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."