Newsletter #175 July Update

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Message from the President of the OFTR

Hello all,

Well I hope everyone is enjoying the amazing weather and riding conditions in Ontario.

Over the last month our clubs have been busy hosting events around Ontario resulting in epic stories and the creation of some core memories. The Algonquin 2-Day ride hosted by GreenLeaf Events is alway a great time and we are thankful that the ride continues year after year.

KORMA had to postpone their Kraken Ride to a later date but hosted a smaller group ride on Canada Day that covered some great trails in Kawartha. What a way to celebrate Canada Day!

Finally, HTR hosted the Soggy Boot Trail Ride and all the feedback has been great. I think there was more than one set of soggy boots at the end of it.

Congratulations to all the clubs that had successful events, big and small, and there are still plenty of rides on the calendar as we near the middle of July.

Along this vein, I feel like we should all take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers that make these events possible. Volunteering is so important to our sport in so many ways. From hosting events, clearing trails and supporting our clubs, to advocacy and working with partners across the province to maintain access to trails, volunteers make it happen. I am blessed to represent an amazing Board of Directors who work countless hours in support of riding in Ontario. Our clubs also have countless volunteers that support riders in their specific regions and work alongside the OFTR to advocate on the membership’s behalf. Thank you to every volunteer that works to keep our amazing sport alive and healthy.

I also want to thank the membership for the engagement on our different social media platforms. From trails to electric bikes, we here at the OFTR are trying to communicate with the membership as much as possible. We post regularly on Instagram and Facebook and always enjoy the comment section and the opportunity to engage with riders in Ontario. We see the passion many of you have for the sport, and we feel the same way. If you have something to say, say it! We are listening and reading through the comment sections daily.

Well that’s it for now. I hope July brings good things for all of you and lots of riding. Keep your knobbies in the dirt and plastics shiny!

Rob

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End of an Era

It is the end of an era at the OFTR as Rome Haloftis has officially retired from his position at the OFTR as the Event Coordinator. Although we are looking forward to seeing what adventures Rome goes on next, we know that whatever adventure he goes on it will have two wheels.

Rome has been the face of the OFTR, attending club rides, sweeping, selling OFTR t-shirts, and sharing stories to a captive audience. Rome always shares the benefits of the OFTR with anyone that will listen and has been and always will be one of the OFTR’s greatest allies.

We have had many comments come in about Rome in the past, one of them being an anonymous comment simply saying “Rome is God,” we have also had people say 'he's the only guy I know who loves to make you ride beyond your capabilities."

We will miss you Rome! Best of luck on your next adventures.

Royal Distributing is a proud Gold Sponsor of the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders.

The long-standing partnership between Royal and the OFTR has given trail riders the opportunity to access trails safely across Ontario and provided riders with an outlet to explore everything Ontario has to offer!

Since 1990, Royal Distributing has been committed to keeping riders riding and the partnership with the OFTR makes this goal achievable! Stay tuned for updates as there will be some exciting announcements coming soon.

OFTR Day Passes

Do you have a dirt bike and don't know where to ride it? Try out one of the OFTR Club trails by purchasing an OFTR day pass. Please ensure you are plated and insured.

Passes can be purchased online here.

2023 OFTR Membership

Have you purchased your membership? Have a great summer by being an OFTR member. Click HERE to purchase your membership.

Club Updates

Exciting News from Dufferin County

The Dufferin Rooftop Recreational Riders have just signed an agreement with Dufferin County giving the club access to the Dufferin Rail Trail from Orangeville to just north of Shelburne.

This gives OFTR members rail trail access from Orangeville to Rockford (just outside of Owen Sound). The total length of the Dufferin and Grey Rail trail combined is 115 kilometres.

President Art Ash was very happy with the negotiations and is looking forward to the new relationship with Dufferin County. He also wanted to remind all users to obey the speed limits, stop signs, and please slow down and stop for enforcement officers.

DRRRA plans to map the trail soon and have it added to RideOFTR.

Great work DRRRA!

2023 Soggy Boot

On Saturday July 8th and Sunday July 9th Haliburton Trail Riders hosted their annual Soggy Boot.

With over 160 riders over the two days the club was thrilled to host this ride. The weather cooperated and everyone had a great time. Riders filled their bellies with pulled pork or roast beef, and watermelon.

The fun didn't end after the riding, on Saturday night HTR hired a live band. Lots of memories were made and many stories were told.

You won't want to miss this event next year!