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Newsletter #178 October Update

This update is brought to you by:

Message from the President of the OFTR

Hello again Ontario Trail Riders!

Firstly, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! I hope there is still some good riding weather left because I may have a few extra pounds to work off. The weather turned really fast and it seemed like we went from Summer to Autumn in about 24 hrs, almost literally overnight. The colours are amazing and the trail floors are covered in leaves making for some epic riding so get out there and enjoy. Of course we ask that you continue to respect all user groups and we all know that hunters are out in many different areas. For some, that means being extra careful and making sure to respect local trail usage agreements and customs.

October and Thanksgiving seems like a good time to extend my personal thank you to all the volunteers and staff here at the OFTR. Lisa, our amazing Executive Director has done so many amazing things for the membership this year, it would take too long to post them here. From new trails, sponsors, networks, policies and much more, she has been blazing a trail guiding the OFTR every single day since being hired. Thank you Lisa for all you do! Alongside Lisa is George who also plays a key role in making sure memberships, the website and the Ride OFTR APP continue to enable riders in Ontario. Amazing work!

For the Directors (volunteers), I would like to thank Brian, Greg, Ian, Stephanie, Kellee, Steve, Art and Warren for all they do on the membership’s behalf. Many of these OFTR Directors are also heavily involved in their local clubs as well. The amount of time they dedicate to trail riders in Ontario is astounding and we are all extremely lucky to have them looking out for us and our beloved sport.

To the executive, Carolyn, Joel and David, thank you so much for your tireless dedication to the membership. Some of these volunteers put in enough hours of volunteer work each week to qualify as a second job and it should not be lost on anyone how dedicated they are. It's been a great year with all kinds of achievements, and we are not done yet!

Finally, a new member to the team, Jessica joins us as our new Director of Sponsorship, she is looking to catapult the OFTR into the next level regarding sponsorships and establishing healthy relationships with key partners in the industry. Good luck to you and we look forward to working with you for a long time.

I hope everyone has a great October and I can’t wait to start seeing some posts with costumes in them. Who wants a ‘Best Costume on a Dirt Bike’ competition?

Keep the knobby side in the dirt!

Rob

President of the OFTR

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Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Clubs Join Forces with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service What3words Program

In a significant step towards enhancing safety and improving emergency response services, the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service (KLFRS)has partnered with the Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Club (KORMA) to integrate the innovative What3words program into their operations. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the realm of search and rescue missions, as the two organizations work together to revolutionize the way they locate and assist those in need across Ontario's vast and often challenging terrain.

What3words is a revolutionary geocoding system that has been gaining traction globally for its ability to simplify location sharing and improve emergency response times. Instead of relying on traditional latitude and longitude coordinates, What3words assigns a unique combination of three words to every 3x3-meter square on the planet. This simple, user-friendly approach has the potential to save lives by quickly pinpointing the location of incidents in remote or less accessible areas.

KLFRS decision to adopt the What3words system is a testament to its commitment to employing cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the community. While the program has applications across a wide range of scenarios, its integration with off-road motorcycle clubs like KORMA presents a unique opportunity to improve safety and response times in challenging and often secluded environments.

The program's user-friendly smartphone app allows riders to discover their exact location and relay it to emergency services with just three words. Whether it's a fallen rider in need of medical attention or a lost individual facing the elements, What3words ensures that help is just a few words away.

The collaboration between the KLFRS and off-road motorcycle clubs using What3words offers a significant boost to search and rescue operations. When an emergency call is made, the precise three-word address provided by the caller allows authorities to locate and respond to the incident swiftly and efficiently, even in the vast and rugged landscape of Ontario's remote areas. KORMA can also use the program to identify hazards like downed trees so volunteers can address the issues.

In situations where minutes can make a difference, this technology minimizes the risk of miscommunication and delays. First responders can reach the scene with greater accuracy and speed.

Beyond the technological aspect, this partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between agencies and community groups. The partnership between KLFRS and KORMA highlights a proactive approach to safety that benefits all residents and riders of the region. Together, they have installed signage throughout the trail network to remind users to use the app.

The app is free to download for both iOS and Android devices, and works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with an unreliable data connection, such as hiking trails and campsites. what3words can also be used via an online map at what3words.com.

Trail Tours is Canada’s largest and oldest off-roading training operation with over 25 years in business. They have dedicated their lives to the sport and have trained thousands of riders.

Their training facility consists of 200 acres of riding areas & groomed trails located between Millbrook and Pontypool, just over an hour from Toronto. Their training programs are friendly to all ages (7 years & older) and skill levels.

All of their packages include an expert instructor who will be your guide for the day. You can expect a mix of training, practice loops & drills, and trail riding customized to your skill level.

Check out the Trail Tours website website for more information.

www.trailtours.ca

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.

Have you signed up for your exclusive OFTR offer from Royal Distributing? Make sure you sign up today for your 15% discount. Sign up online.

Exploring the Thrills of Electric Off-Road Motorcycles

In the world of off-road adventure and adrenaline-pumping action, electric off-road motorcycles are rapidly gaining ground. These eco-friendly, high-performance machines are not only redefining the off-road riding experience but also making a significant impact on the environment. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of electric off-road motorcycles, exploring their technology, benefits, and their exciting future.

The Rise of Electric Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road motorcycling has long been associated with the roar of combustion engines and the scent of gasoline, but times are changing. Electric off-road motorcycles have arrived on the scene, and they are quickly gaining popularity among riders and enthusiasts. Their emergence can be attributed to several factors:

Eco-Friendly: The environmental impact of traditional off-road motorcycles cannot be ignored. Electric off-road bikes produce zero emissions, making them a greener choice for riders who are conscious of their carbon footprint.

Low Noise: One of the most striking differences between electric and gas-powered off-road motorcycles is the noise level. Electric bikes are remarkably quiet, which can lead to reduced noise pollution in natural environments and allow for riding in areas with noise restrictions.

Instant Torque: Electric motors offer instant torque, which means electric off-road motorcycles can deliver impressive acceleration and superior performance, particularly at low speeds.

Minimal Maintenance: Electric bikes have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs. There are no oil changes, and the need for routine maintenance is significantly reduced.

Charging Convenience: With the growing network of charging stations, electric off-road motorcycles have become more accessible for riders. Charging can often be done at home with a standard electrical outlet, making it incredibly convenient.

Technology and Performance

Electric off-road motorcycles have evolved rapidly in terms of technology and performance. Here are some key features that define these machines:

Battery Technology: The heart of any electric motorcycle is its battery. Lithium-ion batteries have become the standard, offering a good balance of energy density and weight. Advances in battery technology have led to longer riding ranges, faster charging times, and improved overall performance.

Power and Torque: Electric motors provide instant and consistent torque, resulting in a thrilling riding experience. Modern electric off-road motorcycles can compete with their gas-powered counterparts in terms of power and acceleration.

Adjustable Riding Modes: Many electric off-road motorcycles come with multiple riding modes, allowing riders to tailor the power delivery and other parameters to their preferences and skill levels.

Benefits of Electric Off-Road Motorcycles

Eco-Conscious Riding: As mentioned earlier, electric off-road motorcycles are environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions and reducing the ecological impact of off-road adventures.

Reduced Noise Pollution: Their quiet operation allows riders to explore sensitive environments without disturbing wildlife or annoying nearby residents, opening up new riding opportunities.

Lower Operating Costs: With fewer maintenance requirements, lower energy costs, and fewer consumables (no gasoline or oil), electric off-road motorcycles can save riders money in the long run.

Accessibility: Electric bikes are easy to ride and require minimal effort to start and maintain. This makes them appealing to a wider range of riders, including beginners and those who might be put off by the complexity of gas-powered machines.

The Future of Electric Off-Road Motorcycles

The future looks bright for electric off-road motorcycles. Manufacturers continue to invest in research and development, pushing the boundaries of performance and range. As battery technology improves, we can expect even longer riding ranges, faster charging times, and better overall reliability. Their benefits are not just limited to riders but extend to the preservation of the environment, making them an exciting and responsible choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Click on our sponsors links to see their electric line up.

Upcoming Events

Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Association will be attending the 36^th Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports show this October 20-22, 2023.

The hours of this years show is:

Friday Oct 20: 1pm - 9pm

Saturday Oct 21: 10am - 7pm

Sunday Oct 22: 10am – 5pm

Stop by and say hello!