Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
New beginnings
The Quad Squad converts RidersWest writer Tanya Laing to the sport of ATVing
Some would argue that you can’t write about ATVing until you’ve gone ATVing. I counter that by saying that I can and I have, but it wasn’t until I finally got a chance to go out on a machine that I felt qualified to do it with enthusiasm.
Natural-Born ATVer: The author, Tanya Laing, was all smiles after her first ATV ride in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. —photo by Kirsten Armleder
As a non-rider, I’ve always been a bit mystified by quads. Sure, they look like fun, but I really couldn’t account for the sheer number of them that I see being pulled on trailers through the backroads in B.C. and Alberta. Luckily, members of the Quad Squad in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass were willing to give me a lesson on appreciation.
The trails in the area are amazing. Besides the scenery, which goes on forever, the trails very well maintained by a hotshot group of dedicated volunteers. In teams of 10 to 50, they come out to build bridges, repair trails, signage and shelters, pick up garbage and ensure that other riders are following the rules of safety and courtesy. For beginners or hard-core enthusiasts, it is quad heaven.
But let’s talk about the scenery again. We crossed several bridges over pristine creeks, climbed high into the Alberta Rockies where we were treated to staggering mountain views, and rolled through densely forested areas that allowed for a bit of four-by-fouring action. And this is where I really understood the appeal of the pastime.
My first attempt at going up the trail resulted in me stalling. But our guides, Harold Kind, Don Harrison and Dennis Beasley, were prepared to patiently wait while I figured out how to maneouvre the beast and climb the hills. Don had a complaint halfway through the ride.
“Excuse me,” he said. “I thought we had a newbie with us and we were going to have a nice, slow ride today. But 10 minutes in, I saw Tanya standing up and spinning tires and flying mud.”
It seems I had found the throttle, and found it to my liking.
We had a tremendous day. The Quad Squad provided excellent hospitality, guidance and information. Their apparent love of the area and of the pastime are transparent and infectious, and have made them an excellent resource for anyone visiting the area. Be sure to stop in and say hello when passing through. And be sure to share with them how much you appreciate their hard work on the trails.
Alberta key contacts
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Situated at Slave Lake, Alberta, Grizzly Ridge Honda is your premier Honda dealer. Our huge inventory features all the latest and greatest sport, utility and youth ATVs, as well as Honda cruisers/Vtwin, dirt bikes, scooters and street bikes; browse our selection of pre-owned products to find your next nearly-new machine. Our parts and accessories department is equipped with the latest equipment and dress-up items on the market.
At Grizzly Ridge Honda, we have a rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction. We pride ourselves on giving our customers the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of our business.
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Rosedale, AB
Avalanche gear
Rocky Mountain Xtreme, based in Rosedale, Alberta, is your source for avalanche gear. We are a supplier of ABS Avalanche airbags which have been saving lives for 25 years. We also supply Orthodox probes, shovels, transceivers and Klim apparel and gear. ABS Avalanche Airbags have 25 years of proven success. Don't be fooled by knock-offs. We offer the safest, lightest, and most user-friendly Avalanche Airbag system on the market. Compare our stats to anyone’s—if it doesn't say ABS it isn't. All of the products at Rocky Mountain Xtreme are offered at a great value with quality support, knowledge and a great price.Visit our website to view our products. Order online, by phone or via e-mail.
Rocky Mountain Xtreme
Mississauga, ON
Let them know you are OK
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Globalstar Canada
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 23 different passenger seat models to fit all snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe. Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Jack Industries
Edmonton, AB
Your source for all-season sports
Whether it’s making waves on the water, tearing up fresh powder or exploring the open road and backcountry, Martin Motor Sports is your source for all-season sports. Our large facility is home to Can-Am ATVs and Spyders, Sea-Doo personal watercraft and boats and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. We also carry MasterCraft, Moomba and Supra boats, Sunstream Boat Lifts and Triton Aluminum Trailers. And if you’re looking for pre-owned toys, we have a large selection of agricultural, lawn and garden and recreational equipment to fit your budget and needs. Even if you're not in the market, come and enjoy a friendly chat with the team at Martin Motors Sports.
Westlock, AB
We've got the truck to haul your gear
When it comes to hauling your toys, you want nothing but the best, most reliable truck—one that has safety and style written all over it. At Westlock Motors, our experienced staff will help you choose the perfect truck to fit your needs. Browse through our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles from GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick. When you've made your decision, our service department can install any trailering equipment and accessories you may require. Our dealership prides itself on offering personalized, efficient customer service. We invite you to stop by and discover the Westlock way.
Westlock Motors
Peace River, AB
We're the home of customer satisfaction
The new Ford F-150 has arrived at Peace River Ford—just in time for the snowmobiling season. Available with a 4.2L V6 or the massive Triton V8, this truck is powered with engines to get your job done with ease. Peace River Ford is also the home of the 2009 Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs. We offer sales, service, parts and accessories for all models. Visit our dealership in Peace River, Alberta, where customer satisfaction is our number one concern.
Whitecourt, AB
Celebrate the 2009 Sled Invasion
All snowmobiling fans are invited to Whitecourt, Alberta this February to help the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club celebrate. The club is proud to be hosting several fun events during its 2009 Sled Invasion from February 13 - 15, 2009. Main attractions this year will be the 2009 ASA Snowmobile Jamboree, the Trailblazers 30th Anniversary Poker Rally, and the Polaris Pro Freestyle Snowmobile Air Offs. Find out why Whitecourt is known as the snowmobile capital of Alberta.
Town Of Whitecourt
