WCSTA Gold Rush Tour – March 1 – 5

wcsta, gold rush tour, loops, ofsc

The Club has received requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. Last year the club successfully planned the RAP tour, a 4-day ride around Algonquin Park.
As a result of the great success of the tour last year, we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride in Northern Ontario – The OFSC Gold Rush Tour. It is approximately 710 km tour, over 4 days.

Background

The tour will depart from New Liskeard Ontario and travel clockwise around the tour loop ending back in New Liskeard. It is approx. a 6-hour drive from West Carleton to the start point.

The tour will follow TOP trails and connectors. The area is well known for its deep snow, and wide low traffic trails.

History of Area

Despite it’s catchy easy to brand name, the Gold Rush Tour moniker was originally chosen because the area in which the route is situated has a rich (literally and figuratively) history in gold mining. Gold was first discovered in the area in 1911. Eight years later a large forest fire exposed much of the bedrock – a blessing to prospectors who discovered more sediment in the area. In 1933 an article in the New York Times (referring to the White Rock mine at Violet Lake and mines at Three Ducks Lake and Beaver Lake) claimed that this was the biggest gold rush since the 49ers of California and the Klondike rush of 1896.

The largest gold mine in the Shining Tree area, The Ronda Mine near Michiwakenda Lake, was opened in 1939 with $6,000,000 invested in it – a huge sum for that period of time. By that time, with the discovery of gold and several lumber camps operating nearby, the population of the Shining Tree area swelled to a population of 900.

Deposit

A $75 deposit non-refundable from each rider is required prior to the cut off date.  Deposit are required by the planning meeting Oct 14,2015. Please provide to Scott Hamilton, Ted Kelly or Paul Asmis. (Note costs have increased over last year.)

Length: 710 km

4 days of riding with approx. 6-8 hours per day. The first and last day ride will be shorter, with the 2nd and 3rd day having extended riding distance

Dates: Mar 1-5 2015

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 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Oct 14, 7 pm at “Luv the Barr” in Pakenham.

Reservations

Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information for each booking is provided. It is not too early to make bookings!!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings soon. 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 are 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 Holiday Inn Express in New Liskeard.

There is plenty of parking for trailers.

There are excellent trails around New Liskeard. 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- Holiday Inn Express, New Liskeard
Riders Briefing – 1900 hrs. In bar area.

Monday
Destination is Long Point Lodge, Gowganda, Ontario
Distance approx. 156 km
Fuel / Stops –Elk Lake

Tuesday
Destination is Timmins, Ontario, Microtel Inn and Suites
Distance approx. 250 km
Fuel – Mattagami NOTE REPORTED CASH ONLY
Stops – Post 392- CASH ONLY

Wednesday
Destination is Kirkland Lake, Comfort Inn
Distance -200km
Fuel
Stops

Thursday
Destination – New Liskeard – Holiday Inn Express
Distance 100 km
Fuel
Stops TBD

Accommodation Information

1st Night Sunday Mar 1

Holiday Inn Express New Liskeard
998029 Ontario 11, New Liskeard, ON, P0J 1P0
705-647-8282

Cancelation – 6 weeks prior

Rates: $155

Parking: Truck and trailers included

Food: Husky Truck stop in Walking Distance/ breakfast included in room

Fuel: Close by

Stores: Wal-Mart within short distance

Pool and hot tub.

Meeting room booked for pre departure briefing

 

2nd Night Monday Mar 2

Long Point Lodge
Box 207, Elk Lake, Ontario, P0J 1G0
705-624-2419
http://www.duenorth.net/longpointlodge/winter.html

Cancellation – 4 weeks prior

Rates: $80 per person per day includes room, breakfast, and pack lunch, dinner.

Food: Onsite – part of meal plan

Fuel: Onsite

Sauna

 

3rd Night Tuesday Mar 3

Microtel Inn and Suites Timmins, Ont
1960 Riverside Drive, Timmins, Ont
P4R 0A2
705-264-1477

Cancelation: 24 hrs.

Rates: $130.00

Food: Order pizza in a meeting room. Meeting room part of group booking. Breakfast included

Fuel: Close by

Stores: Canadian tire and Wal-Mart close by

Pool and hot tub

 

4th Night Wednesday Mar 4

Kirkland Lake Inn and Suites
50 Government Road East
Kirkland Lake, ON, P2N 1A5
1 800-461-4971

Cancellation – 24 hrs.

Rates: Group booking – $125 per night

Food: Restaurant in hotel open until 10 pm/ 6-10 am breakfast at hotel

Gas: on trail close by just down the street

Stores: Tim Horton’s next door, beer store, pharmacy, KFC across street

Meeting room booked for evening briefing

No hot tub or pool

 

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

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 20ft 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 560, 144, and 11. This will allow for access to the chase vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown.

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 the 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, and prepared with proper equipment for the extreme winter weather conditions expected.

Emergency Numbers:

  • OPP emergency: 1-888-310-1122
  • Temiskaming Hospital 421 Shepherdson Road, New Liskeard, P0J 1P0, 1 -705-647-8121
  • Englehart and District Hospital 1-705-544-2301 – 61-5th Street Englehart, ONT
  • Mattagami First Nation Medical 1-705-894-2072
  • Gogama Nursing Station 1-705-894-2005
  • Gogama Fire 1-88-571-3473
  • Gogama Ambulance 1-877-351-2345
  • Timmins Hospital 700 Ross Ave E, Timmins, Ont 1-705-2131
  • Timmins Ambulance Service – 911
  • Kirkland Lake Hospital 145 Govt Rd E, Kirkland Lake ON, P2N3R2, 705-567-4357

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.

Selection for Participation

The tour group is initially planned for 12 riders, plus chase truck driver. (Depending on demand numbers may be adjusted.) The tour will be limited to members of the West Carleton Snowmobile Club. As demand is expected to exceed capacity selection for participation will be based on order the deposits are received, club 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 Oct. 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. In addition each rider is responsible to carry all required insurance, registration, license, and valid OFSC permit.

Advertising

On club web page, and face book page

Registration

To register for the tour please complete the registration form and submit your deposit to one of the tour coordinators. Deposits may be made via mail, electronic transfer or in person. 

A tour coordinator will confirm registration before Oct 14, 2015.

Please contact any of the coordinators for details.

Information

Ted Kelly
ted-kelly@sympatIco.ca
613-296-5294

Scott Hamilton
Shamilton@delta-gl.com
613-852-7271

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

Gold Rush Tour registration

Thank you landowners!

Thank you landowners from WCSTA!

Thanks to our landowners, permit buyers and volunteers

Every year generous landowners allow the winter use of their property for the enjoyment of snowmobiling. This land use is a privilege that is crucial to the existence of our snowmobile trails, and provides many social, recreational and economical benefits to our entire community – not to mention memories made out on the trails and at events with family and friends. On behalf of our clubs, volunteers and businesses that benefit from OFSC trails, the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association wish to extend sincere “thanks” to our landowners for the use of their property again this season.

People are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails as trails are now reported as “Unavailable” on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca. 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.

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. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

UPDATED – Annual General Meeting – May 7, 2014

UPDATED - Annual General Meeting - May 7, 2014

WCSTA Poker run 2014

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting – to be held on Wednesday May 7th, 7:30pm, at the W. Erskine Johnson Arena, Carp (in the Sports Bar meeting room, upstairs).

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.

We invite all 2013-2014 season permit holders to join us! Also, we are looking for people who would be willing to join as directors, or in other volunteer positions. Have any special skills that you might be willing to share to make next year even better than this? Please contact us.

We will also be voting on recent amendments to the club bylaws. If you would like a copy of the proposed updates to the Bylaws, please contact Ted Kelly (ted-kelly@sympatico.ca).

Immediately following the AGM the newly appointed Board will commence with the election of President, Vice President and other Officers for the 2014-2015 season.

We hope to see you there!

WCSTA Charity Poker Run – Saturday Feb.1

WCSTA Charity Poker Run – Saturday Feb.1

West Carleton Poker Run in support of The Snowsuit Fund

Join the fun at the 2014 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.

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 station firefighters.
$6 ($4 for 12 & under), $1 discount with carnival button
10 amRegistration
11 am SharpDeparture
6 pmDinner served (bar opens at 3pm)
All dayWinter Carnival activities

Entry fee: $25.00 per sled (includes dinner for one)

Dinner only: $10.00 per person, additional poker hands: $5.00

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

Contact: Scott Hamilton, WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com

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

 

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.

 

We also wish to thank our many sponsors, including:

Black’s Corners Motorsports

Carleton Place Marine

Delta Global Logistics Inc.

Eli El-Chantiry, Councillor Ward 5, West Carleton – March

George’s Marine and Sports

Pivot Point Solutions Design and Communication

Sammy’s Pizzeria Restaurant

Ted Kelly, Broker, Seller’s Choice Ottawa Valley Realty Inc. Brokerage

Media Release; Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week – November 24 to 30

Media Release; Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week – November 24 to 30

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON. November 22, 2013) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are celebrating the coming sledding season during Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails. Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great 2014 snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already having experienced below zero temperatures and early snowfalls.

With tens of thousands of trail permits already sold, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week invites more Ontarians to discover the family fun of organized snowmobiling, plus its many social, health and recreational benefits. Get Ready Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making their Ontario ride plans and preparing their sleds and gear. As well, Get Ready Week marks the final days that Seasonal and Classic Snowmobile Trail Permits are available at pre-December 1st savings. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.

This season, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week also celebrates many OFSC initiatives to improve the rider experience that can be found online at www.ofsc.on.ca:

  • Tour Loops: The OFSC has launched a new winter product with eight exciting tour loops that make exploring Ontario easy and convenient. Each loop delivers a unique snowmobiling adventure on well established, marked and maintained trails with good access to services and amenities.
  • Interactive Trail Guide: The OFSC Interactive Trail Guide features the most accurate and up to date display of the entire OFSC trail network available anywhere. This online tool enables OFSC snowmobilers to plan their rides and view the latest
  • Colour-coded trail status updates: (Red = Trail Not Available; Yellow = Limited Availability; Green = Trail Available.)
  • Early Season Priority (ESP) Trails: Snowmobilers looking for their first ride of the season can find it on ESP Trails. These OFSC trails on old logging roads, abandoned rail lines, utility corridors and unassumed road allowances will signal their early limited availability by turning from red to yellow on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide.
  • New Website: The OFSC’s new public website is being revamped for this season with a new look, improved navigation and updated information. The new site will be launched in December.
  • Mobile Apps & Routable GPS: OFSC snowmobilers will soon be able to check trail status from their smart phones by downloading the latest version of the OFSC trail network with the OFSC’s faster new snowmobile apps. Routable versions of
  • The OFSC provincial trail system will also be available for download to popular GPS units. Coming in December!

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable and environmentally sustainable.

West Carleton Snowmobile Club RAP Tour 2014

West Carleton Snowmobile Club RAP Tour 2014

 

The Club has received lots of requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. As a result we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride on the premier snowmobile tour in Ontario – The RAP, or Ride Around Algonquin Park tour. It is approximately 690km tour, over 4 days.

Overview

Length

690 km 4 days of riding Approximately 6- 8 hours of riding each day.

Deposit

A $50 deposit non-refundable from each rider is expected prior to departure. Please provide to Scott Hamilton, Ted Kelly or Paul Asmis. Please make sure that you have received confirmation that spaces are available before booking your accommodations!

Dates – 02 Feb-05 Feb 2014

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 – especially on the West side of the park.

Planning Meeting – Tuesday Sept 17 2013

A planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Sept 17, 7 pm at “Love That Barr” in Pakenham.

Reservations

Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information on each booking is provided. Note that Spring Lake and the Bears Den need reservation confirmations by the end of September as they fill up quickly with long-range bookings. It is not too early to make bookings!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings soon. The accommodations fill up very quickly for that time of the year. Cancellation is typically 7 days notice.

Schedule and Options

Riders can trailer to the departure point at Spectacle lake Lodge on Sunday or snowmobile from the West Carleton area. Spectacle Lake lodge is on the B Trail, west of Barry’s Bay, within a day’s ride of West Carleton. (Note this will extend trip and reservations for the Thursday return night at the spectacle Lake Lodge are rider’s responsibility.) There are excellent club trails around the Spectacle Lake Lodge, including a look out point. Riders arriving early on the Sunday can take advantage of the loops around the lodge. Also riders can elect to stay an extra night at the end of the tour to explore the local loops.

Parking

Spectacle Lake Lodge has ample parking for trailers and vehicles.

Schedule

Sunday

Arrive – Spectacle Lake Lodge

Sunday Riders Briefing – 1900 hrs in bar area.

Monday

Destination is Spring Lake Resort, Dwight Ontario

Distance – approx 160 km

Fuel / Stops – Whitney (everyone fuel – fuel limited after that), Kennisis Lake (100 km)

Stops – TBD – photo op at waterfall near Whitney Ontario

Tuesday

Destination is Collander Bay – Terrance Suites

Distance – approx 150 km

Fuel – Sand Lake – VERIFY

Stops – TBD

Wednesday

Destination is Deep River – Bears Den

Distance – 200km

Fuel – Mattawa (100 km) / Stonecliffe

Stops – Mattawa (only lunch stop)

Thursday

Destination – Spectacle Lake Lodge

Distance – 180 km Fuel Pembroke / Round Lake / Barry’s Bay

Stops – TBD

Accommodation Information

1st Night – Sunday Feb 2

Spectacle Lake Lodge
17-B Spectacle lake Road, South Algonquin
K0J 1B0613-756-2324

www.spectaclelakelodge.com

Rates

The lodge offers a Snowmobile Package (includes accommodation, 3 course dinner and hot breakfast) @ $120.00 per person plus 13% HST and 15% Gratuity. If you do not want the dinner and breakfast it would be regular rate per our website. (4 cottages are booked. They will hold 12 riders – each with a bed. Those wanting to pay regular rate will be accommodated in one or two cabins to facilitate cost breakdown. )

2nd Night Monday Feb 3

Spring Lake Resort
Dwight 2893 Ontario 60, ON
1 877-635-9995

Springlakeresort.net

Rates

“A room with two beds, a queen and a twin bed or one bed, a king size bed is $89.00 plus tax based on occupancy of 2 people. We have 4 rooms with king size bed and 10 rooms with a queen and a twin, total of 14 rooms. A suite with 3 queen size beds, you have 2 queen size beds in the bedroom and one queen size bed in the first room along with 4 pcs washroom, etc… is $120.00 per night plus tax. We have 3 suites in total. All our rooms are freshly renovated with brand new mattresses, carpets, etc. have a microwave, a coffee maker, and a compact fridge. They all are lake view and lakefront.”

Each person can call and make their own arrangements for the stay either in rooms or suites as they like and providing their own credit card to reserve, just please ask them to say that they are members of West Carleton Snowmobile club.

Note : Book by end of September

3rd Night – Tuesday Feb 4

Terrace Suites
2363 Highway 94 (Callander Bay Drive) Callander (North Bay), ON P0H 1H0
705-752-5552
reservations@terracesuites.com

www.terracesuites.com

Rates

  • Signature suite is $126 per night (we have 8 suites, they have 1King and 1Queen)
  • Honeymoon Suite is $119 per night (we have 8 suites, They have 1 Queen)
  • Standard Room is $99 (we have 2 suites, they have 1 Queen)
  • Family Suite is $130 per night (we have 2 suites, they have 3 Doubles or 3 Queens)
  • For details on our suite amenities please go to our website
  • You can block off Rooms and they can call in individually to book their rooms.
  • A month before the date if there are still unclaimed rooms I will put them back up for sale.
  • As of right now we do have availability for Feb 4th.

4th Night – Wednesday Feb 5

Bears Den Lounge and Motel Restaurant
33177 17 Hwy, Deep River, ON K0J 1P0
(613) 584-9795

Rates

  • Single Room Queen Bed – $70 plus tax Double Room –twin beds – $94 plus tax
  • Need confirmation in Sept of numbers
  • Book under Paul Asmis – West Carleton Snowmobile Club
  • Each rider is responsible for reserving his or her own accommodations. Please call the listed accommodations and quote the reservation information provided for each stop.

Additional Details

Food

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

Fuel

The group will stop for fuel approximately halfway through each day. In some areas of the tour around the park fuel stops are limited and are approximately 100km apart. Fuel is available at Spectacle Lake Lodge prior to departure.

Chase Vehicle

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 20ft 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.

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.

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.

Sled maintenance

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.

Registration

To register for the tour please download and complete the registration form.

Registration is confirmed once a tour coordinator listed below receives the deposit.

Please contact any of the coordinators for details.

Information

Ted Kelly
ted-kelly@sympatico.ca
613-296-5294
Scott Hamilton
Shamilton@delta-gl.com
613-852-7271
Paul Asmis
pasmis@mac.com
cell 613-297-9818

Annual General Meeting – May 13, 2013

Annual General Meeting – May 13, 2013


The West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting will be held in the spring this year, on Monday May 13th, 8pm, at the Sports Bar in W. Erskine Johnson Arena, Carp.

There are a number of major OFSC initiatives underway which will directly impact snowmobilers and snowmobiling in Ontario. It will be important to have our 2013-2014 board and executive in place to allow us to respond to these changes. Additionally, holding the AGM in the spring will allow us to better position our own club to get new projects and event planning underway earlier for next season.

We strongly encourage all current permit holders to attend and participate in the election of directors and officers for next season. Also, we are looking for people who would be willing to take a more active role as directors, or in other non-executive volunteer positions. Please join us!

Club Meeting Tonight

Club Meeting Tonight

The West Carleton snowmobile club holds monthly meetings at the Sports Bar in the W.E  Johnson 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, please join us tonight at 7:30pm!

2013 WCSTA Meeting Schedule

(all meetings held at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise posted)

Tuesday January 15/2013

Wednesday February 13/2013

Thursday March 14/2013

Monday April 8/2013