Club riding in the Rockies

Doug Williamson is optimistic that 2013 will bring another stellar season of riding for the Kootenay Rockies ATV Club (KRATV). Williamson is the club’s president and he was appointed to the position when the club was formed in early 2012.

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., the KRATV Club has already grown to more than 100 members. The club represents ATVers in Cranbrook as well as the neighbouring communities of Wycliffe, Moyie and Jaffray. There are even some members from Fernie, an hour away.

Last summer's highlights

The club had a busy first season. A poker rally took place as well as a big camp-out at Noke Creek Cabins and Campground, located west of Cranbrook. Williamson was pleased with the attendance at both events.

“The biggest event was our poker rally,” he said. “That was (held) up in the Perry Creek area. It was very well attended by a lot of local people as well as people from outside our area.”

Williamson said the club is planning to have its next poker rally at Noke Creek Cabins and Campground and those who attend will get to ride from the campground to Lumberton and over into the Lamb Creek area.

Lumberton is one of the most popular places for ATVers in and around the Cranbrook area, Williamson said. In the winter, the Lumberton area is maintained by the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club. Williamson, who is also one of the founding members of the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club, said that before there was an organized ATV club in Cranbrook, the snowmobile club was the only organization that represented motorized recreation in the area. Now that there is an ATV club here too, both user groups can work together to promote safety and respect for the environment—in winter and summer.

“Part of our agenda is to co-ordinate things between the clubs and help each other with not only land issues but with the trail work as well,” said Williamson.

Best places to ride

Cranbrook lies within the East Kootenay region, an area rich in natural resources; because of that, there is a plethora of old mining and logging roads for ATVers to explore. Williamson was reluctant to name his secret spots; he did say, however, that there are extensive trail systems around Gold Creek, Bull River, Wild Horse River and the area behind Skookumchuck.

Williamson used to be a dirt bike enthusiast and motorcyclist—he even competed in motocross events and flat-track races. Over the years, however, he decided that ATVing is where it’s at.

“For me, it’s the chance to get away from the city,” he said. “It’s freedom. You get onto these back trails and climb a trail to the top of a mountain or get into a beautiful little lake—it’s just an incredible experience, that sense of freedom and enjoyment of the outdoors.”