WCSTA Partnering with Kinburn Community Association for improved facilities

A break at the clubhouseExciting news! The West Carleton Snowmobile Club has been working with the Kinburn Community Association, and are pleased to announce that for the 2014-2015 season we will be able to expand club activities and amenities through shared use of the Kinburn Community Centre.

Thanks to efforts of club volunteers and members of the Kinburn Community Association we will now have a clubhouse room that is open during certain hours of the week (to be determined). It will have trail maps, washrooms and a place to warm up. A canteen will be open on the weekends and possibly other times depending on the number of people who stop in and extent of usage. Plenty of trailer parking onsite and a gas station one block away make this an excellent launching point for your ride as well.

Our club will be offering a few breakfast outings and dinner parties this year. More events equals more sledding fun, so stay tuned for more information and come and get involved with our great club as we grow again!

Bring on the SNOW!

WCSTA Annual General Meeting – Sept. 15, 2015

WCSTA AGM 2015

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting – to be held on Tuesday September 15th, 7:30pm, at the Kinburn Community Centre.

Board of directors will be nominated and elected by our members at this meeting, and we encourage all current permit holders to join us and participate in setting the course for snowmobiling in West Carleton, and representation of our club within the OFSC for next season.

The club is currently looking for people who would be willing to join as directors, volunteer coordinators and in other volunteer positions. Have any special skills that you might be willing to share to help make our club, our trails and our events even better? Please contact us.

Amendments to club bylaws will also be presented for member approval at this meeting. If you would like a copy of the proposed updates to the Bylaws, please contact Doug Elderkin douglas_elderkin@hotmail.com.

Immediately following the AGM the newly appointed Board will commence with the election of President, Vice President and other Officers for the 2015-2016 season.

We hope to see you there!

WCSTA North Shore Tour – Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2016

WCSTA North Shore Loop Tour

 

The Club has received requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. Over the last two years the club successfully planned the RAP tour, and the Gold Rush Tour. As a result of the tour last year we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride in Northern Ontario –The OFSC North Shore Loop – Ontario’s newest tour loop. It is approximately 800km tour, over 4 days.

Background

“Are you looking to ride where no one you know has ridden before? Looking to lay fresh tracks on a perfectly groomed ribbon of bliss? Looking to have one up on your buddies by visiting a snowmobile destination that none of them will have even heard of yet? Algoma’s all new North Shore Loop is the perfect place…”

The tour will depart from Sudbury Ontario and travel clockwise around the tour loop ending back in Sudbury. It is approximately a 5 hour drive from West Carleton to the start point.

The tour will follow TOP trails, connectors, and local trails. The area is well known for its deep snow, scenic vistas over Lake Huron, and wide low traffic trails.

Deposit

A $100 deposit non-refundable from each rider is required prior to the cut off date. Deposits are required by the planning meeting Nov 19, 2016. Please provide via online transfer or cheque to Scott Hamilton, or Paul Asmis. The deposit will cover chase truck and fuel, satellite phone rental, and a custom dry fit tour T-shirt for each rider.

Length

800 km

4 days of riding with approx. 8 hours per day. The first three days will have approx 225 km per day. That is approx 110 km before lunch / after lunch. The second day will have 150 km distance with no fuel. The last day ride will be shorter, approx 116km to allow for riders to drive home if desired.

Dates – Feb 28 to March 3 2016

The trip has planned over the week to take advantage of lower hotel rates, the fact that all services are open (including repair gas etc.), and that there will less traffic on the trails.

Planning Meeting

A planning / information meeting is scheduled for Thursday Nov 19, 7 pm at “Sammy’s Pizzeria”  http://www.sammyspizzeriarestaurant.ca in Dunrobin.

Reservations

Prior to making reservations please submit a tour registration form and deposit to a tour coordinator. Once the registration is accepted reservations can be made. Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information for each booking is provided. It is not too early to make bookings once a tour coordinator confirms your registration!!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings after your registration is accepted. The accommodations fill up very quickly for that time of the year. Cancellation dates are listed.

If you cancel your reservation you are responsible for all fees. If any fees are not paid and must be covered by the group on tour you will be required to pay when the group returns.

Note all bookings under group – West Carleton Snowmobile Club

Schedule and Options

Riders can trailer to the start point at the Chateau Guay Motel in Sudbury. There is plenty of parking for trailers.

The motel is adjacent to Royal Distributing Sudbury http://www.royaldistributing.com. Open 10-4 on Sundays.

There are excellent trails around Sudbury. Riders arriving early on the Sunday can take advantage of the loops around the town. Also riders can elect to stay an extra night at the end of the tour to explore the local loops.

Schedule

Sunday
Arrive – Chateau Guay Motel, Sudbury
Riders Briefing – 1930 hrs. In restaurant area.

Monday
Destination is Old Mill Motel Blind River, Ontario
Distance approx. 221km km
Fuel / Stops – Cutler Lake Lodge/ Lang Lake Lodge/ and Massey, Ont – Shell Station
Lunch – Back Home Bistro, 340 Sauble St / Hwy 17, Massey, Ont, POP 1PO, 705-582-3003

Tuesday
Destination is Aubrey Falls Trading Post and Resort
Distance approx. 232 km
Fuel – Last fuel before the 150km run to Aubrey Falls is at Little Rapids General Store 705-842-3717, 3.1 km off the D trail down Shaw and Little Rapids Road – Regular fuel only
Note that access to services and support truck will be at least 20 km off trail in one direction. For last 80km no access to chase truck as trail is on closed roads.
Stops – Little Rapids General Store http://huronshores.ca/2011/08/little-rapids-general-store/
Food – Bring pack lunch from Tim Horton’s or 17 Restaurant in Blind River

Wednesday
Destination is Pinewood Motor Inn Espanola, Ont
Distance -230 km
Fuel –Esso 225 ON-108 Elliot Lake (just down street from Tim Hortons), Massey Ont
Stops / Lunch – Elliot Lake Tim Hortons – 261 ON-108

Thursday
Destination – Sudbury – Chateau Guay Motel
Distance 116 km
Fuel if required Nairn Centre
Stops – TBD

Accommodation Information

1st Night Sunday Feb 28
Chateau Guay Motel
2865 Kingsway, Sudbury ON
705-566-1501
http://chateauguaymotel.ca
Cancellation – 1 week
Rates
$85 per double room – under West Carleton
Parking: Truck and trailers –included
Trail access: Beside Inn
Food: Restaurant /Dinner – Chateau Guay open Sunday 7am-8pm / breakfast starts 0630 Monday /Tim Horton’s 2 min away
Fuel: Close by – 5 min by trail or drive
Stores: Royal Distributing within short distance
Sled Dealers – Mid City – Polaris  http://midcitymotorsports.ca – 400 Falcon bridge 1-705-560-3300
Play Power sports Yamaha http://playpowersports.com – 2100 Kingsway, Sudbury 1-705-222-7529
Sudbury Boat and Canoe http://www.sudburyboat.com – Arctic Cat 314 – Harrison Dr 1-866-676-5442
Algonquin Equipment (Skidoo) http://www.algonquinequipment.ca – 259 Fielding Road, Lively ON, 1-705-682-2004

Pre Departure meeting in restaurant for briefing

2nd Night Monday Feb 29
Old Mill Motel
Hwy 17 and Woodward Ave, Blind River, ON, POR1BO
1-800-871-0842
705-356-2274
info@oldmillmotel.ca
http://www.oldmillmotel.ca
Cancellation – TBD
Rates – single rooms will be $69/- and for double room $89/- under West Carleton
Food: Across Street 17 Restaurant -705-356-1110 – Group reservation in separate room for dinner with evening meeting at dinner – open 7am-9 pm
Tim Horton’s across street
NOTE – make arrangements for pack lunch for trail for Day 3. After Little Rapids limited stops available
Fuel: 3 min from hotel –Esso Station 705-356-2285
Stores: Drug store /LCBO/tavern in walking distance of Inn.
Skidoo Dealer – Napa Power Sports, http://www.napapowersports.com/site/welcome/, 15 White Road, Hwy 17 East, Blind River, 705-356-1466 – Hours – TBD

3rd Night Tuesday Mar 1
Aubrey Falls Trading Post and Resort
Ontario 129, Thessalon, ON
705-841-2575
Contact Michelle
aubreyfallstradingpost@gmail.com
http://www.aubreyfallstradingpost.ca
Cancellation: 25% with one week notice
Rates 45$ per person accommodation – 35$ per person dinner/breakfast
Accommodation: Two winterized cottages – 1 sleeps 12 people, 1 sleeps 4, motel rooms
Food: Dinner is roast beef  family service (note no menu choice) / breakfast buffet (note evening meeting at dinner)
Fuel: on site – regular only –bring Octane boost
Stores: small store on site Echo Bay (20km off the trail route) – Skidoo dealer  http://northshoresportsandauto.com – 30 Calabogie Rd, Echo Bay 1-705-248-2208
Skidoo Dealer in Elliot Lake  – Napa Power Sports http://www.napapowersports.com/site/welcome/ 1 Charles Walk, Elliot Lake

4th Night Wednesday Mar 2 
Pinewood Motor Inn
378 Centre Street – Hwy 6
Espanola, ON, P5E 1G3
705-869-5875
1-800-361-3460
pinewood@on.aibn.com
http://www.pinewoodmotorinn.ca
Cancellation – 5 pm night of reservation
Rates 89$ flat rate
Food: Restaurant in hotel Dinner – Group reservation open until 9 pm /Pizza Restaurant across street
Breakfast 3 min sled ride or 10 min walk – Roger Rabbits family restaurant 7-2pm / 92 Park Street/ 705-869-3418
Gas: Petro Can 731 Center Street, 705-869-0643 / UPI Station 120 Center Street near Roger Rabbit Restaurant
Stores: Tim Horton’s down trail, beer store
Polaris and Yamaha Dealer Trail Side Sports  http://www.trailsidesports.com – 50 McCulloh Dr, Espanola, 705-869-0170
Arctic Cat – Nicks Cat house http://www.nicksgotyoucovered.com/site/home/ – 770 Centre St Espanola, 1-705-869-1110
Evening meeting in Restaurant

Food
Dinner and breakfast is available at each accommodation stop (each rider responsible for food). Group will stop on the trail for lunch. See details above

Fuel
The group will stop for fuel approximately halfway through each day. In some areas of the tour fuel stops are limited and are approximately 150km apart. Fuel is available prior to departure.

Chase Vehicle
A chase vehicle is being organized and a non-refundable deposit will cover the cost of the chase vehicle for each rider. The chase vehicle, which will be a pick up truck with a 20 ft trailer, will follow the group. It will proceed to the next nights stop, and can be contacted in case of break down. It will also be able to carry spare fuel, oil, parts, and limited amount of luggage. The fuel for the chase vehicle will be paid for from the non-refundable deposit.

As far North as this tour is, the loop parallels / follows Highway 17, 129, 639, this will allow for access to the chase vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown. The exceptions are on day two when trail D106 turns away from Echo bay to Aubrey Falls and the morning of day 3 from Aubrey Falls toward Elliot Lake. Each of these legs is approx 80-100 km on closed logging roads with no access for the chase vehicle.

Safety and Group Riding
Depending on the numbers providing the deposit, riders will be put into groups of 4-6 riders. Groups will be assigned on the Sunday evening meeting based on desired speed of travel – each group will stay together. The larger tour group will meet at lunch and at the accommodations at the end of the day.

A safety contact list will be provided to each rider in the group.

Each rider is responsible for riding safely under control, and within his or her limits. Note each riding group will wait at all critical trail junctions.

Risk
Each rider assumes responsibility for and understands the risks inherent in snowmobiling in a remote wilderness setting such as involved in this trip. Each rider must understand that regardless of the chase vehicle, the tour will be in remote locations and emergency assistance will be a significant distance away. Each rider must be fit, capable of riding long distances, and prepared with the proper equipment for the extreme winter weather conditions expected.

Emergency Numbers
In most areas 911 via cell or hard line phone will suffice. However in the un-incorporated areas 911 services are not always available. In addition 911 services are not available via the satellite phones. The direct dial emergency numbers will work on the satellite phones if required during emergency situations.

  • OPP 911
  • OPP emergency: 1-888-310-1122
  • OPP North Bay Communications Emergency Direct Dial 1-705-495-7000
  • Sudbury Central Ambulance Communications Emergency Direct Dial 1-705-673-1117 (Spanish Area East)
  • Sault St Marie Central Ambulance Communications Emergency Direct Dial 1-705-256-5621 (Spanish Area West)
  • Joint Rescue Coordination Centre 8 Wing Trenton 24 hrs – 1-800-267-7270 / 613-965-3870
  • Sudbury Fire and EMS -911
  • Blind River-911
  • Thessalon Fire -911
  • Elliott Lake Fire -911
  • Espanola Fire -911-705-869-4240
  • Sudbury Health Science North Hospital  http://www.hsnsudbury.ca/portalen/ – 41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, 1-705-523-7100
  • Blind River District Health Centre  http://www.brdhc.on.ca – 525 Causley Street, POR 1BO, 1-705-356-2265
  • Thessalon Hospital http://www.northeasthealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=90887 – 135 Dawson Street, Thessalon, 1-705-842-2014
  • Espanola Regional Hospital http://www.espanolaregionalhospital.ca – 825 McKinnon Drive Espanola, ON – 1-705-869-1420
  • Elliot Lake – St Joseph’s General Hospital http://www.sjgh.ca/portal/ – 70 Spine Road, Elliot Lake, 705-848-7181

Communications
Each rider will be asked to provide a cell number. A tour text group will be created so riders can text messages, and communicate with chase vehicle.

The loop route will leave cell phone coverage on Day 2, and the morning of Day 3. There will be no cell reception during the stay at the Aubrey Falls Resort. A satellite phone will be carried on the chase truck and in the group of riders. The satellite phone will be for emergency use only. The cost of the satellite phone is covered in the deposit amount.

T-Shirts
This year as part of the registration package each rider will be provided with a customized dry fit T-shirt with logo, tour name, and year. Please specify size to tour coordinator Scott Hamilton via email.

Selection for Participation
The tour group is initially planned for 12 -14 riders, plus chase truck driver. (Depending on demand numbers may be adjusted.) As demand is expected to exceed capacity selection for participation will be based on order the deposits are received, club participation, previous tour participation, and volunteer participation. The tour organizers reserve the right to select riders based on the requirements of the tour. If a deposit is not received by the planning meeting in Nov the participants name will be removed from the confirmed group.

Sled maintenance and Insurance
The group will assist each other but everyone is expected to have the basic maintenance completed on their machines, prior to departing on the tour. The machines must be in good mechanical condition capable of riding extended distance in remote areas. In addition each rider is responsible to carry all required insurance, registration, license, and valid OFSC permit.

Advertising
On the club’s web page, and Face Book page. To register for the tour please complete the registration form and submit with your deposit to either Scott Hamilton or Paul Asmis (see below). A tour coordinator will confirm registration. Please contact either of the coordinators for details.

Information
Scott Hamilton
WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com
613-852-7271

Paul Asmis
pasmis@wcstai.com
abcpasmis@mac.com
Cell 613-297-9818

 

Our trails are now closed – Thank you!

Spring thaw - Trails Closed

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations, and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter.

We are actively looking to fill a number of roles within the West Carleton club, as well as looking for individuals, groups or families to ‘adopt’ sections of trail and help with signing and maintenance of them. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

2016 Sled Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek – March 23-24

Sneak Peek 2016

See Next Years’ Sleds Now

Be the first to see the 2016 snowmobiles from Polaris, Yamaha and Ski-Doo. Make plans now to attend a 2016 Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek in Kanata and see next year’s sleds now… before anyone else! Free admission, being held at the Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Road, Kanata.

Monday March 23, 4 pm- 9 pm

Tuesday March 24, 11 am- 9 pm

Featuring new 2016 snowmobiles from Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha (Arctic Cat not attending this year), and also new snowmobile accessories and factory experts with details on next year’s sleds. Show your buddies the taillight they’ll be chasing – only at the Sneak Peek. Don’t miss it!

Sneak Peek 2016 Sleds, Kanata, ON

Please Stay on the Trails!

Please stay on the trails

We have been receiving complaints from landowners of snowmobiles leaving the trails and traveling into fields and private property. This activity damages fragile crops under the snow cover, endangers family members, children and pets, as well as you and your sled. Trails are marked for a reason, and that is because it is the place where our generous landowners have given us permission to ride.

Leaving the trail to explore, go boondocking or shorten a corner is trespassing and will cause our permission to be revoked. Quite often a suitable reroute will not be available, resulting in trails closed altogether, or at best, more road running. Finally, every time the Club receives a complaint, it uses up valuable volunteer time as we work with landowners to try to make amends, increase signage and repair damage.

Please stay on the trails, and if you see other riders off trail help us to share this message!

Thank you.

 

WCSTA Charity Poker Run – February 7th

WCSTA Poker Run 2015 in support of The Snowsuit Fund
Eventbrite - WCSTA 2015 Charity Snowmobile Poker Run, in support of the Snowsuit Fund!

Join the fun at the 2015 WCSTA Annual Poker Run, in support of The Snowsuit Fund. This year’s event is being held in partnership with Kinburn Community Association and Kinburn Winter Carnival activities, and we are pleased to have the generous support of our key sponsors this year – 105.3 KISS FMThe Greystone Grill , Pivot Point Solutions and Urban Sport!

Location

Kinburn Community Centre, 3045 Kinburn Side Rd., Kinburn, ON. (There will be plenty of parking on site for those who wish to trailer to and from the event). At the end of the Poker Run dinner will be served, and a cash bar is available.

Schedule

8 - 11amBreakfast, served by Kinburn Community Association.
$6 ($4 for 12 & under)
10 amRegistration
11 am SharpDeparture
6 pmDinner served (bar opens at 3pm)
All dayWinter Carnival activities

Entry fee (per sled – includes dinner for one and one poker hand):

Pre-buy online – $25.00 plus $2.49 service fee

At the door: $35

Dinner only: $15.00 per person, $5.00 for children under 12

Additional poker hands: $5.00 each

Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, oldest/youngest riders and more!

Proceeds will benefit The Snowsuit Fund. We’ll be collecting donations of new and gently used winter wear (snowsuits, hats, mitts, boots) of all sizes. Let’s help out a great cause and have fun on the trails!

The Snowsuit Fund logo

Title Sponsors

105.3 KISS FMThe Greystone Grill
Pivot Point Solutions - Ottawa-based graphic design and brandingUrban Sports Arnprior


Please visit this site or our Facebook event, West Carleton Snowmobile Annual Charity Poker Run in Support of the Snowsuit Fund! for updates or cancellations

Have questions about Charity Snowmobile Poker Run, in support of the Snowsuit Fund? Contact Scott Hamilton

Eventbrite - WCSTA 2015 Charity Snowmobile Poker Run, in support of the Snowsuit Fund!

 

2015_WCSTA Poker_Run_Map

WCSTA Working Together with Ottawa Fire for Improved Safety

WCSTA working with Ottawa Fire Services to make locating riders on the trail faster and easier

West Carleton Trail patrol co-ordinator Scott Hamilton meets with the rescue snowmobile at Stn 63 in Constance Bay, providing them with up-to-date maps

The West Carleton Trails Association and Ottawa Fire Dispatch have worked together to have our snowmobile trail maps online with fire dispatch.

This means that in case of an accident on the snowmobile trails the rescue snowmobiles of Ottawa Fire can be dispatched with greater accuracy. For example if a snowmobiler calls in that an accident is on trail number W17 the dispatcher can reference the trail location, and send emergency services to best location.

Just before Christmas West Carleton Trail patrol co-ordinator Scott Hamilton and equipment manager Paul Asmis met with the rescue snowmobile at Stn 63 in Constance Bay and provided them with up-to-date maps. Trail patrol is looking forward to partnering with the rescue crews during snowmobile events this winter.

WCSTA Club Meeting Tuesday Dec. 2

_DSC2486

The December meeting for the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association will be taking place at 7:30pm on Tuesday December 2 at the Sports Bar in the W.E.  Johnston Arena in Carp. All members of the West Carleton club, volunteers and landowners are invited to attend. If you would like to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes, or get involved, please join us!

Driver Training – Nov. 22

Young Drivers

The West Carleton driver training course is now full. For other club locations where driver training is scheduled, please visit ofsc.on.ca/get-started/driver-training.

WCSTA will be holding a driver training course on November 22, 2014 at the Kinburn Community Centre.

Ontario Law requires any person 16 years and over to hold a valid Ontario Driver’s Licence or a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence to operate a snowmobile on OFSC snowmobile trails. Persons 12 to 15 years old require a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence.

Our driver training volunteers will be holding one scheduled course this season in West Carleton, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 22. A parent must accompany each student to register and sign a permission form, and must produce a PHOTO COPY of their birth certificate upon registration at 8:30 on the day of the course. The course will cost $40.00 with the WCSTA providing a pizza lunch.

To book a spot, or questions, please contact Ted Kelly, WCSTA Driver Training Coordinator at ted-kelly@sympatico.ca

OFSC Driver Training