauty of the Telkwa Range.
“The neat thing about going to the same place (is that) although it may look the same, certain elements change depending on the weather and the season, and it makes it look completely different,” said Niven.
The Houston Quad Riders Society has lots of plans for the near future.
“We will be joining ATV/BC on their jamboree poker ride, and we are planning to do an overnight Prince George-to-Barkerville trip,” said Niven. “We want to take a trip to the Charlottes (Haida Gwaii) and a longer trip to the Alexander Mackenzie-Nuxalk Carrier Grease Trail." (This heritage trail travels the same trails as explorer Alexander Mackenzie and the Nuxalk Carrier First Nations.)
Niven is excited about the growing club.
“We are interested in doing bigger trips that not many people have done," she said. "We have got our everyday riding and look forward to seeing new places. There are too many places to go and too little time.”
Bike with the best
Take a tour and see why riders love the Kootenays
Getting together with friends and family for a brisk ride on Kootenay roads is a dream come true for any diehard motorcyclist. — Deborah Budiselich photo
As summer hits, motorcyclists are eager to hit the highways, and the Kootenays offer some of the most phenomenal motorcycle routes in B.C.
Here is a favourite tour that will show off the kind of jaw-dropping scenery and ideal road conditions that riders crave. This tour incorporates a route that the authors of Destination Highways Motorcycle Guide Books designate as the “best motorcycle road in southern B.C.”
Starting from Cranbrook, take Highway 3/95 to Creston. From there, follow Highway 3A to the Kootenay Bay ferry. The road between Creston and the ferry features exciting twists and turns, not to mention gorgeous mountain scenery all around.
You will see the azure waters of Duck and Kootenay lakes as you travel along this curvy route. For the most part, traffic tends to be on the lighter side, and there are small restaurants, pubs and other points of interest to check out along the way.
Once across the ferry you can journey onward to Nelson, where we heartily encourage you to stay a night or two, and see some of the attractions this colourful and creative city has to offer.
Stop and enjoy the show
Known as the number 1 small arts community in Canada, Nelson has no shortage of nightlife and entertainment any day of the week. The Capitol Theatre is a memorable heritage building where live theatrical performances and musical talent are hosted in the evenings on a regular basis.
As evening approaches and you’ve finished your time on the road, there are lounges in town that serve up locally brewed ales and host live music and other entertainment.
When you’re finished resting up and exploring the attractions in Nelson, head south of town on Highway 6 and take a lovely winding route through the Cottonwood Creek Valley to Ymir.
Highway 6 joins Highway 3 at Salmo. From here you can follow the signage to Creston and complete the loop with a short drive back to your starting point in Cranbrook.
Resource: www.destinationhighways.com
Manitoba’s top things to do
Whether it's riding or racing, Manitoba has lots to offer dirt bikers and ATVers
The Eastman ATV Association is an established club in Manitoba that encourages family-friendly and responsible riding. — photo courtesy Dave Lee
Ride it >> Take the ATV and head to Duck Mountain Provincial Park, where riders can meander along marked trails around Mossberry Lake. The network around the lake is multi-purpose; ATVers can expect to run into hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Quadders can ride 21 kilometres of trail—with varied terrain and a few mudholes—and be treated to stunning backcountry scenery. For a change of pace, try canoeing or kayaking on one of the many lakes and fish for trout, char or bass. Three campgrounds can be found inside the park; Wellman Lake and Blue Lakes campgrounds have more conveniences—like electrical and water hookups in selected sites—while areas at Childs Lake are more basic.
Ride it >> Support efforts to end prostate cancer and sign up for the Ride of Hope—a charity ride covering 80 to 100 kilometres of trails around the community of Ross, Manitoba. ATV enthusiasts can join the Prostate Extreme Team and the Eastman ATV Association (EATVA) as they enjoy the sport of ATVing while raising money and awareness for prostate cancer. The association wanted to find a way for membership to showcase the sport through responsible riding while supporting a good cause, said Dave Lee, the motorsports director for the EATVA.
"That led to the search for a charity that would fit nice for the ATV," said Lee. "I just went on the web and searched other clubs, other provinces, and lo and behold, what did I find? The Prostate Extreme Team—that's a perfect fit for us."
The ride will begin registration at the Ross community centre at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011, and continue until noon.
Watch it >> Motocross is alive and well and the Manitoba Motocross Association sanctions race events throughout the spring and summer. Check out the dates below and be sure to catch some of the action if you're near any of the races.
Spring Series
June 5 - Pilot Mound, MB - Prairie Hill MX
June 12 - Beausejour, MB - Outback Raceway
June 19 - Brandon, MB - Farm Boys Raceway
June 25 - Morden, MB - Shadow Valley Raceway
Fall Series
July 10 - Minnedosa, MB - McNabb Valley MX
July 24 - Grunthal, MB - GMX
August 7 - Beausejour, MB - Outback Raceway
August 14 - Altona, MB - Moto Park X
August 21 - Grunthal, MB - GMX
August 28 - RAIN DATE
September 11 - Pilot Mound, MB - Prairie Hill MX Track
September 18 - RAIN DATE
September 24 - Gimli, MB - Northern Lites Raceway
Try it >> Hit the tracks with the Manitoba Dirt Riders; an organization that provides entry-level racing events for anyone who wants to sign up. Aspiring racers must be members of the Manitoba Dirt Riders—yearly memberships are available, as are day passes for single racing events. Age classes run from six to over 40 years old, with different skill levels within each age category. All race venues are on private land and organizers encourage people to come for the weekends and camp; volunteers flag the course on Saturdays and races are held on Sundays. Things kick off at 9 a.m. with a little kids course; the other events follow. Races begin with a shotgun start and continue until all the age and skill categories have run their course.
Race dates:
June 19 - Melita
July 17 - Wawanesa
August 28 - TBA
October 2 - Miniota
Feeling the rush
When Nolan Hadikin was three years old, the roar of a motorbike caught his attention—and he has never looked back
RidersWest speaks directly to Nolan Hadikin, a 25-year-old living in Nelson, B.C., who is riding for Main Jet Motorsports as a professional motocross racer.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Nolan Hadikin. I am a 25-year-old Castlegar (British Columbia) native who has always had a passion for motocross. I've always been into sports growing up, but there is something about the roar of an engine that really catches my attention. Whatever I'm riding, it's throttle wide open.
Was your family into riding and racing and how did you get into it?
My first experience with motocross was probably around three years old, when I broke the motorcycle figurine off the trophy my dad won and raced it around the dirt in my mom's flowerpots in the house. The rest is history.
How did you end up living in Nelson and riding for Main Jet Motorsports?
I live 30 minutes away from Nelson. Aaron Seminoff and the Seminoff family from Main Jet Motorsports have always been huge supporters of mine. They sponsored me with bikes, gear, trailers, fuel, encouragement and whatever it took to keep me on two wheels.
How did you make the transition from riding for fun to racing professionally?
Racing and competing is in my blood. I always strive for the best and love the rush of competition.
Do you snowmobile professionally as well?
My passion has always been motocross, but since we have such a short season here in the Kootenays, in the off-season sledding is the next best thing. I have been filmed for movies such as Thunderstruck and Adventures of the Krazy Canadians with professional snowmobiler Dan Davidoff. I ride a short-track Ski-Doo 800R for jumping and a long-track Arctic Cat or Polaris demo sled from Main Jet Motorsports for hillclimbing.
Can you describe the best race you competed in?
I can't describe one single race, because every time I'm out there I get the same feeling. It's a feeling that only a motocross racer gets—and every time, it is the best.
What are a few of the most prestigious awards and circuits that you have been in?
I've placed second in the region in intermediate and I've had an 11th-place finish in my first professional season in Morden, Manitoba. The most prestigious circuits I've been in were the 2010 CMRC Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Nationals all across Canada.
What are your plans for the 2011 and 2012 seasons?
Unfortunately, injury has set me back this season. I am struggling with a shoulder dislocation and have an impending surgery at the end of the summer. In the meantime, I'm continuing training as well as planning on spreading my knowledge and experience with local youth in the Castlegar region. I will be putting on some MX schools at the KMX Motocross track on the Bombi Summit near Castlegar, B.C.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'd like to thank Aaron and Kevin and all the staff at Main Jet Motorsports as well as Honda Canada—and most importantly, my family for all their support.
Top ways to play in Saskatchewan
Check out these great things to do in Saskatchewan this summer
Paul Chevrier and a guest explore the ATV trails in northern Saskatchewan. — Tammy Chevrier photo
Watch it: If getting dirty is your thing, check out Mud Mania, the mud bog at the Prince Albert Exhibition, on August 13, 2011.
Do it: Want more mud? The Rockglen District in south central Saskatchewan hosts its annual mud drag racing at Rockin' Beach. Three classes of modified trucks events, and truck and quad races will take place on August 6 and 7, 2011. Visit the Rockglen Tourism website for information.
Win it/Fish it: This year is the 41st Nipawin Pike Festival in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Fish for 40 tagged pikes and be in the running to win a Polaris Sportsman four-wheeler, just one of the awesome prizes. Participants can fish from Father's Day in June until September, and at $5 to enter, what is there to lose? Check out the event website for details.
Ride it: Moose Mountain and Narrow Hills provincial parks offer designated, signed ATV roads and trails to ride. Both parks are known for their exceptional fishing, camping and wildlife. Moose Mountain Provincial Park is open to ATV riding from June to September. Narrow Hills Provincial Park also offers ATVers some rewarding riding.
See it: Saskatv.com is the forum to watch for what is happening when it comes to ATVing in Saskatchewan. Founded by Kevin Paré, and his father, Gary Paré, in 2005, it now has more that 1,200 members. Gary is the current president of the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATV).
“The site promotes ATV riding in Saskatchewan and you can find out what is happening and where,” he said.
Ride it: Explore hundreds of miles of trails in northern Saskatchewan.
"There are a bunch of little lakes you can ride to only on an ATV and you can bring your fishing pole," said Paul Chevrier, who owns Little Bear Lake Resort with his wife, Tammy.
The resort, which accommodates about 30, is located north of Narrow Hills Provincial Park. Paul said that what makes it unique up there is that you can step out of the resort straight onto the trails.
"There are all different levels of trails, including dry and wet trails, lots of different terrain and lots of mud if that is what you like," he said.
See it: Gary Paré, president of the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATV), recommends visiting the lakes in northern Saskatchewan. Candle Lake is known for quadding, golfing and accommodation. Chitek Lake has lots of mud and water, and Lower Fishing Lake offers excellent camping.
"If you are going quadding, take your fishing rod," said Paré.
He likes to ride where he hunts; this includes the Hudson Bay area, all the way east up to the Manitoba border, all the way west to Porcupine Plain and to Preeceville.
"During the course of a summer we can put on 1,000 miles," said Paré, who rides a Can-Am.
Paré also recommends the Nesbitt Provincial Forest trails, situated north of Saskatoon, which are all sand trails.
See SATV for ATVing information in Saskatchewan.
Aiming for the top
It’s not easy to break into the world of motocross, but Jared Stock is making headlines and dreaming big
Jared Stock is gearing up for his third year of racing in the Canadian National Motocross Series. — Photo courtesy Jared Stock
Making it as a professional motocross racer is a tough gig—and for the talented, passionate and dedicated few that climb their way to the top, it is a dream come true. Jared Stock is living one of those dreams.
“The world dream of motocross is making it to the United States and making a living from it,” said Stock. “It is 100 per cent a dream and it is a never-ending dream that you keep chasing. It is a passionate sport and those that want to do it stick around. Even with the stress of having no money, there is nothing that I would rather do and keep going at it. The dream for me would be succeeding and being a well-known racer in the country.”
A lifelong goal
Stock began riding a motorbike when he was four years old in Medicine Hat, Alberta. His father also raced motocross throughout his youth and Stock said that he has never known anything else other than motocross. Stock started out racing in the Southern Alberta Motocross Series; as he advanced through the circuit, he moved quickly from the junior to the intermediate class and then decided to get into the Canadian National Motocross Series. When Stock was 19, he turned pro; he started racing his Yamaha 450 in the full Canadian National Motocross Series and obtained sponsorship.
Stock is currently preparing for his third season of professional racing in the Canadian national circuit and just got back to Medicine Hat from training in California. For the upcoming season, Stock said he is concentrating on improving his scores and kicking up some dirt around the track.
“June 5 will be the first round of nationals,” said Stock. “Being my second year in the pro class, I jumped up to 450 class, which is the premier class. For me, getting a top 15 (ranking) is huge because that is the best in Canada. Last year I got a couple of top 15 (spots), so this year I am aiming to be consistently in the top 15 if not top 10. The better you place, the more exposure you get and the more exposure you get, people want to support you too.”
Take your pick from an array of trails
Elkford is a central location for ATVers who seek adventure and Rocky Mountain scenery at its finest
ATVers come from all over the country for the chance to sample the quality riding terrain in the mountains and valleys near Elkford. — Photo courtesy Sharon Jonas
The Elkford ATV Club boasts a variety of surrounding trails. Head to the staging area near Grave Lake to try out the Crown Mountain route, which will take you into the Alexander Creek valley and back. This trail is closed from September 1 to November 30.
Another popular zone is Sand Creek, which takes riders up a series of switchbacks and rewards them with a splendid view of Tie Lake. This trail may not accommodate side-by-sides.
For maps, GPS data and more information on the myriad of trails around Elkford, visit www.elkfordtrails.com.
Do the Canoe
This Valemount ride is a must-do for summer
With a peak elevation of 2,621 metres, Canoe Mountain amazes visiting ATVers. — Photo courtesy VARDA
For an invigorating alpine ride, visitors to Valemount should definitely try the Canoe Mountain route.
Accessed via an old road system from the valley bottom, this ATVing area is representative of the natural scenery that makes this area so popular among riders.
“(You will) see 360-degree views of the entire area,” said Curtis Pawliuk of the Valemount Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA), “including the famous Mount Robson.”
The Canoe Mountain ride offers more than just a picturesque place to go quadding. A range of other outdoor recreation opportunities abound in this territory as well.
“Once at the end of the road system, short hikes can be done to see emerald green alpine lakes, alpine flowers, wildlife and amazing natural opportunities for the photographer,” said Pawliuk. “This ride can begin just off of Highway 5 south of Valemount, or better yet from one of the beautiful campgrounds on the shores of Kinbasket Lake.”
The staff at VARDA is eager to assist in any way with questions pertaining to ATVing and other recreational use of the Valemount trails.
The lay (and the law) of the land
Use a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality when using Crown lands
Rubbish from illegal campsites is both unsightly and damaging to the environment. — Photo courtesy Daryl Crowley
As an OHV user, there are lots of things you know: you know the coolest manoeuvres, the toughest climbs, the most awe-inspiring viewpoints. You might know the best backcountry sites to set up camp—and that, if you decide to leave your gear behind for a week and come back later in the season, your stuff will likely remain safe and sound.
What you may not know is that leaving campsites, ATVs, tents and other paraphernalia unattended on Crown land is illegal.
Lise Levesque is a compliance supervisor for B.C.'s Rocky Mountain Field Unit. Her job involves monitoring the activities on Crown lands and ensuring they are in compliance with provincial legislation. She said the vast majority of OHV users want to comply with the law, but may not be aware of the rules—it is against the law to occupy Crown lands without proper authorization.
“Right now we’re focusing mostly on education,” said Levesque. “We are leaving notices on people’s belongings saying that Section 60 of the Land Act basically requires them to move their stuff, with a contact name so that they can give us a call. We’ll be happy to talk to them and explain to them why the notice is there and what we need them to do.”
Simply put, recreation users must take all their belongings with them when they leave Crown lands. Failing to do so can result in the seizure of property.
Another issue that is becoming increasingly noticeable is the creation of trails in fragile areas. Many areas of B.C. contain easily disturbed grasslands or wetlands; it takes little work to forge a trail through these regions. Damaging the environment is punishable by fines or imprisonment—so, play it safe and remember that just because a rider has created a pathway doesn't mean it should be used. To avoid penalties, Levesque recommends staying off the grasslands and away from wetlands. ATVers should stick to heavily used trails and drive within existing tracks. Additionally, cross streams only in designated areas and report irresponsible riders.
“We’re not trying to deter people from camping,” said Levesque. “But there’s an old (adage): ‘Leave the place in better condition than when you arrived.’ Have a light hand on the land, keep your footprint very small, and when you leave, leave it better than when you got there so that the next person who comes along can enjoy it.”
In the East Kootenay, call the Cranbrook outlet of FrontCounter BC at 250-426-1766 for more information; go to the FrontCounter BC website to find other locations.
The green machine
Trevor Pearson was named Team Green Rider of the Year by Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider Support Program
Trevor Pearson was thrilled to be named Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010. — Photo courtesy Chris Pearson
RidersWest recently had the opportunity to get to know Trevor Pearson, the Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010. Across Canada, racers who competed earned points for the number of events entered as well as for placing on the podium. The one lucky rider with the highest score was given a Kawasaki KX and named Team Green Rider of the Year. Pearson, a 13-year-old from Williams Lake, B.C., took the grand prize. We had a chance to ask Pearson some questions about his racing and what inspires him.
Where do you live?
My parents moved us to the Okanagan when I was one. My dad took a transfer with his work, which took us to Williams Lake, when I was six—and that is when I started riding.
How did you get into riding and what was the first bike you ever rode?
We lived on an acreage and my mom thought that every kid should learn to ride a bike. My dad bought each of us a bike—mine was a Honda 50. It was really small, but so was I—so I guess it was a good fit.
Where was your first race and how does it compare to the racing you are doing now?
My first race was in Williams Lake and it was on the Honda 50. As many of your readers would know, you shouldn't race a Honda 50. They aren't made for jumps! After the race, a man came up to my dad and offered to sell him a proper motocross bike. He said that it was dangerous for me to be on the Honda 50, and that night my dad came home with a KTM50. Racing on little bikes is a lot different than on big bikes. I'm riding a KX250F, which is a pretty big bike, but I'm only 13, so when (I) crash . . . it's going to hurt. When I was riding the little bikes, I was the same size as everyone else. Now I'm the smallest, so that can be intimidating too (but) I'm riding in the junior MX-2, junior GP and youth class.
Tell me about your racing history.
When I first started racing, I didn't do that well but I had fun. A lot of parents put a lot of pressure on their kids and it takes the fun out of it—I got to enjoy it. About three years ago things started to change. I was awarded a most improved rider award, which was voted on by all the riders. That was when it started coming together. I didn't feel pushed, I felt challenged—and I think that's the right place to be.
Where do you travel for races?
We race across B.C., Alberta and Washington state. We do it as a family. My brother (who is injured) is my mechanic, my sister takes all the pictures, my mom takes the video and my dad is my coach. My dad says that a family that plays together, stays together—so when I race, my family is always with me.
I've read a little about what is going on with your mom and your brother's injury. Given what is happening in your personal life, what inspiration do you draw from that and use in your races?
Motocross is a lot like life. You compete against others, but your biggest battles are often with yourself. My dad says that it's not how you place, but how you race. It's not about whether you came in first, it's about how you overcame the challenges of that particular race. My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. She went from walking to (being in) a wheelchair in six weeks and it took the doctors another three months to figure out that something was wrong. She never stopped fighting; (she) exercises every day and has been in physio ever since. She exercises every day just so she can walk again. My brother had a compound fracture and broke his leg in six places. He trained every day just so he could ride again. When he came back, he placed second overall in the junior class. There are a tremendous amount of role models out there, but I really don't need to look further than my family. Quit isn't a word that we like to use in our house. Falling is acceptable as long as you plan on getting back up, and my mom and brother lead by example.
Do you have any specific goals for 2011?
I love motocross, so I'd obviously like to keep doing it. I'm hoping that I can finish the season strong and have a good finish in Raymond (at the Western Canadian Amateur Championships). We went down to the States in March and we really enjoyed it. I'd like to do a little more of that if I could.
How did it feel to win Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010?
It was awesome! It was a tough year for our family and sometimes you just need to win one. I've said it before: I didn't win it, our family did. Each person in our family has a job, and each person did it. My brother kept the bike running, my sister and mom make sure that our sponsors know what we're doing, my dad helps me train and keeps me focused. I just have to ride the bike.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I'd like to say thanks to my sponsors: CnC Crash Co., Smith Optics, K&N Filters, Moto Tassinari, Kimpex, OGIO, Signworks Graphics, Fox/RMR Suspension, VP Fuels, Rekluse EXP, Tubliss Tires. Just lastly, I'd like to thank my sister for taking the pictures, my dad for his support, my mom for teaching me what courage is and my brother for being my best friend.
To find out more about Pearson, his family and the Team Green Rider Support Program, click here.
Breathe easy
The Spring Fling in full swing: Photo Gallery
The fastest man you’ve never heard of
At age 29, Ben Rego has the never-say-die attitude that will keep him competing for years to come
Ben Rego shows no fear at the Xtinction Hard Enduro in Patricia, Alberta. — Photo by Steve Shannon Photography
Kitimat, B.C., is a long way from anywhere and not exactly an off-road racing hot spot, yet one of the fastest riders in the country calls this small northern B.C. town his home.
Ben Rego grew up in Kitimat and spent most of his time in the woods. His dad got him riding when he was four, but while most pros were cutting their teeth on competitive race circuits like the Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association’s Off-Road Series, Rego spent the majority of his time just play riding with friends or going on trips around Kitimat and Terrace with his dad.
Whetting his appetite
It wasn’t until he was in his early 20s that Rego finally decided to try his hand at racing, driving nine hours to participate in the 2006 Outback Bushwack in Quesnel, B.C. Rego entered the highly competitive masters class—and beat the likes of Geoff Nelson and Bobby Prochnau. Then Rego disappeared back to his remote hometown and wouldn’t appear again for three years.
The inaugural Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) kicked off in 2009 in Blairmore, Alberta, and the thought of a truly national championship brought Rego out of hiding. With a clapped-out 2006 YZ450F, camo pants and mismatched riding gear, he struggled with the enduro race format, finishing 45th and 21st overall over the weekend. The following weekend Rego showed just how quickly he could adapt to the enduro format, moving up to seventh overall on both Saturday and Sunday.
Killer instinct
For the 2010 race season, Rego bought a new YZ450F and decided to get serious about his racing career. At the opening round of the 2010 CEC, Rego took 10th overall and sixth in the highly competitive E2 class. He backed that up with a seventh overall on Sunday and fifth in E2, right behind Shane Cuthbertson. The rest of the 2010 season would unfold like a fairytale for the likable northerner. Rego had more impressive rides at the Penticton rounds of the CEC, then drove out to Xtinction in late August to finish seventh against some of the best extreme riders in Canada. Rego’s humble demeanour and impressive results started garnering him some support—and a nickname, The Giant Killer—after he beat some of the best off-roaders in Canada.
Rego drove clear across the country to compete, and his results improved out East; he finished a career best third in the E2 class and fifth overall in Labelle, Quebec. By the end of the CEC, Rego had established himself as an elite off-road racer, finishing sixth in the E2 class championship and seventh overall. To top off the season, Rego competed in the Montreal Endurocross, where he finished seventh.
What the future holds
For 2011, Rego has signed with the Corner Grass Race Team. He will be competing on a Husaberg FX450 in the Canadian Enduro Championship plus select off-road races, including Xtinction and the AMA Endurocross series—not to mention a few rounds of the Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) Off-Road Series.
The entire community of Kitimat has gotten behind Rego. A recent fundraiser saw nearly $12,000 raised to support Rego’s racing dreams. With his strong work ethic and never-say-die attitude, Rego will be one to watch this summer and for years to come.
At a glance
Name: Ben Rego
Age: 29
Hometown: Kitimat, B.C.
Bike: 2011 Husaberg FX450
Sponsors: Husaberg, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Smith Optics, FMF, Dunlop, Thor, Alpinestars, PG Graphics, Kermaxx, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, UFA
The Spring Fling in full swing
ATV/BC's Spring Fling brought avid ATVers, industry insiders, the latest goods and more to Vancouver Island
The Mid Island ATV Club took visiting riders to see some of Vancouver Island's sights. — Photo courtesy Linda Owens
Representatives from more than 20 ATV clubs converged on Nanaimo at the end of April. The reason? ATV/BC's Spring Fling, an annual event that was held this year in Nanaimo. 2011 marked the first year the Spring Fling took place on Vancouver Island.
Attendees were treated to workshops, keynote speakers, a trade show and a ride hosted by the Mid Island ATV Club. More than 100 riders took part in the workshops; Linda Owens, a director of the club, said that the opportunity to interact directly with policy makers was a highlight for her.
"We get to hear straight from the horse's mouth," said Owens. "It’s not just somebody standing up to say what they’ve heard the government is planning on doing—it’s actually a representative from the government, like Vera Vukelich (the manager of tourism policy). The value of that is huge."
The Mid Island ATV Club organized a ride for the ATVers, many of whom had never quadded on Vancouver Island before. Owens said that the weather was gorgeous for a ride in the Wastelands Area, a popular recreation zone just outside Nanaimo. Owens said many riders stayed beyond the weekend to explore other communities on Vancouver Island, such as Tofino and Campbell River.
"As a local club, we really appreciate that ATV/BC comes out to us," said Owens. "It’s not off in the distance—it's right there with us."
A class act
When the Canadian Enduro Championship was born in 2009, Jason Schrage took an immediate liking to the enduro format
Jason Schrage rounds a turn at the Big Kahuna Hare Scrambles in Kamloops, B.C. — Photo by Steve Shannon Photography
If there’s one word to describe Honda’s Jason Schrage, it would have to be professional. From his racing to his podium speeches and everyday life, Schrage commands respect and represents his sponsors with a professionalism unmatched in Canadian off-road. A firefighter from Lethbridge, Alberta, Schrage is the reigning Canadian Enduro champion and a Honda Canada factory racer—though it wasn’t always that way.
Schrage practically grew up in the Alberta race scene. Both his father and his uncle were racers, so most weekends were spent at the races. Schrage began riding at age three and was immediately hooked. He rode Kawasakis until the age of 16, when he switched to a Honda XR200R.
Collecting trophies
The following year, when he was 17, Schrage became part of the Honda Red Rider program and raced an XR400R. In 1999, then 18, Schrage turned pro; for the next five years he would remain with Honda, racking up an impressive collection of provincial hare scrambles titles. By 2004, Schrage was a well-established pro in Alberta and was offered a deal with Lethbridge KTM and KTM Canada. Schrage adapted to the KTM300 two-stroke and continued to add more trophies to his mantel. In 2007, he travelled east to compete in the North American swing of the World Enduro Championship, where he finished an impressive ninth in the E3 class. That same year, Schrage competed in the International Six Days Enduro in Chile as part of the Canadian trophy team. He would finish the event, earning a silver medal in the process.
Finding his stride
When the Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) became a reality in 2009, Schrage took an immediate liking to the enduro format; he won the E3 class championship and finished second overall behind Bobby Prochnau. Last year saw Schrage return to Honda on a CRF450R. His riding style seems to suit the big four-stroke, as he won the 2010 Canadian Enduro Championship and both the CMA and CMRC Alberta hare scrambles championships, and he finished third at Xtinction.
At 30 years old, Schrage has already had an impressive racing career—with nine provincial CMA and CMRC hare scrambles championships to his name plus that big number 1 plate from the 2010 CECs—but Schrage is nowhere near retirement. His love for all forms of racing and his incredible fitness mean we’ll be seeing Schrage on the podium for years to come.
At a glance:
Name: Jason Schrage
Age: 30
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta
Bike: 2011 Honda CRF450R
Sponsors: Honda Canada, Machine Racing, Rekluse, Riders Edge Suspension, Ogio, Kermaxx, Rebel Hot Shot, MX1 Canada/Acerbis, Fly Racing
RidersWest May 2011 eNewsletter: Tour the trails and the open road
Mind over matter
Victoria Hett versus the 2010 International Six Days Enduro
Victoria Hett showed true competitive spirit in the 2010 International Six Days Enduro in Morelia, Mexico. — Photo by Steve Shannon Photography
The 2010 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) marked a major milestone for Canada: for the first time in the history of the event, Canada sent a women’s trophy team, which consisted of Victoria Hett, Almeda Rive and Karine Gendron. While Rive and Gendron are both relatively unknown, Hett has an impressive racing resume, including the 2009 women’s class Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC). Hett not only won the 2009 CEC championship, she did it in convincing fashion by sweeping all eight rounds and posting special test times that were closer to the pro class times than any of her competitors. After such a dominating performance, Hett set her sights on international competition, starting with the 2010 ISDE in Morelia, Mexico, held November 1 to 6, 2010.
After almost a week of driving from her home in British Columbia's south Okanagan, Hett arrived in central Mexico—though not without issue. She had picked up a cold the day she left Canada; between that and truck trouble, her six-day effort was already far from perfect. Nevertheless, once she was in Morelia, Hett immediately set about finalizing bike preparations and walking the special tests. A twisted knee while riding the test track was a minor setback—as well as tendonitis flaring up in Hett’s left hand—but with help from Rekluse, everything was sorted out and her bike was impounded on Friday. Saturday night was the opening ceremonies and parade of nations, where racers and support crews were treated to over 100,000 screaming Mexican fans lining the streets to welcome everyone to the 2010 ISDE. That same night, Hett opted for a hamburger from a streetside vendor; this would come back to haunt her six days later.
And so the challenge begins
Day 1 of the 2010 ISDE started bright and early on Monday morning. Hett, along with the rest of the competitors, hit the course for two gruelling laps totalling over 250 kilometres of rugged trails in the Mexican countryside. Hett rode well, posting competitive special test times and staying on time during the transfer sections. It looked like a smooth day, until Hett arrived 25 minutes early to the final time check of the day. She soon realized she had been misdirected by a course official and had missed a special test. Racing back to the test, Hett rode her heart out and still made it back to the time control with seconds to spare. After wowing the crowd with a sub five-minute tire change—plus changing an air filter and engine oil during her 15-minute work period—it was back to the condo to rest up for Day 2.
That night all hell broke loose. The results listed Hett as disqualified for completing the special tests in the wrong order, and it turned out Rive and Gendron had also missed a special test—so all of Team Canada was out after the very first day. Luckily, with hard work from team manager Mike Kelly and the jury delegate, Hett was reinstated—though she received a one-hour penalty. This was devastating, as Hett was just one minute off a gold medal after the first day. To top it off, Hett’s hamburger from the opening ceremonies reared its ugly head, making her violently ill.
Finding that inner strength
On the second day, after racing through morning rush hour, the Team Canada women were off for another day of racing in Mexico. Rive and Gendron were allowed to restart but were no longer eligible for medals. Hett and Rive rode together for the entire day with few issues, but Gendron had houred out by the halfway point of the day. The two remaining Canadian women stayed on time, but Hett’s condition worsened with repeated trips to various outhouses throughout the day. Rive crashed hard and injured her wrist, but rode through the pain to finish the day. At the day’s end, the Team U.S.A. doctors gave Hett an IV and some medicine to hopefully help her with the nasty bug she had contracted. Hett spent most of the night sick and got little rest.
Day 3 marked a new course that was supposed to be much tougher. Hett looked extremely tired at the start of the day but rode off into the Mexican countryside once again. The trails lived up to the difficulty, and brought stories of endless hillclimbs and rocky trails that were absolutely punishing bikes and bodies alike. One American racer, who looked particularly tired, talked about one section of over 20 kilometres she spent just crawling along in first gear up a hill covered in rocks that just never ended. The technical trails took their toll on Hett and Rive. Rive's wrist was swollen and painful but she made it through one lap of the gruelling course before calling it quits. Meanwhile, Hett continued to push through frequent outhouse stops and finished the day 30 minutes down and dead tired—but she finished. Somehow in her exhaustion, Hett still managed to whip off a five-minute tire change, then headed to the medical tent as soon as she impounded her bike.
Fiercely determined to finish
The Mexican doctors quickly realized how serious Hett’s condition was and inserted an IV. Exhausted, Hett passed out for hours in the medical tent under the watchful eye of the Mexican doctors and her Canadian support crew. The official diagnosis was a gastrointestinal infection, also known as Montezuma’s revenge. The Mexican doctors were exceptional, providing great care and the proper medicine for Hett. At close to midnight, she was finally able to return to the condo, where she was up most of the night with more sickness.
In order to continue to race, Hett had to be checked by the official doctors the following morning. Looking closer to death than a racer, Hett was advised by the doctors to quit the race and seek more intensive medical attention. Showing incredible determination, Hett convinced the doctors to let her continue the race, then barely made it to the start as she doubled over in painful cramps. Though she didn’t even have the strength to pull her goggles over her helmet, Hett somehow pushed her bike up the start ramp and took off somewhat late—she was determined to finish her first ISDE.
The Canadian support crew was worried sick, but miraculously, Hett's condition improved, and by check 2, she was starting to feel better. The ISDE medical staff continued to monitor Hett throughout the day; although she still needed to make frequent outhouse stops, she made it through the day with time to spare. Day 5 promised to be easier than days 3 and 4, and this optimism lifted the spirits of most of the racers. While the final trail day course was easier, it wasn’t by much. Narrow, technical trails perched up high on mountainside ledges were by no means easy, and it was another exhausting day in Mexico. Hett was still sick, but felt much better than on previous days. She rode with renewed determination and finished the day 36 minutes down, but she finished.
With only a 50-kilometre trail ride and a motocross race standing between her and a finish at her first ISDE, that night Hett was actually able to relax a bit. Unfortunately, that same night the drug violence that has been so prominent in international media flared up, causing the ISDE organizers to cancel the final day of the event. With that decision made, Hett became the first Canadian woman to finish the International Six Days Enduro, earning a bronze medal, finishing eighth out of 20 women and carrying Team Canada to a fourth-place finish in the women’s trophy standings.
Seeking out opportunities
After such an incredible performance in Mexico, Hett has signed with GasGas Pacific for the 2011 and 2012 race seasons. Hett plans on competing in the Canadian Enduro Championships in the highly competitive amateur A class against the guys. She will also be competing in the B.C.-based Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) and the Okanagan Hare Scramble Series (OHSS) as well as select events across the Pacific Northwest, including the Desert 100, Orofino LoggerXcross, AMA Endurocross events and the Xtinction Hard Enduro.
Tory, as her friends call her, credits her dad and brothers for helping her become the rider she is today. She enjoys long, challenging races in technical terrain and hopes to continue to race in Canada and around the world. This season Hett will focus mainly on Canadian races, but in 2012 she plans to race the ISDE in Germany and to hopefully improve on her international results. For more information about Hett, visit her website.
At a glance
Name: Victoria Hett
Age: 27
Hometown: Vernon, B.C.
Bike: 2011 GasGas EC250
Sponsors: GasGas Pacific, Gamma Powersports, Rekluse, Fasst Company, LT Racing Suspension, Scorpion Racing, Gnarly Parts & Accessories, Limenine Graphics, Adrenaline Distribution, Steve Shannon Photography, A Vicious Cycle, Advanced Pavement Technologies, BUMP MX and Valley Moto Sport in Kelowna, B.C.
Exploring five of the Okanagan’s best off-road riding areas
Off-road motorcycling is a great way to see the region's beauty
The author explores the trails around Okanagan Falls, B.C. — photo by Steve Shannon Photography
With its warm weather, sparse population and central location, B.C.’s Okanagan region has some of the best off-road motorcycling in the country. Here’s a look at five must-hit riding areas in the region this summer.
Greenstone/Inks Lake/Chuwels Mountain - Kamloops, B.C.
The Greenstone, Inks Lake and Chuwels Mountain riding areas have made Kamloops one of the premier cities in Canada for off-road recreation. The three riding areas are all located southwest of Kamloops, bordered by Highway 5 to the east, 97D to the south, Highway 1 to the north and Tunkwa Lake Road to the west. The names are derived from the different staging areas, but the trails all interconnect, making for hundreds of kilometres of forestry roads, two track and technical singletrack that will easily satisfy a lifetime of adventures. Seasoned Kamloops veterans are still finding new trails to explore in the area. With such an extensive trail network, everyone from beginners to pros will find something to entertain themselves on. Both Inks and Chuwels Mountain (including the infamous Pro Zone) are accessed via Highway 5 or Lac Le Jeune Road, while Greenstone (also known as Duffy Lake) is accessed off Highway 1. For more information, contact the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association.
Mount Ida - Silver Creek, B.C.
The Mount Ida riding area is located a short 15-minute drive south of Salmon Arm on Salmon Valley Road. Staging is located by the Silver Creek community park or eight kilometres up Wall Creek forest service road in the burn area where the Rock Hound Hare Scrambles event is held. Trails range from open two-track along the flanks of Mount Ida to old skidder roads and rocky, technical single-track deep in the forest that will challenge even seasoned riders. The majority of the trails are on the western slopes of Mount Ida, so the riding season starts early in the spring—and for some riders, the season never stops! If one has studded tires, the lower trails remain rideable year round. Once the snow does clear, it’s possible to ride right over top of Mount Ida and connect with trails on the Salmon Arm side. If there’s one feature that defines this riding area, it would have to be the rocks that are everywhere. Be prepared for a workout and the possibility of flat tires.
Bardolph & Becker Lakes - Vernon, B.C.
Accessed via Noble Canyon road in Lavington, the Becker riding area is situated on the west side of the Coldstream Creek valley, while the Bardolph trails are on the east. Trail building in this area has been going on for more than 20 years, with well over 150 kilometres of trail available. While some trails have fallen into disrepair, recent interest from a growing off-road community—including the Vernon Off-Road Motorcycle Club—has led to old trails being reopened and new ones being built. To access the Becker side, there’s parking at numerous spots, including at the Okanagan Hare Scrambles race site near Becker Lake. Trails on this side of the valley range from mild to wild, with a healthy selection of single-track and old skidder roads. Some of the trails offer fantastic views of Lavington, Coldstream, Vernon and Kalamalka Lake.
Crossing over to the Bardolph side is best done using the forest service roads. There is a trail connecting them, but fallen trees and a very rickety bridge make this trail an AA-rated expert-only trail—if you can find it. The main staging area for the Bardolph side is eight kilometres up the forestry road near Bardolph Lake. There are several campsites along the powerline right-of-way and at Bardolph Lake, making it a great base to spend a weekend exploring the area. There is over 100 kilometres of predominantly single-track in the area, though it will take local knowledge to find them all. The trail system extends all the way to the Silver Star Provincial Park boundary to the north, Lumby to the east, Highway 6 to the south and Coldstream Creek to the west. The numerous trails offer a great variety that everyone will enjoy, from a weekend family outing to a pro training ground.
Bear Creek - West Kelowna, B.C.
Bear Creek is by far the region's most well known yet controversial riding area, and the Okanagan Trail Riders (OTR) have fought long and hard to keep it open. Last year marked a major milestone when the OTR finally installed a bridge over Bald Range Creek, allowing legal access to the entire area. Trails are clearly marked with signs throughout the 35,000-hectare area, and due to the issues surrounding this area, rules are strictly enforced. Bear Creek is an excellent family-friendly riding area that has many beginner-friendly trails. With a solid foundation of "green" trails, the OTR is now working on building sustainable advanced- and expert-level trails to satisfy those riders’ needs. Access to the Bear Creek riding area is via Bear Lake Main forest service road off Westside Road in West Kelowna. For more information, check out the Okanagan Trail Riders' website.
Allendale Lake - Okanagan Falls, B.C.
This little-known gem of a riding area is located near the Okanagan Falls landfill on Allendale Lake Road. Most riders park just past the landfill turnoff and can hop on single-track right from their trucks. Though this is not the largest riding area, there is still a solid 40 to 50 kilometres of well-maintained single-track that will satisfy most riders’ needs as well as endless backroads that extend all the way to Kelowna to the north and the Kettle Valley to the east. Riding here caters to the more advanced riders, but beginners will still find some of the trails enjoyable.
The South Okanagan Dirt Bike Club holds an annual poker run here every spring in conjunction with a British Columbia Off-Road Motorcycle Association BCORMA riding clinic. The terrain is typical Okanagan, featuring loose dirt, pine trees and plenty of rocks. The lower trails become dusty relatively early in the season, but as they climb up out of the valley, moisture returns to the dirt and temperatures cool off. Quad trails are interspersed with the single-track, making for a great network of trails to explore for a day or two.
These are just five of the many off-roading recreational areas in the Okanagan region. Due to the dry climate, spark arrestors are required at many of these riding areas as well as liability insurance for riding on the forest service roads. As is always the case, please respect the environment; stay on existing trails and pack out what you bring in.
In it to win it
B.C.'s Bobby Prochnau is accelerating to the top in the endurocross world
Bobby Prochnau competes at the Big Kahuna Hare Scrambles in Kamloops, B.C. — Photo by Steve Shannon Photography
Bobby Prochnau didn’t come from the normal racer background. Though he started riding at a young age, outgrowing bikes and other bike problems meant that the now 25-year-old was bikeless for most of his childhood. Prochnau did get his motorized fix in the winters on snowmobiles with his family, but it wasn’t until Grade 8 that Bobby had a real dirt bike. Though a 1982 Honda XR500 may seem like a large bike for an eighth grader, Prochnau handled it just fine on the cow paths around his hometown of Savona, B.C.
After exploring most of the Savona area, Prochnau had his eyes opened when he discovered a true off-road playground at nearby Duffy Lake. There, Prochnau rode with family and friends and quickly progressed as a rider. In 2002—with help from his parents—Prochnau bought a Honda CRF450R, then spent much of his time just working to pay for the bike.
Finally, in 2003 he entered his first race: the Main Jet GP in Merritt, B.C. Prochnau won the intermediate class in Merritt, then won every other race he entered that year. He moved up to expert in 2004, then realized he could race as a pro after catching much of the pro class starting a row behind. The following year, Prochnau moved up to the pro class and began honing his skills against the best in the province.
And the wins begin
By 2007, Prochnau won his first pro class race and went on to win the Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) pro class championship. That same year, Prochnau headed south to the U.S.A., where he finished 11th overall at the Last Man Standing extreme enduro and also tried his hand in the AMA Endurocross series.
In 2008, Prochnau established himself as an elite world-class racer, finishing second in Florence, South Carolina, at the AMA Endurocross series and ending up seventh overall in the final points standings.
For 2009, Prochnau dominated the Canadian Enduro Championships, sweeping all eight rounds to remove any doubt that he is the best off-road racer in Canada. Along the way he also won the Desert 100 in Washington state and had multiple top 10 endurocross finishes.
Last year was a year Prochnau would rather forget, after breaking his thumb at the Desert 100 then destroying his shoulder a week before the first round of the Canadian Enduro Championships. He spent most of 2010 on the couch injured, but Prochnau is determined to regain his 2009 form in 2011. With two wins and a second place under his belt so far this season, things are looking up for the 25-year-old logger.
If his past success has shown us anything, it’s that Prochnau is both tough and extremely well rounded, equally adept in the wide open desert as he is on a technical endurocross track. While on spring breakup from his job in the logging industry, Prochnau has been training hard and will not be settling for anything other than the top step of the podium this summer.
Rider profile:
Name: Bobby Prochnau
Age: 25
Hometown: Savona, B.C.
Bike: KTM 350XCF
Sponsors: RTR Performance, KTM Canada, Troy Lee Designs, Rekluse
A historic work in progress
The Athabasca Recreational Trails Association has taken on a huge project to rebuild local multi-use trails
The trails ARTA is working to rebuild are suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, and they have historical significance as well. — Photo courtesy the Athabasca Recreational Trails Association
Alberta is a remarkable province, especially for anyone who loves to hit the trails on an ATV. Members of the Athabasca Recreational Trails Association (ARTA) have recognized the potential for growth in their riding territory, and they have undertaken a few projects that will enrich their local terrain.
Perhaps one of ARTA’s most exciting developments is the rebuilding of the historic Peace River Trail. This route is part of the Trans Canada Trail System, and runs from Sawdy—approximately 25 kilometres north of Athabasca—to Smith, Alberta.
Rob Woito is the current president of ARTA, and is overseeing the local trail work that is taking place.
“(Our goal is to) rebuild this trail to new provincial guidelines with three user groups in mind,” said Woito. “Snowmobilers in the winter, ATVers, and horse and wagon in the summer. We are interested in developing camping locations and recreation spots as well. We also want to tell the story of the pioneers on the historic Peace River Trail.”
Since the Peace River Trail project began in winter of 2009, great strides have been made by this non-profit organization. They are also working hard on improving the Athabasca Landing Trail, which is a multi-use non-motorized route.
The focus is on creating a safe area for families to go and learn about the local history while having a great time doing the outdoor sports they love.
“(We) are working to develop trails for all users,” said Woito. “We are not exclusive but inclusive. We have a responsibility to tell the story of the Peace River Trail and Athabasca Landing Trail.”
For more information on ARTA, visit their Facebook page.
One big happy family
The Lower Mainland ATV Club works together with other organizations to improve ATVing conditions for all riders
It’s the goal of the Lower Mainland ATV Club to ensure a future of safety and enjoyment on the trails for years to come. — Photo courtesy the Lower Mainland ATV Club
Since its origin 11 years ago, it has been the goal of the Lower Mainland ATV Club (LMATV) to benefit club members and the ATVing populace by promoting safety, environmental awareness and education. With approximately 150 members to date, the club has grown exponentially.
“Over the years we have evolved into an extremely active and diverse community of enthusiastic ATV riders of all ages,” said club president Ken Bryant. “We have club rides and events throughout spring, summer and fall, mostly in the West Harrison area, but also trips to the interior of B.C. and as far away as Oregon and Idaho.”
Pitching in
LMATV members frequently volunteer to help out with maintenance and improving local trails. Whether it’s spring cleanups or other club projects, everyone pitches in.
In order to accomplish even more within the riding community, LMATV has partnered with four local clubs to form an umbrella organization: the South Western All Terrain Trails committee (SWATT).
Alongside ATV/BC, the Ministry of Natural Resources Operations, the Sts’ailes Band (formerly Chehalis Band) and other stakeholders, SWATT was able to take part in the opening of three brand new ORV
offloading sites near Grace Lake last year.
LMATV has also joined forces with the Vedder Mountain Trails Association, a group that incorporates clubs built around a range of outdoor activities, such as running, horseback riding and off-road motorcycling. Bryant emphasized that the collective goal of these organizations remains the same, with an aim to consistently “promote safe and co-operative use of the area as well as safeguard recreational usage into the future.”
Fun for all
Another point of pride for LMATV is that it is a family-oriented club. Members are close-knit and look out for one another, and they all enjoy the thrill of exploring the bounty of terrain available near by.
“We have picnics nearly every time we are out riding,” said Bryant, “and when we camp together the willing and friendly group effort is very evident. When we ride, the most important rule is that we are each responsible for the rider following. Experienced members always help new riders through any difficult spots we may encounter on the trail.”
Helmet radios are used to allow communication between riders, so that everyone is accounted for at all times and novice riders don’t find themselves lost or stuck on trickier parts of the trails.
Local splendour
LMATV members are particularly fond of the trails throughout the West Harrison area, which is ideal for riders of all experience levels.
“The occasional spectacular views of the lakes and snow-capped mountains are something to behold,” said Bryant. “At the moment there is very little signage, but together with SWATT, by late spring we will have hundreds of kilometres of trails clearly mapped and marked. Much work will be done this spring to improve the safety and environmental friendliness of . . . this beautiful recreational area.”
Since there is some local logging activity in this area, it is suggested that riders check with a club first before heading out, to find out which trails are accessible for riding at that time.
On to the Wastelands
The Nanaimo Wastelands Motocross Park was home to the Vancouver Island Spring Series from April 30 to May 1
Lindsey McLean, bike 142, rode in the ladies class and had an amazing weekend. — Ed Masters photo
What an exciting weekend of motocross racing it was at the Nanaimo Wastelands Motocross Park. There were some great racers on hand to thrill the crowd on April 30th and May 1st. The track was in incredible shape for all the riders that made the trek for rounds 3 and 4 of the Vancouver Island Spring Series. They were just flying around the track at unbelievable speed. There were lap times of less than two minutes being turned in during some of the classes.
Campbell River rider Ryder Roth was working hard for a podium finish as he was up against some great little riders in the 50cc 4-6 class. On Saturday Roth took the win in moto one over Nanaimo rider Cole Wasmuth and Abbotsford rider Charles Charlton. What a race to finish line for these three riders in the afternoon moto. They were tight right to the finish line as each one never backed off the throttle. It was a photo finish as they came across the finish line separated by mere inches. In the end the overall win went to Wasmuth and Roth took home second place. Third overall for the day went to Charlton.
These riders were out there again on Sunday trying to out-ride each other. Roth and Wasmuth were tied in points going into the afternoon moto, so that was going to make for an exciting race to watch. Once it was over it was Roth that took the checkered flag first, giving him the win for the day. That left Wasmuth and Charlton to battle it out for second place. Wasmuth just crossed the finish line ahead of Charlton giving him second for the day and Charlton third place.
A race for all ages
There was also some great riding in the older 7-8 class of the 50cc as all three of the podium finishers were giving all they had. Cameron Bradley of Saltspring Island finished first on both days while second for both days went to Island rider Joseph Jenkins. Home track rider Cameron Whitcomb of Nanaimo took third for both days.
Campbell River rider Lindsey McLean had a good weekend of racing at the Wastelands. She was racing against some great lady riders on the weekend as home track rider Camille Baker was not about to let first place leave the area without a battle. Saturday was a three-way race to the finish line between Baker from Shawnigan Lake, rider Brittany Stokes and McLean. In the end it was Baker finishing first with Stokes taking home second place. McLean finished the day in third place.
On Sunday they were right back at it each trying their best to finish first over all. Baker got two great starts to lead the way to the finish line first in both motos for the over all for the day while Stokes and McLean had a great battle in both motos. Each battling hard to get the advantage over the other. When the race came to an end it was McLean that took home second for the day while Stokes went home with third.
Time for the juniors
What a weekend of racing in the MX2 junior class. With close to two dozen riders in the start gate it was anyone’s guess as to who would pull off a great start and ride it all the way to the finish line. With all these riders ready to give everything they had to win it was a real thriller on both days of racing. On Saturday it was Port Alberni rider Andrew Madeo that took the checkered flag first in both his motos. It was Graham Scott of Sydney that had enough points combined in both motos to take home second place for the day while Chase Krompocker of Powell River took home third.
On Sunday it was North Island rider Jason Abernethy that was first through the hole shot. He was just flying around the track and pulling ahead of the pack as each lap was put in. Abernethy took home first place on Sunday while Ladysmith rider Jeremiah Sims finished the day in second. Third for the day went home with Dylan Hansen of Port Alberni.
Some fast racing took place in the MX2 intermediate class this weekend. Shawnigan Lake rider Connor Barnes took the win for Saturday but it was not an easy win as he had to contend with Crofton rider Cory Cardinal who was hot on Barnes rear tire and had to settle for second place. Third place went to Ryan Lalonde who in his first year of the MX2 intermediate class.
Roaring to the finish
Sunday saw the presence of Powell River rider Bryce Adam. Adams made his presence felt right from the drop of the gate—he took an early lead and never looked back as he crossed the finish line in first place. Lalonde crossed the finish line just ahead of Barnes for second place while Barnes was third. In the afternoon Cardinal was back out there for moto after having to leave the morning moto with bike problems. Cardinal was flying high and roaring in and out of the berms. He crossed the finish line first ahead of Barnes while Adams was third. It was Adams that took home first place. Barns went home with second place and Lalonde was third.
New Westminster rider Spencer Knowles made the trip over to Nanaimo worth his while as came over and rode in two classes on the weekend. Knowles rode in the youth class and the GP pro class. What a show he put on for the crowd in both classes—he was whipping the bike as he was doing the step-downs. Knowles took home first place in both classes while Nanoose Bay rider Nick Syrotuck went home with second place for both days. Third place for Saturday went home with Barnes in the youth class while Cardinal took home third place for the class on Sunday. Derek Thompson of Nanaimo took home third place overall for the GP pro class both days.
What a ride Brandon Johnson of Saltspring Island had in the 65cc class. He was out of the start gates like a bullet both days and rode to first place overall. It was fellow Saltspring Island rider David Bradley that crossed the finish line second both days. Tanner Mayland of Crofton rode really well this weekend and took home third for the both days.
Blasting to the finish line
North Island rider Mark Ellis of Port McNeil had podium finishes on his mind as he roared around the Wastelands track in the vet masters class. On Saturday he crossed the finish line in second place just behind first place finisher Paul Sprentz of Saanichton in the afternoon moto. That was good enough to give him second place for the day behind Sprentz who took first. Third went to Saltspring Island rider Matt Kerigan.
On Sunday it was Ellis that was the rider to catch as he was just tearing around the track on his big Honda 250 four stroke sponsored by All-Out Motorsports of Port McNeil. He crossed the finish line first in motos to take overall for the day. Second place went to Ladysmith rider Mark Hancock while Dan Nikirk of Shawnigan Lake went home in third place.
Campbell River club rider Blaine Morrow of Black Creek was among one of the riders hurt and taken to the hospital in Nanaimo on Sunday. Hope you and all the rest of the injured riders are back up and riding real soon. Best of luck to a speedy recovery.
Early Spring 2011 RidersWest magazine
Kicking off the season
The motocross circuits got the 2011 season off to a great start here on Vancouver Island
What a way to start off the 2011 motocross season on Vancouver Island. Campbell River Motocross Association hosted rounds one and two of the Vancouver Island Spring Series on April 23-24. The conditions for the races on the Easter weekend were great. Warm summer-like conditions for Saturday and cooler conditions for Sunday made for some fantastic racing. There was a good turn-out on both days, both for riders and spectators. It was great to see that there were new riders joining in, as well as to see some of the old racers from years gone by getting back into the sport.
The Campbell River track was in perfect condition thanks in part to Darcy McKenna who spent countless hours making sure it was safe as possible for all riders. Along with the work McKenna put in, there was a huge list of volunteers that put in a lot of work sprucing up the facility to make it all race-ready. Other than a few bumps and bruises along with some hurt pride there were no major injuries over the weekend.
There were riders from all parts of Vancouver Island as well as several of the out-laying islands and several riders from the Lower Mainland that came to Campbell River for the opening rounds of the Vancouver Island Spring Series.
It was a great event for local 50 cc 4-6 class rider, Ryder Roth of Campbell River. Roth was up against some really serious riders from the Lower Mainland for the opening races on Vancouver Island and they were determined to take home at least one first place overall, no matter what it took to do so. But Roth had a plan of his own—to keep it right here in his home town. Roth finished the day off on Saturday with first place overall. Sunday he had to ride a little hard in the afternoon as he had placed second overall in his morning moto. He had a strong start in the afternoon and rode a flawless moto to cross the finish line ahead of Charles Charlton of the Lower Mainland, to take the win overall on Sunday. Charlton took home second place for both days while Cole Wasmuth took home third overall for both days.
Ladies first
Some great riding took place in the ladies class as there were great riders that showed up for the event. Camille Baker of Nanaimo was on hand and rode in not only the ladies class but in two other classes on Saturday. Baker took home first overall for both days. Campbell River was well represented, Lindsey McLean and Chelsea Masters were both twisting the throttle hard. McLean was in the lead over Baker for a short while during the Sunday morning moto but lost the lead during the second lap leaving her to finish the moto in second place. McLean finished the weekend out in second place overall on both days.
Masters was out there roaring around the track in the new 2011 Scott gear she had recently won in a Canada wide essay contest that was promoted by Scott and MXP magazine. Masters roared across the finish line in third place in each of her motos to take home third place overall for both Saturday and Sunday.
Baker finished the day, placing 14th overall in the MX2 intermediate class while she finished the day in 11th place overall in the youth class. On Sunday Baker finished the day in 11th place.
Campbell River rider Corby McCartney made his return to the motocross felt on Saturday after a few years away from it. McCartney raced the MX1 intermediate class and roared to an early lead and never looked back. He took home first for the day while Campbell River rider Brendon Fear took home second place.
On Sunday it was Brandon Cyr and Fear battling it out for first overall. When the checkered flag came out it was Cyr that was the winner for the day while Fear finished second.
McCartney was also in the vet master class on Saturday. He was up against some highly experienced riders but held his own very well. Not letting off the throttle at all while roaring in and out of the corners to ensure he made a podium finish. Campbell River rider Darcy McKenna was also riding the class and held off McCartney to take home first overall while McCartney finished the day in second place. It was Port Alberni rider Paul Hansen that took home third.
Stars of the racetrack
On Sunday McKenna was once again the rider to chase down. McKenna was not going to let that happen as took an early lead in both motos and never looked back. Bryan Whitcomb took home second place while Hansen went home with third place.
Bryce Adams of Powell River also returned after a short absence from the track. Adams was entered in the MX2 intermediate class and rode fantastic on Saturday to take home first overall for the day. Cory Cardinal was also in town from Crofton for the races and returned home with second place while Connor Barnes of Shawnigan Lake took home third place.
On Sunday Lower Mainland rider Dylan Delaplace had his throttle in the full open position to help him stay ahead of Cardinal so he could hold on to first place overall for the day. That left second place overall to Cardinal while Victoria rider Ryan Lalonde took home third place.
On Saturday in the youth class Nick Syrotuck of Nanoose Bay was the first person to the checkered flag to take home the overall win for the day. Cardinal took home second place while Barnes went home with third place.
Adams also rode in the youth class on Sunday and finished the day in third place while Cardinal finished the class in second place. Syrotuck was once again the overall winner of the class for the day.
Island riders
What a weekend the riders from Saltspring Island had. They made the trek to Campbell River well worth their while. Some the riders returned home with top place finishes in their class. One class that they did very well in was the 85cc 7-11 class on both days. It was Harrison Bradley that took first home to the Island while Wyatt Scheres took home second place. Saltspring rider Austin Archer made it a clean sweep for the Island by taking home third place.
On Sunday Bradley took home first place once again while Scheres took second place once again. Brandon Johnson also from Saltspring Island made it a clean sweep once again for the Island riders by taking home third place. Archer placed fourth for the day.
In the 65cc class Saltspring Island riders took home top place overall on both days. On Saturday Johnson was just tearing up the track and had a huge lead over Tanner Meyland of Shawinigan Lake who place second for the day. Andrew Bradbrooke of Victoria had a great day of racing and went home with third place.
On Sunday it was David Bradley of Saltspring Island that took home first place over all while Meyland went home with second place and Bradbrooke returned home with third place once again.
RidersWest April 2011 eNewsletter: Spring riding awaits
Looking for a hands-down winner
Riders have a chance to win some sweet prizes and raise money for ATV/BC at the organization's annual Poker Ride in June
Participants in a previous ATV/BC Poker Ride had the opportunity to sample the riding at Logan Lake. — photo courtesy Pat McHugh
Get your game face on and head to Merritt, B.C., in June 2011 for the seventh annual ATV/BC Poker Ride—the biggest gathering of quadding and side-by-side enthusiasts in the province.
Members from ATV/BC clubs across the province will converge on the Merritt rodeo grounds for trail riding in Crown land on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Wayne Dreger, a director with ATV/BC and one of the main organizers of the event, said he is expecting anywhere from 300 to 600 ATVers to come out for the ride.
It's in the cards
Over 100 kilometres of trail will be marked with flagging tape; riders will start with a couple of cards and receive more at a halfway station and one more at the end.
The poker hands work somewhat like bingo; each card in the hand will be matched up against a bingo-like template—with specific playing cards replacing the usual numbers—and players must make the best combination.
The first-place winner will receive $3,000; second will take away a quad trailer kit (an estimated value of $2,300) and third gets $500. Door prizes will also be handed out after the completion of the ride and there will be a raffle draw for a brand new ATV.
Make it a camping vacation
While the event is usually well supported by local riders, there is always strong representation from clubs in the far reaches of the province. People can camp out at the rodeo grounds beginning on June 21 and take off the day after the ride is over.
Being able to camp and ride one's quad or side-by-side right from their camper or trailer makes it easy for the riders who come out.
“People will come to it from a short distance away," said Dreger, "but they don’t make a big deal out of it, because it’s hard to find a camping area like we’re doing and be able to ride right from the camping area.”
The Poker Ride serves primarily as a fundraiser for ATV/BC—a provincial body that advocates for secure trail-riding areas as well as safe and responsible ATV operation.
Quadding is one of the fastest growing sports, but according to Dreger, people tend to develop an ill-informed opinion on ATVing based on the irresponsible actions of a few.
“We are just like other outdoor recreation users—we enjoy being out in nature,” he said. “But there are rules for a reason and riders must follow them.”
Got plans?
There is no better way to spend a May weekend than at the Battenfelder ATV Rodeo
Go it alone or take part in a team event at the Battenfelder ATV Rodeo. — Photo courtesy Battenfelder ATV Rodeo
Just outside Barrhead you'll find the Battenfelder farm, home of the popular Battenfelder ATV Rodeo. This fun weekend—happening from May 27 to 29—has been drawing ATVing enthusiasts for more than a decade now.
"We rode on my uncle’s land since we were seven or eight years old," said Don Battenfelder, one of the event's organizers. "One day, a bunch of us got together and said it would be great to put together an event where people could come and compete in the mud and on various obstacle courses. The first year, we had six teams—they went out and rode in the rain and the mud and we decided to carry on with it."
The events include chariot races, cross-country races, drag races and mud-pit races, with trophies for the winners. There is on-site camping and a steak supper on Saturday evening.
The riders come from northern and central Alberta, Saskatchewan and even Montana. Battenfelder said that being around like-minded people is his favourite part of the event.
"The competition is part of it," he said, "but it's not as much the focal point as the camaraderie and the riding."
Learn more and sign up on event's website.
Riders for a cause
Riding clubs are raising money and awareness to support a number of worthy causes
The Trail Seekers Snowmobile Club have reason to celebrate after raising more than $4,100 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. — Photo courtesy LeAnn Whaling
There seems to be something of a revolution taking place along Canadian snowmobile and ATV trails and along the highways and byways that link communities. While families and club members are the most frequent users of ATV and snowmobile trails, there are an increasing number of riders who are organizing events to raise money and awareness for diseases and causes that affect thousands of Canadians. ATV jamborees are pooling funds in support of local charities. SnoRiders has covered countless groups, including the Polaris Way Out Women riders and the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles in Saskatchewan, who fundraise for breast cancer research. Viva la Revolucion!
On January 23, 2011, the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain & District Trail Seekers Snowmobile Club gathered 22 adult women and four girls together for the first annual Ladies Snowmobile Ride for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut. The Trail Seekers' president, LeAnn Whaling, said the effort raised $4,125—an impressive way to kick off what Whaling is sure will become an event that grows in scope every year.
RidersWest and SnoRiders have often spoken about the sense of community we've discovered in talking with riders over the years, and it’s always heartening to hear about the different ways in which those riders contribute to the larger communities. We want to help tell those stories. Has your local association—snowmobile, ATV or motorcycle—been involved in an event that helps support your local community or raises money for an important charity? Email us and let us know. We’ll profile your stories in upcoming issues.
A long day’s riding into night
Spend 24 hours dirt biking for a good cause
The Fraser Valley Dirt Riders are putting on a memorable event. — Photo courtesy Jane Yaschuk
Attention dirt bike riders: if you've ever caught yourself staring into space, dreaming of riding all day and all night, now is your chance to realize that dream. For the first time since 2007, the Fraser Valley Dirt Riders Association (FVDRA) is holding its 24-Hour Dirt Rider Marathon. Riders of all calibres as well as spectators who want in on the action are invited to Hope, B.C., for a fun weekend over July 30 and 31.
"This year we’re raising money for cancer research—it’s Ride for the Cure," said Jane Yaschuk, the race director and marathon co-ordinator.
Yaschuk said the marathon is a well-respected event, drawing in many sponsors in addition to hundreds of riders. The FVDRA itself is a large club, with more than 200 voting members. It is also part of the Pacific North West Motorcycle Association.
There are two race courses, each catering to different calibres of riders. The lottery course will appeal to teams made up of dirt bikers with varying experience levels, such as families. There will be a minimum lap time, and every lap completed within the minimum time earns the team entrance into a lottery.
The main event, though, happens on the marathon course—and riders here are in it for the long haul.
"This is an endurance race and there are teams of six that run in a couple of categories," said Yaschuk. "The team that completes the most laps in the 24-hour period wins. We have some outstanding artwork trophies."
The course changes every year, so exact comparisons are difficult, but Yaschuk said that the winning team in 2007's expert class completed 88 laps. The event attracted 243 participants, but Yaschuk hopes that even more will attend this year.
"I would like to invite B.C.’s off-road riders to come join the fun and support Ride for the Cure," she said. "The Fraser Valley Dirt Riders welcome you."
Learn more on the FVDRA's website or the ride's Facebook page.
Ride, Sally, ride
And you too, Shereen, Liz, Mary, Andrea, Kimberly, Amanda . . .
Women in Ottawa get together for International Female Ride Day, an event that is gaining in numbers every year. — Kevin Virag photo
Hey, ladies: what are you doing May 6, 2011? Because here’s an idea: make a plan to get on your bike and ride and—well, that’s it really. Just ride.
International Female Ride Day is an event that was conceived by Motoress International, a Canadian-based organization that seeks to connect women motorcyclists across the world and support them in their passion. 2011 marks the fifth year that the organization is encouraging women to get out and be visible as a means of supporting other women riders.
Vicki Gray, the director of Motoress, said the event shows no signs of stopping.
“The popularity of this event comes from the concept that it invites women riders of all ages, styles and forms of motorcycling to take the lead and play a role,” said Gray. “Plus it’s a lot of fun. The campaign is a reality, and it’s obvious by its numbers (that) it’s here to stay.”
Motorcycling is often seen as primarily a men’s pastime, but as any motorsports dealer can attest, the number of women taking up the hobby—or lifestyle, if you prefer—is definitely on the rise. No longer content to simply ride as passengers, women are asking manufacturers to give them due consideration in new motorcycle and accessory lines, and Motoress is adding some heft to that voice.
"Indeed (the number of women riding) is rising, but women have been riding since the motorcycle was invented," said Gray. "So I thought, wouldn't it be great if there were a day where everyone just got out there and said, 'Look! Here we are!' "
And that’s the reason behind International Female Ride Day. Gray also said the day helps to normalize women riding for everyone, including the women themselves who might be uncertain about whether this is a pastime for them.
The event has been gaining in numbers and attention with each succeeding year, and this year’s campaign looks to be no different. The first year started as a test in Canada, but international groups picked up on it immediately, and word has been spreading like wildfire.
Make it your own
Gray said the point is to be on your bike, in any way you like—alone, with friends, as part of a charity ride or in any other way that makes it fun. Some of the rides have been meaningful, said Gray, including women who take their first solo ride on International Female Ride Day and celebrate that day each successive year.
"One that is most memorable is a group in Israel who rode through the streets of Tel Aviv," said Gray. "They wrote and said it was the first time in history a group of women have ridden through the streets. It was a short ride, but they had a presence."
Facebook status updates are proclaiming women riders’ intentions to join their sisters on May 6 on their touring and sport motorcycles, dirt bikes and scooters to help spread the word.
For more information, visit the Motoress website.
Rally the riders
Dust off your quad for the first spring ride near Skookumchuk in April 2011 with the Elkford ATV Club
Participants in a previous ATV/BC Poker Ride got to sample the riding at Logan Lake. — photo courtesy Pat McHugh
Roll out with the Elkford ATV Club on Sunday, April 17, 2011, when the organization holds a rally near Johnson Lake, not far from Skookumchuk.
The event is only in its second year, but word of mouth has already doubled the expected number of riders from last year.
A rec site at the lake will serve as a base of operations while the race is in progress; start time is between 10 and 11 a.m. Entrants pay a $10 participation fee: half goes to the club and the other half goes to the winner.
Slow but steady
Gord Vogell, an organizer of the event, stressed that the ride is not meant to be a traditional race in which people speed to cross the finish line first, second or third. The winner isn’t necessarily the first person to finish—there are a number of objectives a rider must complete along the way.
“The idea is—it’s not speed—you look for anomalies and things that are a little bit different and mark them down,” said Vogell. “When they get to the end, the person with all the right answers gets 50 per cent of the take.”
For example, at one checkpoint, a rider might have to dismount from the machine and walk 50 yards away to identify some kind of object under a tree.
The 2010 ride took place out at Norbury Lake and Picture Valley Road near Fort Steele; this year, the area around Johnson Lake was chosen for a change in scenery. In total, the ride is expected to cover 40 to 50 kilometres over Crown land.
Vogell has been riding ATVs since 2003, upgrading to four wheels from the two he used to ride when he went out on his mountain bike.
“My knees got so bad that I just couldn’t do it anymore, so my options were: do I sit at home or do I go out (on an ATV)?” said Vogell. “So that was a great option; I’ve seen more country on my quad than I ever did on my mountain bike.”
Lost? There’s an app for that
Keep it clean
Snap away
Celebrating the outdoor spirit
Mackenzie double-dog-dares you to stay inside this summer
Mackenzie is a favourite year-round destination for adventurers; these horse riders enjoyed an excursion during Alexander Mackenzie Days. — KPI file photo
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in northern B.C. who isn’t an avid outdoors lover. It’s only natural—you’re surrounded by some pretty serious wilderness that beckons adventurers to come and play.
That’s why the Mackenzie area is so popular with sledders, ATVers, hikers, bicyclists, horse riders, campers and anyone just wanting to get away from it all.
The outdoor spirit of the region comes alive in the summer with several festivals and events. Be sure to check out what’s happening when in the area.
Alexander Mackenzie Days
June 11 & 12, 2011
This family-friendly event includes entertainment, games, horse rides, the annual rubber duck race and—for the dedicated athletes—a triathlon and duathlon. Many of the activities take place at Alexander Mackenzie’s Landing at Williston Lake.
Mackenzie Elks Family Fishing Derby
June 18 & 19, 2011
The best part of most outdoor events is that they’re suitable for children, and they provide a great way to introduce little ones to the landscape that surrounds them. This weekend-long event, taking place at Alexander Mackenzie’s Landing, is no exception.
Mackenzie Pig Jig
July 23, 2011
Oh, just admit it. You’re really curious about this one, aren’t you? The Mackenzie Alpine Riders Horse Club sponsors this one-day, adults-only event that features bands to keep you dancing all night long while you digest food that may or may not include the aforementioned pig.
If you happen to miss any of these events, don’t despair. There are a multitude of ATVing, hiking and horse-riding trails to take you deep into the backcountry as well as an entire lake to explore by watercraft. There are several golf courses in the area and an almost unlimited number of places to camp. You won’t want to go inside until autumn rolls around again.
Bask in the Bulkley Valley
Join in on the fun, explore some incredible backcountry and find out what ATVing in Smithers is all about
Dave Tolton goes ATVing every weekend in the summer around Smithers with his favourite riding companion—Jackson, his Jack Russell. — Photo courtesy Dave Tolten
Imagine a community that is rich in spirit and recreation; it is surrounded by mountains and every recreational pursuit is at your fingertips. If you haven’t already guessed—I’m talking about Smithers.
The community is set against the backdrop of Hudson Bay Mountain, with the Babine mountain range to the east; these mountains become hot spots in the summer for enthusiastic quadders. The riding areas here are known for forested trail systems, spectacular viewpoints and the potential for wildlife sightings. The Bulkley Valley (BV) Quad Riders is an active group that sees involvement in several communities around the region. One of the club’s main goals is to become a pillar in the ATVing community, with plans to host as many functions around the Bulkley Valley as possible.
Dave Tolton, the vice-president of the BV Quad Riders, said the members organize a club ride twice a month during the summer. The club’s biggest annual event is the poker ride; last year, there was so much community support that every participant received a prize. Tolton said the 2011 poker ride will be even better.
The club consists of more than 50 members. Tolton said that although it is a small group, each member is fun loving and has a passion for ATVing.
“We all like to get out and get dirty,” said Tolton. “Smithers is well known for its environmental issues and motorized vehicle access restrictions, and we as a group are determined to prove that responsible off-road use of motorized vehicles is not only possible but beneficial to other user groups in Smithers.”
Enter the land ‘o lakes
There are more lakes here than you can count on your fingers and toes
Nesslin Lake is one of dozens of lakes within an hour of Big River. — Photo courtesy Bill Gerow
Next time you're looking at a map of Saskatchewan, check out the geography around Big River. You'll quickly see a big part of the appeal of this area—lakes. Whether you prefer to be found on the lake boating, on the shore fishing or circling those crystalline waters on an ATV, these lakes make your summers memorable.
For the ATVers, there is no lack of trails in this region—and some of them lead to lakes accessible only by ATV or sled. Don't forget to include a fishing rod with your gear for when stomachs start growling. Trout, walleye and pickerel can all be fished from these waters.
For a small community, Big River has a jam-packed schedule of events and activities throughout the year; contact the town office to find out more about its exciting offerings.
A blissful setting
Whitecourt boasts some of the finest trails in the province
An ATVer enjoys a day out quadding in the Timeu OHV Recreation Area. — photo courtesy Whitecourt/Woodlands County
Whitecourt, which lies within Alberta's Woodlands County, is widely known as the Snowmobiling Capital of Alberta—yet Whitecourt also has an extensive network of ATVing trails. Popular areas to ride include the House Mountain area and the Timeu OHV Recreation Area northeast of Fort Assiniboine. In addition, around 80 per cent of Woodlands County is Crown land, allowing quadders the opportunity to explore numerous trails and areas without ever seeing the same thing twice.
Whitecourt is holding a variety of events throughout June, July and August. From July 15 to 17, the Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo is scheduled in conjunction with the Whitecourt Wheels Show and Shine, which happens on July 16.
More details on these events will be released on the community events calendar as the date approaches.
Summertime adventures
Valemount is more than just a premium snowmobiling spot—it is also a preferred choice for ATVers in the summer
ATVing is a popular pastime in Valemount. — Photo courtesy VARDA
Along with winter snowmobiling, Valemount offers a unique ATV experience. Leave the thoughts of mud and tire spinning at home and come here to enjoy the scenic backdrops and natural beauty that our area has to offer.
From forestry roads decorated with waterfalls along the way, to riding and fishing adventures and panoramic views, Valemount has all kinds of natural wonders that can be enjoyed responsibly on an ATV or motorcycle.
One option in the area is the Kinbasket Lake region, which allows the exploration of endless forestry roads and natural wonders right from your campsite.
Grab your fishing rod and head out for a day of sightseeing, while stopping at one of the many tributaries to try your luck at catching and releasing a trophy bull or rainbow trout.
The lake area holds four managed forestry campgrounds and a marina—all of which are easily accessed and within 45 minutes from the town centre. This is an added bonus in terms of convenience, as services are never far away.
Another option while exploring Valemount is Canoe Mountain. At a peak elevation of 2,621 metres, this is a must-do trip while recreating around Valemount.
Peaks and valleys
An old road system will take you from the valley bottom to see 360-degree views of the entire area, including the famous Mount Robson. Once at the end of the road system, short hikes can be taken to see emerald-green alpine lakes, alpine flowers, wildlife and amazing natural opportunities for photographers.
There are also numerous campsites located around Valemount for those who want to be a little closer to services and to trailer to the riding areas.
The valley offers some amazing rides—even the locals are just beginning to find them. Logging has created access to some breathtaking terrain, and taking advantage of this access is one of the things that makes venturing out around Valemount on your ATV so much fun.
The website of the Valemount Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA) holds some great information, including brief trail descriptions, downloadable Google Earth tracks as well as downloadable Garmin GPS files of some of Valemount’s great rides.
The information located on the website is constantly being improved and added to, so please keep checking back for updates and information on some of our new trails.
Questions relating to ATV use, riding areas, campgrounds and general Valemount information requests can be directed to the VARDA office, where staff members will be happy to help you plan your next outdoor adventure to this spectacular area.
For more information, please check out www.valemountrecdevelopment.com, or contact the VARDA staff by phoning 250-566-4817, or by emailing the office.
Caring for the land
Our area is well known for its natural, undisturbed beauty and that is the way we want to keep it. We encourage our visitors to enjoy the public forest and rangelands.
Stay safe, tread lightly and know your obligations under the law to protect the environment.
Users of forest service roads are required to hold a valid driver’s licence and third-party liability insurance.
For a break from your off-road adventures, try one of Valemount’s other exciting offers, such as whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and golfing.
For more information on these activities, see our website.
A speed for every rider
High Level has an exciting new track for dirt bikers—and ATVers can enjoy leisurely excursions into the backcountry
The High Level Motocross Association allows people to reach ultimate heights. — Photo courtesy High Level Motocross Association
If your pastimes include motorized recreation and you like the peacefulness of a quaint community, then High Level is the perfect place to visit. Resident Chris Macleod enjoys dirt biking, ATVing and sledding around the region. Macleod is the president of the High Level Motocross Association and he said in June 2010, the association celebrated the grand opening of a new motocross track in High Level.
"The track is ever evolving," said Macleod. "We have been . . . adding obstacles and upgrading it. It is roughly 1.7 kilometres long and there are not a whole lot of natural elevation changes, but there are man-made elevation changes and the terrain is mainly silty sand."
Getting out to explore
The area surrounding High Level is known for its oil reserves and forests, and Macleod said ATVers use mostly old logging and oil patch trails when they go riding. Although there is no organized ATV club in High Level, Macleod said many people own quads and they use them mainly to get to fabulous hunting and fishing spots.
Among Macleod's favourite places to ride are Mechesis Lake, Hutch Lake and Chinchaga River, where he said the trails are abundant.
For the upcoming summer, Macleod said the motocross association is looking at a number of tentative events that he would like to see happen.
"We may try to run a regional race and try to get some people from the surrounding communities," said Macleod. "We thought of doing an open family ride day where people come in and sign a waiver and ride for free that day—that went over well last year. There are also a couple of professional race teams that we are good friends with that said they would come up and put up a demonstration for us again."
If you are interested in upcoming events once they are confirmed, check out the associations's website.
Go fast on the grass
Don't drag your feet at this event in Grassland or you will get left in the dust
It's all action at the Grassland Grass Drags as ATVs, snowmobiles and side-by-sides race each other for the top spot. — photo courtesy Don Kravontka
Fire up your ride, whether it has skis or wheels, and race other like-minded competitors at the Grassland Grass Drags next September.
Sledders and quadders can get their racing fix in timed drag trials over a stretch of 500 feet. The track is custom built and set up by volunteers in a field generously donated by a local landowner.
“It’s all about racing and keeping the spirit alive,” said Don Kravontka, one of the organizers. “We have a lot of fun with it.”
Spectators can expect to see up to 100 entrants to participate in what has become the largest event of its kind in Western Canada—a far cry from its humble beginnings six years ago when only 30 riders came out.
A barbecue is the unofficial kickoff on Friday night, with racing the next day followed by a cabaret featuring music and entertainment—all priced at $10.
While the main draw is the racing, Kravontka believes the variety of machines and competition categories make the event appeal to a wide range of off-roading enthusiasts.
The quad pull—in which ATVs pull heavy objects like tractors—is another favourite part of the drags, which will take place on September 24, 2011.
“If you put the extra into it, they will enjoy it and they’ll want to come back,” said Kravontka.
Door prizes and draws are another popular aspect, especially since more than $29,000 in gear, apparel, accessories and trailers was given out last year alone.
The races also provide a good way for sponsors and manufacturers to showcase new products; last year Can-Am came out and allowed spectators to ride around on the new Commander side-by-side.
Donating to important causes is another tenant the organizers believe in; past recipients have been the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Powder Packers snowmobile club in Blue River, B.C. for a staging area.
The event is supported by the Grassland Agricultural Society and organizers make sure insurance is covered and that proper medical staff and equipment are present.
Leaving no trace behind
The Elkford ATV Club spends one day each year cleaning up the backcountry so they can enjoy it for the rest of the season
A ride through the East Kootenay region leaves any ATVer breathless. — Photo courtesy Gord Vogell
Tracey James, the vice-president of the Elkford ATV Club, said that he and his buddies like to quad in numerous locations around Elkford. His favourite places include Big Weary Ridge and Weigert Creek, which are open during July and August to ATVers. James also said the route from Elkford to Munroe Lake offers fantastic riding and he occasionally goes on longer treks to Canal Flats and the Bull River.
James is a big fan of the outdoors, and he and many other club members strive to keep it in tip-top shape. Each year, the club organizes a Valley Cleanup Day; members come out for the day to pick up pop and beer cans, used car parts and garbage.
"We ride our quads and two pickups with trailers and head up the valley," said James. "We go right up to Weary Ridge (picking up garbage) . . . then we have a picnic and head on home."
The ride of champions
Borders? What borders?
Fuelled by ambition, dreams and a love of travel, Daryll Naidu and Angela Laarakkers are crossing continents
On December 24. 2010, Daryll Naidu and Angela Laarakkers reached the equator in Ecuador. — Photo courtesy Daryll Naidu and Angela Laarakkers
When I first learned about Daryll Naidu and Angela Laarakkers’ around-the-world motorcycle trip, it had already been underway for more than 160 days. To simply refer to it as a trip, though, seems to lessen its grandiosity. For there are road trips—and then there are road trips. Many people talk the talk about seeing the world, but how many truly walk the walk—or in this case, ride the ride?
Starting on August 30, 2010, from Vancouver, B.C., Naidu and Laarakkers hit the road on their 2008 Suzuki DR650SEs. They travelled down the west coast of California to Mexico, and then into Guatemala. From there it was on to El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Their route took them to the cloud forests of Costa Rica, the Panama Canal and the mountains of Colombia. Ecuador, Peru, Chile and finally Argentina were the last countries the couple visited in South America.
Leaving the Americas
At the time of our last communication, Naidu and Laarakkers were heading to Buenos Aires. Next up: Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by a trip up the eastern side of Africa and into Europe. The pair have no plans of stopping anytime soon, estimating that they could be on the road for up to two years. All this would make anyone wonder: what makes someone plan such an ambitious trip?
"We’ve always wanted to see as much of the world as possible and explore as many countries as we can," said Laarakkers. "Once we decided to sell our home (and) our possessions, and put our careers on hold while we do this trip, we wanted to make sure the experience we gained was worth the sacrifices."
Naidu reiterated this statement. The original idea for the trip came in July of 2007, when he suggested that he and Laarakkers quit their jobs to see the world—an idea that Laarakkers supported. The next three-plus years were spent undergoing the many preparations required for such a trip—for example, Laarakkers learned how to ride a motorcycle. Their dog had to be taken across Canada to her temporary caretaker. As well, the couple acquired legal documents and took courses, such as first aid. They packed—quite an ordeal when you're planning for months on the road.
But, for these two passionate riders, there was no other way. Friends and family jumped on board when they saw how diligent Naidu and Laarakkers were in their preparation.
"We kept it a secret for a long time, as we wanted to be certain that this is what we wanted to do and wanted to be certain of our departure date before letting people know," said Naidu. "When we did decide to tell friends and family, it came as a shock to our friends that didn’t ride motorcycles; however, the friends that do ride could see it coming, as we lived and breathed everything bike related. All our friends were extremely excited and some wished that they could join us. My family in particular were apprehensive at first, but once they realized how passionate I was, were fully supportive of our ideas and plans."
Taking it all in
Living life on the road isn't always glamorous or cheery, of course, but for Naidu and Laarakkers, the high points—making it to Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Bridge of the Americas, and meeting many wonderful people along the road—more than make up for the low points.
"Most of the people that we meet are in awe when we tell them about places we’ve been," said Naidu. "Some are dumbfounded when they hear that we came all the way from Canada by bike—or don’t think it’s possible and have a hard time believing us. But once we tell them about the beautiful places we’ve been in their respective countries, they are taken aback by our experiences and always wish us safe travels."
Learn more about Naidu and Laarakkers and keep up with their adventures on their travel blog, One World 2 Explore.
Protect your neck
Class is in session
Respectful riding is the number 1 theme for a safety program that mainly targets young riders in elementary and high school
Don Peters talks about riding with respect, and what that means, to a group of young elementary students. — photo courtesy Don Peters
When it comes to recreation vehicle safety, you can never start too young. The Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association (AOHVA) has taken this to heart by creating a safety program that caters to kids from grades 1 to 12.
The new Ride with Respect program is an enhancement of a previous program that builds on material to cover all aspects of off-highway vehicles such as ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and Argos, according to Don Peters, the ATV safety co-ordinator for the AOHVA.
The program has three sections that correspond to different age groups; grades 1 to 3 get a different presentation than grades 4 to 6 or 7 to 12.
But one constant theme that runs through all discussions—no matter what the age group—is that there are four aspects of respect: for yourself, the machine, other trail users and the land.
Never too young
Even though it seems like kids in Grade 1 are too young to understand ATV safety issues, you can never start too early, said Peters.
“Our main message with the little kids is that they’re around mom and dad," he said. "They never ride alone and they never ride unless they have adult supervision.”
Grades 1 to 3 students listen to an interactive CD with animals talking about how off-road ATVing affects their habitat, in addition to hearing about safety gear such as helmets and proper clothing.
With older kids, Peters puts on a slide presentation and initiates discussions about safety gear and the consequences of bad choices.
“Let's say you take your side-by-side and you want to run through the creek and there’s a bridge there,” Peters said. “What happens if you have someone that comes along and turns you in to (law) enforcement? It’s like a $350 fine—and (the kids) need to know that.”
Peters and a team of three other instructors take the program to schools around Alberta, but funding only allows for five months of operation.
Anyone interested in booking Peters or one of the program instructors for a presentation can contact them through the AOHVA website.
RidersWest March 2011 eNewsletter: Riders on a mission
Building bridges
The Elkford ATV Club has a big project underway
The bridge looks stunning with Elkford scenery as a backdrop. — Photo courtesy Elkford ATV Club
The Elkford ATV Club recently took on a large project: building a bridge crossing over the Elk River five kilometres north of Elkford. This bridge is used by everyone, including tourists, hunters, fishermen, walkers, hikers, bicyclists, snowmobilers, people walking their dogs and ATV riders.
The Elkford ATV Club took this project on with the help of many interested persons, including members of the local snowmobile club. There were many donations of food and materials—too many to list here.
Special mention should go to the Columbia Basin Trust, which grants funding for community projects. The District of Elkford was granted approximately $6,500 and the club paid the shortfall of about $2,500. The painting, done by S.M.S. Equipment, was a nice yellow colour, to go with the colours of the fall leaves.
Lumber was supplied by MacDonald Ranch, including the hauling of it to Elkford.
We wish to thank all the supporters; now we need to come up with some fundraising events to earn some of our costs back. Special thanks to Denise Bertrand, who pitched in and helped make this project work.
Some of our members camped there for a week during the project, and some days we had as many as 50 people helping out.
Mid Winter 2011 SnoRiders magazine
SWATT flies high
This group works to improve B.C.'s riding
Making connections: SWATT hopes to link riding areas across B.C., starting in the Lower Mainland — Photo courtesy SWATT
There are tens of thousands of ATVs in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, but until recently, there was no unified voice between them. That has changed with the formation of South Western All Terrain Trails (SWATT), a coalition joining four ATV clubs, ATV/BC and the provincial government.
“It was set up to help mitigate some issues and problems in various areas,” said Bruce Ledingham, a director of the Lower Mainland ATV Club and the club’s representative in SWATT. “Also, (we’re) trying to move ATVing forward and make it a more organized sport in the Lower Mainland . . . (and) develop new opportunities for riding.”
SWATT’s first—and still ongoing—major project is developing a 700-site campground in the West Harrison area. Members have also constructed a staging area at Grace Lake, complete with outhouses, picnic tables and more.
Mapping, signage and GPS data for riding areas are all part of SWATT’s plans. It is evident from reading SWATT’s website that what SWATT does, it does thoroughly and with great attention to detail. Ledingham estimates that the number of volunteer hours spent on SWATT projects easily reaches the thousands.
ATVers are encouraged to attend SWATT’s first poker rally, expected to attract up to 1,000 riders. The event takes place at Hemlock Resort, located one hour east of Vancouver, from July 1 to 3. It promises a full and fun-packed schedule.
Check out SWATT's website for more information on this dynamic group.
Command and conquer
RidersWest February 2011 eNewsletter: ATVers get down and dirty
A first-time excursion: Photo gallery
XRider Zone 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-
Alberta BeachGet out and ride!
Ecko Marine Ltd. carries top brands like Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Evinrude at great prices. We proudly serve Edmonton, Calgary and other Alberta locations, where we specialize in ATVs, snowmobiles, PWCs and boats, and stock thousands of other accessories, parts and clothing items. Offering both new and pre-owned machines, and giving you the most friendly and efficient service, we are confident that you will be one of our many satisfied customers. Check out our extensive online inventory, and make plans to stop in and see us anytime!
Ecko Marinewww.eckomarine.com -
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 
SaskatchewanSnowmobile, ATV and Motorcycle Parts and Accessories
At Recreation Supply Co., we can set you up with the latest gear for your favourite outdoor adventure. Whether you get your thrills on the winter sledding trails, cruising the terrain on an ATV or hitting the backroad or highway on a motorcycle, our experienced staff can make sure that you have all the parts, accessories and gear that you need to make the season an unforgettable one.
Recreation Supply Co. Ltdwww.recreationsupply.ca
Grande Prairie, ABWe are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00 ride rate. 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 summer rates for motorcyclists, which includes a complimentary bike wash.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate.Stanford Inn - Grande Prairiewww.grandeprairiestanfordhotel.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
AlbertaDiesel performance is our passion.
At North American Diesel Performance, we carry aftermarket parts for all major manufacturers of diesel trucks such as Dodge, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and even for your car or RV. We are your one-stop shop for the latest technology from the best brands in the industry. We stock par ts from ATS Diesel Performance, Magnaflo Performance Exhaust, DIESEL POWER®, PPE, Howes, Dr. Performance, Amsoil and much much more! There are endless possibilities and customizable packages for every type of driver. We test each product in our own diesel trucks before we make them available to you, and we are the leaders in our industry because diesel performance is our passion.
North American Diesel Performancewww.nadp.ca
Drayton Valley, ABFirst Choice Recreation: Your BRP dealer for sales and service
First Choice Recreation is your BRP dealer for all sales and warranty on Can-Am and Ski-Doo products. We work on all makes and models of ATVs, SSVs and snowmobiles, with special attention to customer service and quality new and used inventory. We stock bike chains, filters, oil, brakes, spark plugs and more. We also have a large selection of quad and snowmobile belts, tires and rims, helmets, gloves, goggles, footwear, clothing and accessories to suit every rider.
First Choice Recreation LTD.www.firstchoicerecreation.com
SaskatchewanWe're here to be the dealer you need!
We are AWE Motor Sports, your local Yamaha Motorsports dealer located in Kinistino, Saskatchewan. We are prepared to meet the challenges and changes of today's modern technology. Our main line is Yamaha products. These include: Yamaha motorcycle and scooters, snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-side and Yamaha proven and tested power equipment. We have a good selection of new and used equipment. Our service technicians are highly trained, enabling us to service your needs when and where you need us. Also, we have a high inventory parts department and are part suppliers for many different lines. Our friendly and knowledgeable parts staff has access to all makes of equipment at competitive pricing.
AWE Motor Sportswww.awemotorsports.ca-
Camrose, AlbertaWe service what we sell
Welcome to Camrose Arctic Cat, where the variety of powersports products is second to none. Whether you're waist-deep in snow or just itching to get to the track, we're here to help. We're happy to help you find either the perfect recreational vehicle or the parts you've been looking for. Check out our products page to see what we have; and if you need help in making your selection, call or stop in—we're always ready to help! At Camrose Arctic Cat in Camrose, Alberta, you'll find ATVs, Snowmobiles, utility vehicles and other powersports gear from industry leaders like Arctic Cat.
Camrose Arctic Catwww.camrosearcticcat.com 
Edmonton, ABWe've got your sport covered
Martin Motor Sports is proud to be your first stop for all your recreation needs. As the exclusive MasterCraft dealer in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we are committed to providing you with high quality products and unparalleled customer service. We've got your weekends covered with full parts, service, finance and accessories departments, along with a very knowledgeable and experienced staff. Whether it's spring, summer, winter or fall we've got the right product for you! We carry Can-Am ATVs and Roadsters, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Manitou pontoon boats, Supra, Moomba and MasterCraft luxury boats and Ski-Doo snowmobiles, to name a few. Martin Motor Sports is your one-stop shop for everything recreation.
Martin Motor Sportswww.martinmotorsports.ca
Mighty Peace River, ABCome 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.Mighty Peace Tourism Associationwww.ridenorth.ca
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 
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, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
Grande Prairie Regional Collegewww.gprc.ab.ca/fairview
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 -
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Elk Island Sales Inc.
Quality products from Polaris and Victory.
Elk Island Sales Inc.www.elkisland-polaris.com -
Selkirk, MB
Westside Honda - Polaris of Selkirk
Take a ride to the west side. Your Polaris and Honda connection.
Westside Honda - Polaris of Selkirkwww.westsidehonda.ca -
Polaris - Honda - Argo - Husqvarna
Dedicated to providing our customers with service, quality products and competitive pricing.
Athabasca Outdoor Productswww.athabascaoutdoors.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 -
Gull Lake, SK
Montgomery and Son Sales
We are a leading ATV, side-by-side, snowmobile and outdoor equipment dealer in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. Whether you're looking for the latest products from Polaris or today's best clothing and accessories - we've got it.
Montgomery & Son Saleswww.montgomerypolaris.com -
Bonnyville, AB
A rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction.
At Motion Motor Sports, we offer you the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of the motor sports business.
Motion Motor Sportswww.motionmotorsports.com -
Saskatchewan
Check out our line of quality Suzuki ATVs
We at Evanol Recreational Products welcome ATV-lovers to visit us and see the latest and greatest Suzuki models.
Evanol Recreational Productsevanol@shaw.ca -
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 -
Alberta
So many Arctic Cat models to choose from.
At Checker'd Flag Sports in Hanna, Alberta, every recreation enthusiast will feel welcome. See our lineup of cutting edge Arctic Cat models, and be amazed at what we have to offer.
Checker'd Flag Sportscfs@telusplanet.net -
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
Offering the best in Yamaha and Arctic Cat machines
Northside Motorsports in Edson, Alberta, is proud to sell your favourite brands, and provide excellent customer service.
Northside Motorsportsnorthside.sales@telus.net - www.ralphsmotorsports.comAlberta
We carry a full line of ATVs, snowmobiles and accessories
Combining an awesome selection of machines and gear with premium customer service, repairs and financing options.
Ralph's Motorsportswww.ralphsmotorsports.com -
Saskatchewan
An outstanding dealership with a prime lineup of machines
Whether you're seeking a new or used sled, ATV or accessories, E. Bourassa & Sons has something to suit your needs.
E Bourassa & Sonswww.ebourassa.com -
Saskatchewan
Your first choice in Arctic Cat dealers
Located in Findlater, Saskatchewan, Kutcher Bros. Service is dedicated to selling you the finest Arctic Cat models.
Kutcher Bros Servicekutcherbros@yourlink.ca -
Saskatchewan
Selling and servicing Arctic Cat and other quality brands
Our top experts are ready to hook you up with the latest parts and equipment.
Nick's Service Ltd.www.nicksservice.com -
Saskatchewan
Your favourite machines are our specialty
At Northside Leisure Products, we are proud to run a quality ATV/snowmobile dealership and stand behind the products we sell and the service provided by our factory-trained and certified Cat Master technicians.
Northside Leisure Productswww.northsideleisure.com -
Saskatchewan
Your one-stop shop for all your recreational needs
Open Road Recreation in Regina is your one-stop shop for all your recreational wants and needs. We carry everything from travel trailers to boats, snowmobiles to ATVs, bikes to scooters, lawn and garden equipment to generators. We have it all and only carry the best! Dutchman travel trailers, Crownline boats, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs, a full line of Yamaha sport and recreation vehicles, and lastly, Husqvarna lawn and garden equipment. Something broken or just not running right? We can repair it! We have trained and certified technicians for all of our units. Come in today to see our vast selection. We are also interested in all types of trades.
Open Road Recreationwww.openroadrecreation.com -
Manitoba
See yourself with a brand new Ski-Doo
Hit the trails and embrace your sledding passion with a quality Ski-Doo machine from Gimli Snowmobile.
Gimli Snowmobileskidoo@mts.net -
Manitoba
Come out and play
Enjoy our selection of machines from your favourite brands by Bombardier; SkiDoo, CanAm and Commander.
L.A.D. Enterprises Ltd.ladent@mts.net -
Manitoba
We are here to serve you
From the most recent in ATV technology to the hottest new snowmobiles, we can help you find the recreational vehicle made for you.
Sobetski Enterprises Ltd.www.sobetskienterprises.com -
Manitoba
Manitoba's oldest Polaris dealership since 1965
At St. Martin Garage, we stand behind the products we sell and the service provided by our factory-trained technicians. We service every brand we sell and others as well.
St. Martin Garagewww.stmartingarage.com -
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 -
Alberta
The best name in powersports products
Come to Southland Powersports to find your ideal off-road bike, Yamaha ATV and other recreational vehicles.
Southland Powersportssouthpower@shockware.com -
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 -
Alberta
Using our vast experience to serve you better
Camrose Motorsports is proud to bring you the latest Honda power equipment; Honda and Bombardier recreational products; accessories, apparel and safety gear.
Camrose Motorsportswww.camhonda.ca -
Manitoba
Providing customer satisfaction and integrity in the products and services we provide
Reit-Syd Equipment now carries Bombardier and Commander products. We will be proud to assist you in purchasing one of these awesome machines.
Reit-Syd Equipment Ltd.www.reit-sydequipment.com -
Manitoba
See our full line of Honda ATVs, Ski-Doo sleds, and more!
The staff at Virden Recreation continually strive to provide customers with the best product at the best price, with the most enjoyable buying experience they have ever had.
Virden Recreationwww.virdenrec.com -
Manitoba
Serving Swan River, MB, with quality sleds and ATVs
We handle original manufacturer and after-market accessories for all ATVs and snowmobiles, and are an authorized dealer for Yamaha, Honda, Sylvan, Minn Kota, Husqvarna and more top brands.
Northern Rentals & Power Products Ltd.www.northernrentals.ca -
Alberta
Let the good times roll, and see our latest specials on new and used machines
We are a dealer for New Holland agriculture and Kawasaki equipment, parts and service as well as Kawasaki ATVs, Mules and motorcycles, and many others.
Challenger New Holland Ltd.www.challengernh.ca -
Manitoba
Manitoba's motorsport professionals since 1969
The staff at Headingley Sport Shop specializes in quality products from Kawasaki, Victory, Polaris and Triton; including their motorcycles,snowmobiles, ATVs, Rangers, RZRs and more. Our 6,000-square-foot showroom has all the accessories you need to get the most out of your ride. Our finance department offers competitive rates, our factory trained technicians are your best problem solvers and our parts department is second to none. We can store your bike or sled safely in our on-site storage facility. Visit our website to see a complete listing of our new and used inventory, then visit our store at 5160 Portage Ave, Headingley MB R4H 1E1.
Headingley Sport Shop Ltd.www.headingleysport.com -
Manitoba
Always embracing new products and technologies
Nickel City Motors carries top brands like Honda, Ski-Doo, and Princecraft at great prices. Proudly serving the Manitoba, Nunavut, and Saskatchewan areas, we specialize in snowmobiles, ATVs and more. As we enter our 42nd year in business in Thompson we look to the future with optimism and excitement. We continue to evolve and strengthen our business by being open to new products and technologies that allow us to continue servicing the northern region at the level you have come to expect from us.
Nickel City Motors Ltd.www.nickelcitymotors.com -
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 -
Manitoba
Take a ride to the Westside for all of your powersport and outdoor equipment needs.
Westside Honda Polaris of Selkirk offers a full line of Honda motorcycles, ATVs, power equipment and Honda marine. In 1998, Polaris snowmobiles and ATVs joined the line-up followed by Polaris ranger utility vehicles.
Westside Honda - Polaris of Selkirkwww.westsidehonda.ca -
Manitoba
Our variety of powersports products is second to none
We carry a full lineup of Polaris and Yamaha ATVs and snowmobiles, and our recreational vehicles are designed to accommodate everyone from the farmer, rancher or outdoorsman, to the weekend warrior and avid sports rider.
Rick's Marine (1999) Ltd.www.ricks-marine.ca 
Grande Prairie, ABWindsor Motorsports: A small store, with big deals!
At Windsor Motorsports, we ensure that you have the best bargains possible. Shop from our impressive selection of ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, pit bikes and boats, not to mention a variety of quality previously owned machines. We carry the top brands, such as Suzuki and PitsterPro, and we have financing options to suit every budget, so gear up and head down to our store today.
Windsor Motorsportswww.windsorrv.com-
Portage La Prairie, MBSleds and ATVs that fit your lifestyle
At Chabot Implements Co. Ltd. in Portage la Prairie Manitoba you will find an amazing selection of Arctic Cat Snowmobiles and ATVs - we have the toys and/or the work horses that fit your lifestyle. We strive to offer you the latest in parts and accessories at the best possible prices. The staff at Chabot’s aim high to provide our customers with unparalleled service. 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!
Chabot Implements Co. Ltd.www.chabotimplements.com -
Portage La PrairieChabot Implements—Sleds and ATVs that fit your lifestyle
At Chabot Implements Co. Ltd. in Portage la Prairie Manitoba you will find an amazing selection of Arctic Cat Snowmobiles and ATVs - we have the toys and/or the work horses that fit your lifestyle. We strive to offer you the latest in parts and accessories at the best possible prices. The staff at Chabot’s aim high to provide our customers with unparalleled service. 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!
Chabot Implements Co. Ltd.www.chabotimplements.com