Ride it >> Take the ATV and head to Duck Mountain Provincial Park, where riders can meander along marked trails around Mossberry Lake. The network around the lake is multi-purpose; ATVers can expect to run into hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Quadders can ride 21 kilometres of trail—with varied terrain and a few mudholes—and be treated to stunning backcountry scenery. For a change of pace, try canoeing or kayaking on one of the many lakes and fish for trout, char or bass. Three campgrounds can be found inside the park; Wellman Lake and Blue Lakes campgrounds have more conveniences—like electrical and water hookups in selected sites—while areas at Childs Lake are more basic.
Ride it >> Support efforts to end prostate cancer and sign up for the Ride of Hope—a charity ride covering 80 to 100 kilometres of trails around the community of Ross, Manitoba. ATV enthusiasts can join the Prostate Extreme Team and the Eastman ATV Association (EATVA) as they enjoy the sport of ATVing while raising money and awareness for prostate cancer. The association wanted to find a way for membership to showcase the sport through responsible riding while supporting a good cause, said Dave Lee, the motorsports director for the EATVA.
"That led to the search for a charity that would fit nice for the ATV," said Lee. "I just went on the web and searched other clubs, other provinces, and lo and behold, what did I find? The Prostate Extreme Team—that's a perfect fit for us."
The ride will begin registration at the Ross community centre at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011, and continue until noon.
Watch it >> Motocross is alive and well and the Manitoba Motocross Association sanctions race events throughout the spring and summer. Check out the dates below and be sure to catch some of the action if you're near any of the races.
Spring Series
June 5 - Pilot Mound, MB - Prairie Hill MX
June 12 - Beausejour, MB - Outback Raceway
June 19 - Brandon, MB - Farm Boys Raceway
June 25 - Morden, MB - Shadow Valley Raceway
Fall Series
July 10 - Minnedosa, MB - McNabb Valley MX
July 24 - Grunthal, MB - GMX
August 7 - Beausejour, MB - Outback Raceway
August 14 - Altona, MB - Moto Park X
August 21 - Grunthal, MB - GMX
August 28 - RAIN DATE
September 11 - Pilot Mound, MB - Prairie Hill MX Track
September 18 - RAIN DATE
September 24 - Gimli, MB - Northern Lites Raceway
Try it >> Hit the tracks with the Manitoba Dirt Riders; an organization that provides entry-level racing events for anyone who wants to sign up. Aspiring racers must be members of the Manitoba Dirt Riders—yearly memberships are available, as are day passes for single racing events. Age classes run from six to over 40 years old, with different skill levels within each age category. All race venues are on private land and organizers encourage people to come for the weekends and camp; volunteers flag the course on Saturdays and races are held on Sundays. Things kick off at 9 a.m. with a little kids course; the other events follow. Races begin with a shotgun start and continue until all the age and skill categories have run their course.
Race dates:
June 19 - Melita
July 17 - Wawanesa
August 28 - TBA
October 2 - Miniota
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