Two Muddy Thumbs Up At The Ompah Spring ATV Run

May 01, 2014

This year’s Spring ATV Run in Ompah on April 26 attracted over 700 participants to the scenic wilds of the north country for what has become an annual event for avid ATVers. Riders from as far away as Renfrew, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Orillia, and Barrie enjoyed the 85 kilometre run, which began at the Double “S” Sports and Marina in Ompah and wound along the muddy and sometimes still snow-encrusted trails to Calabogie and then back again.

Dennis Bedard and Rose Boivin of Double “S” Sports and Marina are the backbone of the event and they helped found it approximately eight years ago.

Lindy Hay, another of the organizers, said that over 50 volunteers help put on the run and that many new riders participated this year.

The event is put on by the Ompah Community Volunteer Association and ticket proceeds go to the association, who support community events; the community hall; local fire departments in North Frontenac through educational scholarships and equipment purchases; and local residents in need of help.

Organizers also open the ride up to several local charities. This year they invited members of the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life committee to provide riders with a trail lunch. Similarly the organization Ride For Dad took pledges to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Students from Clarendon Central Public School also were on site offering a $5 ATV bike wash to support events at the local school.

As well, following the run, riders enjoyed a chicken dinner with all the fixings at the Ompah community centre that was put on by Snow Road’s F.L.A.G. Ladies. Riders had a chance to win numerous prizes donated from sponsors, including helmets, back racks and an ATV snow plow. The Ottawa Valley ATV Club was also on board this year as a sponsor and members manned check points on the trail, had gas on hand and helped a few riders who were stuck in the mud.

The association's Fall ATV Run will take place in Ompah on Sat. Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The prizes will include a $3500 gift certificate travel card and a 2.5 HP Suzuki outboard motor, and riders will enjoy the scenic fall colors, delicious meals and much more. For many ATV riders across the province, Ompah is where it's at.