ATV trails in the southeast remain closed due to travel restrictions.
Gary Hora, President of the Woodridge ATV Sandhogs says he is unsure of the conditions of the trails.
“We haven't been able to go evaluate because there's still a level 3 travel restrictions in place. So, I'm assuming they're still there, that kind of thing. I think the trails are going to be ok. We'll have to evaluate it once they allow us back into the bush. But at this point, I'm not sure what condition they truly are in.”
Hora adds that he has not received any information regarding the opening of the trails.
“With the province being in the provincial-wide state of emergency till June 27th, I don't anticipate them dropping too much of the travel ban restrictions until close to that time I would think, but things can change.”
Although the full impact of recent wildfires on the trail system is still unknown, Hora says he does know the South East SnoRiders (SESR) suffered a loss.
“They lost one of their warmup shelters known as Tomahawk Shelter and it is just east of Woodridge, and north of the town of Carrick,” Hora explains. “Now they're looking at replacing or rebuilding it, and trying to raise money for that.”
The SESR is currently accepting donations to help replace the shelter. E-transfers can be sent to accounts@sesr.ca, with Tomahawk included in the memo.
When it comes to ATV access, Hora is urging riders to stay patient.
“It will come. I know it seems to be forever. It has been a long stretch because the ban was put in place April 30th, so we're going into six to seven weeks now. That's probably the longest consecutive travel restrictions place that I think I can remember.”
Like many others in the province, he's hoping for a good rainfall to improve conditions.
“It'll come, it will, and they'll lift it and then everybody will get out and go riding.”
Hora says that he has been receiving a number of calls regarding the opening of the trails, which he appreciates.
“It's good that people are at least inquiring, trying to inform themselves, to educate themselves and that's important. There has been a lot of people either not knowing for some reason or somehow that there's even travel restrictions in place, thinking that they can go ride and only to find when they come to a trailhead that has a bunch of signs saying you can't travel here.”
While most people turn back when they see those signs, some continue on anyway, which Hora says is unfortunate.
He encourages all riders to do their homework before heading out, even once the provincial restrictions are lifted.
“You got to do your research because there are even municipal land and trails that are on municipal lands. We have several clubs that have designated trails, and it's up to the municipality if they're going to have a travel ban or not. So, you need to either look that way. Some of our trails are on crown land, so that's a provincial choice or decision made, so again, do your research and find out where the trails are.”
Like many others, Hora is eager to get back out on the trails but says everyone will need to wait just a little longer.
“It’ll happen. Everybody wants it to come faster, and I want to be out there riding but in due time, it will come and then we'll be able to get back on those trails and everybody will have a great day.”
With files from Adi Loewen