Riding season beckons for Eastern Ontario ATV riders !
START WITH THE SPRING ATV RUN IN OMPAH
DAVE BAKER
Despite all those open trails over the winter around Ottawa , spring is still an exciting time for the ATV enthusiast . All trail systems close during spring thaw to protect them from damage when they are wet and vulnerable as the snow melts . So as April turns to May , the ATV ’ s have been hibernating for eight to 10 weeks and everyone is anxious for their first rides .
The National Capital Region offers lots of trail systems for all skill levels . Ottawa is within District 1 of the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles , which boasts six clubs , some with trailheads inside the city limits , and none further than two hours away .
For a quick look at the trail systems that the Ottawa region has to offer , I must introduce you to the clubs , as they do the heavy lifting , and create and maintain trails for all riders to enjoy .
The ATV Club of Eastern Ontario is east of Ottawa in the Limoges-St . Pascal area , and has over 300 kilometres of trails .
Johnstown ATV Club south of Ottawa in Johnstown offers in the neighborhood of 100 kilometres of trail .
The Ottawa Valley ATV Club west of Ottawa in the Calabogie-Ompah area has a seemingly endless array of trails , of all skill levels to enjoy .
The Nation Valley ATV Club ’ s trails are south of Ottawa , primarily in the Municipality of North Dundas but now extend north into Osgoode Ward of the City of Ottawa .
Rideau Lakes ATV Club is the newest club in the region located southwest of Ottawa , and is opening trails this summer in the Smiths Falls area .
The Thousand Islands ATV Club is the furthest from Ottawa , but well worth the trip to enjoy the scenic St . Lawrence Seaway .
Further west in Barry ’ s Bay is the Renfrew County ATV Club , and though it is not a member of the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles , the federation trail pass is accepted on its trail system . Now that you know the players , let ’ s explore some rides .
The first big organized spring ride to hit our region , one which has everyone chomping at the bit , is the Spring ATV Run in Ompah April 30 . Its hosted by the Ompah Volunteer Fire Department and the Ottawa Valley ATV Club . This run raises money funds for Ompah Community Volunteer Initiatives , the Ride for Dad and the Relay for Life of the Canadian Cancer Society . It draws ATVers from near and far , and has seen attendance of up to 600 enthusiasts .
Riders gather at the Double S Marina on Highway 509 in Ompah to register , pick up their souvenirs and raffle tickets , get maps and prepare to hit the trails ! Volunteers make sure the trail route is well marked , and trail wardens are widely dispersed to ensure that no riders get turned around – or worse , left behind .
This run hits many highlights , including the scenic lookout by Granite Lake , and then through the Mountain Chute to the lunch provided by Relay for Life .
After lunch , rally participants are free to head off on trails “ least travelled ” or stick to easier paths depending on their driving skills . At the end of the day , all trails lead to the starting line for dinner by the Ompah volunteers .
It ’ s a day of good times for all in the great outdoors . It ’ s on the Facebook event page https :// www . facebook . com / events / 1678397702404095 / and you can register ahead of time at www . ridefordad . ca .
Check out the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles events calendar for other upcoming events and we ’ ll see you on the trails !
DAVE BAKER , and his crew of over 300 all-terrain enthusiasts lined-up for the 2016 Nation Valley Telus
ATV Ride for Dad
ATV • Sea-Doo • Ski-Doo
• Pontoon • Fish & Ski boat Rentals
Located at Perth Powersports & Marine Hwy . 7 E . Perth , ON 613-267-6371 reservations @ outdoors-adventure . com www . outdoors-adventure . com
www . fishhuntandride . ca FISH , HUNT RIDE | 37