Details are on the facebook page. June 15-16, 2019 Madawaska Ontario I'll be staying at the All Star Resort and was wondering if anyone else from here was going.
@Demon @TonyD do you guiys know approximately what area this ride takes part in? Does it hit the North-West boundary of Algonquin, north of 60? I'm looking to get to know the area near Limberlost/Oxbow lake more (snomobile trails in the winter), having done South of 60 too many times now to pay $150 just to have the route arrowed for me
Folks, like many of the OFTR Trail Ride Series events some of the ride areas are private property that host clubs get permission for specifically for the trail ride weekend and not at other times. Hate to see a club loose access to a private property trail that they are kind enough to let use for a weekend because others use the property without permission. The 2 Day Algonquin is a wicked ride that my group has been going to for years and will be once again this year.... well worth the $150 IMHO.
I agree the fee is peanuts in exchange for the experience and exposure to the best the area has to offer. This ride, Midhurst, Soggy Boot and Calabogie are must ride events.
As I am typically one with a dissenting opinion and taking no offense at being called cheap, how is this worth $150? Where is that money going? $150 for a single event that gives what? A muffin, coffee and a T-shirt? Furthermore, how much of that land up there is private? When I look at the Ontario Crown Land atlas, it appears to me that a lot of riding near Algonquin but outside the park should be on Crown land, which shouldn't cost a penny to ride. If the costs of this ride are going to landowners, then move the ride to crown land and save the costs. Are organizers getting large kick backs? Sorry, I will never take part in something like this as I would feel I am getting ripped off -- same thing with all of those advrider.com rallies in the US... everyone wants $100+ USD for a weekend rally; for what? For planning a route or two? I'm open to having my mind changed, but I just don't see the value in events like this.
I have 1 bed available at Madawaska Lodge for the 2 day Algonquin ride. A friend backed out. Message me if interested. $45 a night
I think the $150 is worth it, especially if you don't have a group to ride with. The arrowed routes ensure that you are getting to some of the best most challenging sections (not the boring ATV double track) with the support of sweepers coming behind you if something happens to you or your bike. Certainly it is up to you if you want to attack unfamiliar areas and try to see everything on your own, but I think the clubs provide a valuable service offering these rides and lobbying the various levels of government to keep these trails open to dirt bikes (which as a group doesn't have the best public image).
By following an arrowed route that has been checked and ckeared, you get to go to many more places than you would by yourself. You also get the support from sweepers in case of breakdown or getting badly stuck. I have done a lot of exploration on my own, with friends and attended many organised events; it's all good. I never regretted paying for an organised ride, you get much more than a muffin and a t-shirt .
It goes to help fund other events. Pay for insurance. Promotions, trail preparations Gifts for the volunteers, Prises. And I'm sure there are things I've forgotten. There's alot of behind the scene work that goes into these events. Of my friends I'm the only one that has branched off street to ride dirt. So these events allow me to ride more dangerous trails without the fear of being hurt with no way out. It also funds the organization so they can keep working on getting us more trails. Hope this gives you alittle insight.
