After another summer of hot and dusty (wasn’t the worst year) riding in the Grand Forks area, the prime fall riding season is right around the corner. Temperatures are all already cooling, and the nights are arriving much earlier as we reach the fall equinox (September 22, 2024) and head toward the winter solstice. Things to remember when riding in fall is that it’s hunting season, snow can fall at high elevations, and if we get lots of rain, routes could have fresh washouts and treefalls, creating hazards for riders. Remember to always follow your machines manufacture recommendations for maintenance and safety gear while operating your ATV.
GFATV seeks Executive Members
As a volunteer driven society, we rely on our membership to drive what we do and how we do it. There are amazing opportunities to be part of a great team and community. Our group takes part in community events and maintains trails which requires organization and execution to be successful.
If you are interested in joining in and taking a role on the GFATV executive, please reach out and let us know by email to info@grandforksatv.ca.
Current Openings
Vice President
It’s easier than it sounds. The vice president generally assists the president with meetings and ensure the club is maintained. The vice president also takes on responsibilities as desired to enhance the club, partnerships, and trails throughout.
Club Director
The easiest way to start, directors at large simply vote on which activities and projects the club takes on and attends meetings to discuss club happenings.
Events
Thank you to all the members that have offered to help with events. Members have supplied the public rides at a few events this year and supplied hours of volunteer service to organize and participate in events. If you would like to volunteer to provide a ride or participate in events, please contact Teresa. We sure appreciate everyone’s support to make the events successful.
Mark your calendars with these GFATV event dates:
September 8 – Grand Opening Franklin Heritage Trail
Join us as we showcase improvements to the Franklin Heritage Trail. Our maintenance and trail clearing crews have been very busy over the past few years installing Points of Interest, trailhead kiosks, picnic tables, and accessible outhouses around the historic mining area known as Franklin Camp. We are looking forward to taking local dignitaries and members that have supported GFATV for an ATV tour of the newly designated historic trail.
September 16 – Christina Lake 2024 Accessibility Ride
This year’s accessibility ride will take place at Dueling Oaks at the Cascade Par 3 near Christina Lake, BC. Seats for this event are very limited and sell out very fast. The event offers you a “Ticket to Ride” the Columbia & Western Rail Trail from Christina Lake up toward the Paulson bridge. The public rides on ATV’s with a GFATV Member sell out faster than the tickets for the event, so if you haven’t registered yet, contact our director of events, Teresa.
Without our events committee and director or events, these events would not happen. A huge THANK YOU to Teresa and the events team for all your hard work! If you are interested in joining the fun, please let us know!
Boundary Museum Grill ‘n’ Ride – August 10, 2024
The event was a success. The 7 machines were all used. The museum has asked us after the family day event to do a ride in the summer. The events committee and president Doug met several times virtually for meetings regarding events and this event was brought up during these meetings. The museum had hot dogs for sale and fed the club for free. Teresa manned the sales table and sold hats and map books. We also had the Franklin pamphlets available. Teresa was in charge of the MV1815 and made sure it was followed including helmets worn by all. The museum looks forward to what next year will bring. Club members and rider guests thanked the club on Facebook and email for hosting a successful fun day. We have a 1/2 page write up on the back page of this week’s gazette.
On behalf of Grand Forks ATV, thank you to everyone that planned and took part in the Boundary Museum Grill ‘n’ Ride.
Lots of interest in Grand Forks ATV Trails
From organizations to residents and visitors, everyone is looking for our mapping information to navigate trails throughout the area. We receive quite a few requests on social media and through email for information on routes and riding conditions.
It’s always difficult to determine if a trail 100% good-to-go because things in the back country can change so quickly. Trees constantly fall and rain can create devastating washouts in minutes. So the message we always try to convey is to be prepared for the absolute worst. Always prepare for alternate routes in case yours is blocked, and always carry extra supplies such as water, fuel, and food, just in case your adventure is extended.
Most of our routes follow Forest Service Roads and are named as per the forest service roads (i.e. Gable-Traverse Loop). As you travel along, pay attention to the kilometer markers, noting the name of the road, and whether the marker numbers are increasing or decreasing. This will tell you if you’re going up or down the road. If suddenly, your route numbers change, you’re most likely on a new/different road. If you get lost and need to relay information as to your location, you will need to know what road you are on, and approximately how many kilometers you travelled. By watching these kilometer markers, you will be able to better navigate the routes.
Remember to always utilize multiple mapping tools such as a phone or GPS, paper maps, and a compass. On a long trip, your electronics battery will most likely not last the entire time. There are ways around this, but it’s something to be aware of.
If you know how far your machine will go on a tank of fuel, reset your trip odometer at the beginning of each ride, so you can easily track how far you have gone. This is also a great way to double check your fuel gauge is functioning properly.
Visit Grand Forks ATV – Maps for our mapping resources.
Trail Notice
Attention ATV riders in Christina Lake: The Italy Connector from Santa Rosa to Clarkson Road is closed through the private property at south end. Please respect the landowner while we work to resolve their concerns and re-establish a public route.
