May 02, 2013


Now in its seventh year, the Ompah Volunteer Fire Fighters annual Spring ATV Ride, which took place in Ompah on April 27, continues to grow as riders from as far away as Ottawa, Kingston, Prescott, Sudbury and Quebec make the special trip to participate in the event. “This year by far has been the biggest year yet,” said Lindy Hay, an executive committee member who assists in organizing the event. “We are up at least 100 riders from last year, which is great for us.”

The run’s popularity is partly due to the incredible trails and partly to the natural beauty of the area; but mostly it is the mud that keeps participants coming back year after year. “Of our two events the spring ride is always our biggest event and that is because people really love the mud and to get dirty,” Hay said.

Organizers also made a special effort this year to increase advertising and up the prizes. They advertised through the Ottawa radio station Y101 FM, which Hay said likely helped to swell the numbers. The prizes included a brand-new 2013 four track Honda ATV that was donated by Kanata Honda and raffled off to 2000 eager ticket holders. The $40 cost for the ATV run included the ride and a sumptuous home-made roast beef dinner courtesy of the Snow Road Flag Ladies, who served over 400 dinners. A wide range of desserts was made available courtesy of the local bakery in Plevna. The ticket price also included a chance at three prizes: a first place $500 prize, a second place new chainsaw and a $200 third prize, plus an additional four prizes of new helmets. No fewer than 100 door prizes were given out. Also new this year was a BBQ trail lunch served courtesy of the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life volunteers, which was set up half way through the trail at Quackinbush.

Hay said the event is very popular with entire families since volunteers go out of their way to make sure it is friendly, fun and safe. “It's a really family-oriented event,” Hay said. “We definitely don't promote drinking on the trails and we also invite the local police to come out. That and the fact that our trails are unique and the volunteers very friendly and efficient also makes the event a favorite for riders.” Also new this year were a number of vendors on site, which included one local artisan, representatives promoting the upcoming 150 anniversary events in the area, and the Ottawa ATV Club.

The registration fees will go to the Ompah Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, which supports local causes in the area and Hay said that she expects that dollar amount to reach $1000. The Spring ATV Run is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Ompah firefighters and it is a great way to attract business to the area. I spoke to a number of riders who were overnighting at local cottage rentals in the area.

The event benefits multiple causes. Pledges collected by the riders went towards the Ride For Dad campaign and by the end of the day riders had raised over $5,500 for prostate cancer research and awareness.

Those who missed the spring ride, have no fear. The fall ride is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21.

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