BREAKING NEWS & BLOG
ARCHIVES - JULY 22- AUG 31, 2009
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EXPECT LONG DELAYS IN KINMOUNT THIS WEEKEND. Mon. Aug. 31st, 2009
The Kinmount Fair is this long weekend Sept 4,5,6. Locals tell us that every year all highways and municipal roads are "jammed for miles". If you are considering trailering to the Train Station staging area we suggest you make other plans. Try Somerville Tract at 93 Pinery Rd. (See Breaking News Sat. July 25th 2009.) or come up from Fenelon Falls. Two staging areas are open there and authorized by CoKL.
Wardens learned on Saturday's patrol that antique and classic cars will line both sides of the Rail Line all the way from the train station to Austin Sawmill Heritage Park.
Our usual destinations for food may be congested. Why not try a hot meat pie from Georgina's in the Farmer's Market or pack a lunch. It's gonna be wild.
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AUSTIN SAWMILL - NOW ON VIEW Sun. Aug.30th 2009.
Kinmount: The hoardings are down from the Austin Sawmill relic. A large viewing platform has been built so visitors can see how logs were brought to the Sawmill and cut into lumber. Even the platform was crafted with great pride and detail using pioneer style construction. (Look at the support posts).
There is plenty of parking for ATVs on the edge. Please consider parking here instead of the congested area at the Train Station Museum on busy weekends.
Kawartha ATV Association was proud to have made a $200 contribution toward restoration of this piece of our local history.
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ANNUAL PERMIT STICKERS IN WHITE. Sat. Aug. 29th 2009
Wardens are reporting they still see white permit stickers on ATVs. If you are still displaying an annual permit sticker on your ATV that is white, you must check the month in which it was punched. If it is punched "A" for August, you have until Tuesday to renew.
Wardens and By-law officers will look closely at these from now till the end of the season. There was a Breaking News story on Wed. Aug. 12th that you will be interested in reading. Just scroll back to that date.
FREE PARKING NOW AVAILABLE ON KENREI PARK RD. Sat. Aug. 29th, 2009.
As mentioned briefly in yesterday's Board Meeting report, we are happy to announce another Staging Area has been granted to our club. For members who wish to start north of Lindsay and be on the rail line, you can follow these instructions.
Exit from Highway 35 on to Kenrei Park Rd. The entrance to the parking area is 56m (185') west of the entrance to Ken Reid Conservation Area on Kenrei Park Rd. It is the grassy area just off the road up to the fence. The area has some ruts so drive slowly anywhere on the cut grass area. It is not signed yet but should be soon. The V.R.T.C is at your doorstep. The project was okayed by Parks and Rec. and also CoKL Works Dept.
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WEDNESDAY's BOARD MEETING Fri. Aug. 28th, 2009.
The Kawartha ATV Board Meeting assembled promptly and started on time at 6:30 p.m. with a full schedule of items to address. 12 Directors had much to discuss and all were well prepared.
After the required Approval of the Agenda with any items to add, they approved the minutes of the July 15th 2009 Board Meeting and got down to.
New Business.
1. Confirmation of our attendance at the Lindsay Home Show March 26-28,2010.
2. Finalise purchase of an 18 ft. enclosed trailer for club storage and activities.
3. Enter Lindsay Fair Parade. Theme is FAMILY.
4. Assemble list of all volunteers.
5. Contribute to and attend Northumberland's Club Annual Fund raiser Oct. 3rd.
6. Acknowledge "Breaking News" as a successful addition to our website.
Committee Reports,
1. Distribute flyers for the Kawartha Powersports Show and ask for volunteers.
2. Announce the successful addition to our Staging Areas at Kenrei Rd., Lindsay (more later)
3. The completion of the resurfacing of a section of E108 in the 5 Points.
4. A mention that the new map has many sponsors with ads to help costs.
5. The Alliance Meetings are showing great co-operation between us and Haliburton.
6. Financial Report (We're in good shape.)
7. Adjournment at 8:45 p.m.
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KAWARTHA POWERSPORTS SHOW IS HEADING OUR WAY Thu. Aug. 27th 2009.
Mark your calendar Sept. 12th and 13th as follows..".Honey...where's the cheque book I'm off to the Powersports Show."
Now that you have the attention of the whole family, take a little time to check out what's happening in the fresh outdoors business.
ATV Races and Freestyle Show...ATV Safety Course...Dealer exhibits...Classic and Custom Car Show...Vintage Snowmobiles...snowmobile races...RVs...and trailers.
It's all here in Lindsay at the new and improved Lindsay Exhibition Grounds.
Your reps from Kawartha ATV Club will have a booth where we can shoot the breeze.
See www.canadianpowersports.ca for more information
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GRILLES GONE WILD Wed. Aug. 26th, 2009
Looked up any "old grille fronts" lately? Get all the latest dirt about your "old grille front" before you end up in hot water. If you're getting that warm all over feeling, it's time to flush the front end.
All kidding aside, overheating rads after that hot spell can shut you down for the day unless fresh water is available and we mean more than a bottle of drinking water.
Mud is the number one culprit, followed by silty water, and finally dust that has been accumulating for weeks. Check it out or check your winch.
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BOARD MEETING IS A GO FOR TOMORROW NIGHT Tue. Aug. 25th 2009
That on-again, off-again Director's Board Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night Wed. Aug. 26th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The venue is still at 2010 Little Britain Rd. in a meeting hall behind the home of Ray and Marilyn Nesbitt. Phone (705) 878-4016.
Any member of the Kawartha ATV club is always wecome to attend and many do. Hope to see you there.
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E108 GETS A FACELIFT IN THE FIVE POINTS Mon. Aug. 24th 2009.
Two years ago, after several onsite meetings with the MNR, Twin Mountains Snowmobile Club, secured a permit for trail twinning beside the cottage road, just after you turn north from the bottom of Bass Lane.
Risk Management was the order of the day as the cottage road, which is privately owned, can be a hazard for snowmobiles and ATVs.
The trail was cut but left with a jumble rock surface for the first year of snowmobiling. Now that it has settled and has been ridden on by sleds and ATVs it's time to "just add sand".
Enter Kawartha ATV Association with your club $$$ at work.
At last count club reps counted over 30 dual-axle truckloads of sand being spread by bulldozer over the problem area to give it a smoother and safer surface to ride on. The sand is onsite so no extra cost for long-distance trucking was encountered. The crew is back in there to-day.
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TORNADO FOLLOW UP Sun. Aug.23 2009
We can now report as of 6.p.m. Saturday that the rail line from Cameron to Kinmount, and the Marsh Trail, and south half of the Pinery Trail, have not suffered any damage from the heavy rains or wind.
LOGGING ON THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL Sun. Aug. 23 2009.
Few ATVers venture into the dark depths of the Millennium trail, north side of Hwy #45 / Monck Rd, but we want to pass along a preliminary note only that it is in progress. There is evidence of logging out on the Hwy #45 / Monck Rd.
As of two weeks ago our riders say that the logging starts about 1/2 km in from #45. They are trying to run parallel to the trail, but not in all cases. There is a lot of slash ON the trail in this section. If there is a "GO around" use it or fire up your winch.
For general reference, the Millennium Trail dead ends at either a “swamp” at the west side after the "T" or at the “BOG” on the east side of the "T".
We can tell you that when a tree is painted with a large blue letter "B" it stands for BUMPER. The tree is left standing so that haulers can "bump" or turn a log around a sharp corner.
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ROAD CLOSED - MILBURN RD - CULVERT WASHED OUT Sat. Aug. 22nd, 2009
Anyone trying to get from the Haliburton Rail trail to the Miserable Lake trail (or to Gooderham) along Milburn Rd (aka Old Irondale Rd) will come across road closed signs and a washed out culvert.
Luckily a small group of KATVrs happened to cruise by this morning and armed with a 8” Fold-Out Hand Saw, a small 12” Camp Axe and along with a winch managed to clear enough limbs to allow ATV's to get across.
As for Miserable Lake, It’s a beauty . . .
As for the Miserable Lake Trail . . . suffice to say it has a well deserved reputation.
FINDING THE FALLS AT FENELON FALLS Sat. Aug. 22nd 2009
Last year in desperation, someone made a homemade sign at the bridge that read " SEE THE FALLS" and included an arrow pointing to under the bridge. The sign didn't last long.
Pity, because that's exactly where the falls are.
When summer traffic eases off, pull into the parking lot of the Fallsview (get it?) Restaurant and " See The Falls."
This time of year the water is slow-running but you can see the results of constant erosion over thousands of years.The Trent-Severn does monitor water levels based on spring runoff and rain gauges. Balsam Lake is the highest lake on the Trent-Severn Waterway, then it's Cameron Lake,and then it's, well... water under the bridge. See it now, then see it next spring. The sound will be deafening and the speed so fast that you'll get hypnotized by the power.
Did you know that all artifacts still under water in all Trent-Severn Lakes belong to Parks Canada?
Additional info found on the Fenelon Falls Website
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POSSIBLE TORNADO DAMAGE Fri. Aug. 21 2009 2:10 p.m.
Club reps are starting to report in about plans to run our system. So far we can report that E108 from Bass Lane at HWY 49 down and around Bass Lake as far as the bridge over Nogies Creek is open.
Our Trail Boss with chain saw leaves early to-morrow morning from Cameron and will sweep the Rail line to Kinmount. With any leftover time his crew will check out the Pinery.
We suggest you slow down at every hill or turn in anticipation of a blowdown. Let the chainsaw carriers go first. Go with a full tank and/or carry spare gas. You may have to turn around and retrace your steps.( This has happened.)
As soon as we find a trail is clear for riding it will be posted here on Breaking News.
HALIBURTON RAIL TRAIL HOURS ARE GETTING SHORTER. Fri. Aug. 21st 2009
You will notice a big difference in the hours that are available on the HATVA rail line as fall approaches.
Their policy reads in part Open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk. June and July ... No problem.
But ... beginning Late August and from here till Nov. 30th (the final day) you'll have to check just when the sun sets and act accordingly.
KATVA's section of Rail Trail is different and remains open daily until 9:30 p.m., right up to Nov. 30th. As long as you come back down from Haliburton before sundown you'll have plenty of time to return to your staging area in our system.
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MARMORA, HERE WE COME Thurs. Aug. 20th 2009
Too hot? Forget it... Too dusty? So what's new...
You could drop a KATVer out of an airplane and they'd keep on riding...and riding they did.
A hardy bunch of 27 members (on 23 ATVs) trekked off to the Marmora ride last Saturday sponsored by our friends at the EOTA. (Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance). After checking out the Quarry, they went north to Eldorado for an early lunch (great food) and made it to Coe Hill for ice cream and a gas fillup.
After testing their skills in the sand pit (play) they tested their skills in a few water holes (play) then ATVed back to Marmora for a total of 160 kms. It was supper at Jake's then a well-deserved sleepover at the KOA complete with tasties.
Oh yea...the ice cream. One female rider states " It had to be Kawartha Dairy ice cream. That's one habit you CAN lick."
A big thank you goes to Joe Holmes who led the group from Lindsay and Peterborough to Marmora.
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LOG CHATEAU TRAILER PARK SAYS TO ALL ATVers... Wed. Aug. 19th 2009.
"We're on the rail line just one minute south of Somerville 3rd. where riders from the 5 Points join the rail line. Please feel free to use our snack bar for ice cream.
The snack bar is in a stone building right beside the playground just off the rail line. It does close each day from 4 to 6 to allow for the supper hour". We could add that the building has an orange roof but they all do.
"Please park your ATV well off the road and come on in. We'd love to meet you."
"You do like Kawartha Dairy ice cream don't you?" www.logchateaupark.net
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AGRIMONY, STICKEWORT and COCKELBURR. Tues. Aug. 18th 2009
No, that's not a law firm it's the fancy name for Burdock. Those hooky little balls that cling to your socks and pant legs forevr-r-r. Keep some nearby on a night ride to ward off evil witches.(English folklore). Okay, it's hot and we're all waiting out the heat and dust before getting back out there on our ATVs.
In the Kinmount Railway Station is a booklet entitled "DISCOVERY TRAIL" a Self-directed Walking Tour. You won't have to walk but driving an ATV is a full-time job and rubber-necking is not an option. You must have seen out of the corner of your eye those numbered 4x4 posts starting at Crego Creek Gorge and going all the way up past Hwy121? From the comfort of your ATV, stop at these eye poppers.
Post #1. Crego Creek gorge. Stop on the trestle bridge and look down to see the original cement and rock balisters built to support the heavy timbers. It was started in 1874 by a group of Icelandic immigrants who lived and worked on this trestle from a shantytown on it's banks. Many hardships were encountered, some died and were buried on the spot. Take your Burdock.
Post #9 Austin Sawmill Heritage Park. It's built on 8 feet of sawdust from years of milling. Word has it you can feel the sponginess of the ground beneath you. Why not share this experience with a very large friend?
Post #12 The Monck Road was a colonization road to establish a military supply route between Bancroft and Lake Couchiching. To-day, it's considered the shortest distance between Kinmount Fish and Chips and Casino Rama.
Post #13 Highlands Cinema. Here,you will find a museum of everything that predated "You Tube"
Post #14 Old Stave Factory. Between the rail line and the Burnt River,out in a field you must have noticed a depressing looking set of concrete cubicles. This is all that is left of Mickey River's Mill. Here, barrel staves were steamed and shaped into slats for oaken barrels.
Post #8. This is the address of the above law firm.
History is fun, knowledge is interesting, and a donation to the Kinmount Railway Museum would be appreciated.
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NOW YOU SEE IT...NOW YOU DON'T Mon. Aug. 17th 2009.
That southbound sign up at Boundary Rd. has served its purpose. (See Breaking News Wed. July 22nd.) We feel warning dirt bikers of a $400 fine for entering the VRTC was necessary and has given them enough notice to stay off. The sign had a negative message even though it was only temporary.
It is to be removed during the week and re-installed by the weekend as a Welcome to the City of Kawartha Lakes and showing both summer and winter hosts with the months of operation.
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BOZO THE CLOWN SAYS " BUY A HORN" Sun. Aug. 16th 2009
Now that certain roads are available for ATV use we should be able to "honk our horn" when a car or cyclist needs our attention.
" Once I started to cross the Monck Rd. coming south off the rail line but a car decided to back up to enter the Kinmount Station Parking lot. I had no way to alert the driver who spotted me at the last moment avoiding a collision." writes a member of club who has since "bozo-ized".
The horn does not have to be wired into your ignition system. Go to Canadian Tire and look in the bicycle section. Works well on New Year's Eve also.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE ...ATV. Sun. Aug. 16th 2009.
Our Risk Management team wants to stress that a mirror is recommended on your ATV when using roads. Even on a trail you must know if someone is approaching your group from behind. This allows time to move over and let them pass in an orderly fashion.
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WHERE CAN I BUY A TRAIL PERMIT? Fri. Aug.14th 2009.
We get reports that guests show up in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls or Kinmount from out of town and ask about sales outlets near where they want to start their ride. Here is a condensed list of retailer outlets that have one day, weekend, weekly and yearly KATVA trail permits for sale.
Things change over time so Please phone first for availability, directions and store hours.
LINDSAY AREA Emm's Sports (705) 324-5563...Lindsay Cycle (705) 324- 5672...Lindsay Chamber of Commerce (705) 324-2393...Cedar Spring Motorsports (705) 953 2066...HB Cycle (705) 328-2453.
FENELON FALLS AREA Biggest Little Rental (705) 887-6330... Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce (705) 887-3409...Lakeview Cottages (705) 359-3707...Log Chateau Park and Campground (705) 887- 3960.
BOBCAYGEON AREA McGregor Sportsline (705) 738-3300...Pirate's Cove Tackle (705) 738-1352...Flynn's Gas Station (705) 657- 8621...
KINMOUNT Shop 'n Save (705) 488-3173...
BETHANY Rangco's Service (705) 277-2661
COBOCONK Buck 'n Up (705) 454-3325...Shield's Home Hardware (705) 454-3342
NORLAND Norland Marine (705) 454-3233
PETERBOROUGH Cameron Cycle (705) 876-1171...Peterborough Power Sports (705) 742-2404.
Note: A complete list, including address can be found online. see Trail Permit Retailers
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100...200...300...400...500...600...AND COUNTING Thurs. Aug. 13th 2009.
That's how fast our membership has grown in less than 3 years. You have responded to the need to mobilize our industry by joining our club. This takes time and money. We are highly respected at all levels of government through well-planned depositions given at Council meetings. This is where opening roads has resulted in positive feedback from CoKL and the Peterborough Townships of Galway, Cavendish, and Harvey.
Snowmobile trails take a beating and we are there to help in the restoration process. (We use them too.) $2000 was donated over in the Five Points area for bridge work and trail re-routing this year alone. Many loads of gravel have raised Somerville 3rd. to help keep it above the high water mark.
Money donations were also given to the City of Kawartha Lakes for Victoria Rail Trail Corridor (VRTC) maintenance and dust control. The VRTC comes under the jurisdiction of Parks and Recreation.
We take Risk Management seriously. Even though volunteers make and install signs to help you on your way, there is a cost at the manufacturing level.
ATVing is not cheaper than joining a health club but the scenery is better.
...700 anyone?
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HOW I GOT 30 DAYS FREE ON MY ANNUAL PERMIT Wed. Aug. 12th 2009
Okay...You buy an annual permit, one of those bright green stickers that gets a wave-by from By-law Officers. On the sticker are printed the months J F M A M J J A S O N D.
When the trail permit is mailed out to you, it will be punched in the month you bought it.
Now... If you bought your permit on say May 1st., it's good until May 31st. the following year. 30 Days free. BUT... if you wait until late in the month, say May 21st., it's still only good until May 31st. the following year. All of a sudden the free grace period is reduced to only 10 days. This offer works for any month in the year.
The moral of this story is "Join Early, Get Riding, Save Money, Buy Gas."
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DIRECTOR'S MEETING CANCELLED Wed. Aug. 12th 2009
There was originally to be a Director's Meeting to-night which was then changed to last night due to a scheduling conflict.
Meeting has now been re-scheduled to Wed. Aug. 26th. We'll keep on top of this and report closer to the date.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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YOU'RE INVITED 
Tues. Aug. 11th 2009
Tues. Aug. 11th 2009Board of Directors meetings for all non-profit organizations are required by law. The buzz word lately is transparency. It simply means...No secrets.
As a member of KATVA, you are invited to come out to-night and observe the inner workings of your club. The meeting is being held in a very relaxing large hall at the home of Ray and Marilyn Nesbitt, 2010 Little Britain Rd. Lindsay (705) 878-4016 and starts promptly at 6:30p.m. and ends at or before 8:30 p.m.
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COUGAR SIGHTED AT CREGO CREEK. Mon. Aug. 10th 2009.
Saturday's wardens chatted with a family of our club members before they headed north from their property off Poulsom Ave. The father related a story to us that he had previously seen a cougar crossing the Rail Line at the Crego Creek gorge trestle bridge. Too nervous to stop, he kept going and after returning to the spot with his camera, could not see any evidence of tracks to photograph. He did file a report to the authorities but has not received a reply at the time of this writing.
For Additional info see the article in the London Free Press , check out sites such as Hinterland Who's Who and Ontario Puma Foundation , or simply do a < Google > search for < cougar sightings Ontario >.
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SNEAK PEAK AT A TRAIL WARDENS REPORT Sun. Aug. 9th 2009
As stipulated in our agreement with the City to patrol the V.R.T.C. with trained trail wardens, we thought you may like to know the statistics we collect while on duty. Most wardening is done on weekends but many local wardens run the line during the week on a random basis.
The following is a compilation but represents a typical tour.
1. 8:00 a.m. Confirm with partner where to meet.
2. 9:00 a.m. Check supplies...Permit book, pen, brochures, list of permit sales outlets, maps, cell phone, and emergency phone numbers (O.P.P. and By-law hot line head the list.) Load fresh water, snack, and top up gas tank.
3. Rendezvous with partner at designated staging area.
4. Time out...10:00 a.m.Time in...4:00 p.m. Total time on trail...6 hours. Distance travelled 83 kms. (This varies greatly.)
5. Chatted with club members off-loading at Garnett Graham Park in Fenelon Falls.
6. Gave directions to visiting tourists.
7. Proceeded north noting that urban areas have been treated with calcium to help keep down dust.
8. Got a nod of appreciation and a smile from dozens of cottagers for keeping a lid on trail abusers.
9. Checked dozens of ATVs for permits and most comply. Sold 4 day passes.
10. Cleared fallen brush and the odd blowdown. (Crews are called out for the big ones.)
11. Filed report to the Head Warden after which total stats are compiled on a monthly basis.
OOPS DEPARTMENT Sun. Aug. 9th 2009
On Aug. 1st. we wrote RAIL RELIC DISCOVERED AT WATSON'S SIDING in which the cross road was incorrect. It has been corrected to read the second time you approach Pinery Rd. The rail relic is getting hard to spot due to high growth foliage but it was there yesterday!
... MMM ... MMM GOOD !!! Sun. Aug. 9th 2009
ReCap Day1 of 2nd Annual Pot Luck Pig Roast and Ride.
Meeting new and old friends, learning which key starts a Can-Am, riding trails I haven't seen before, coming across a stolen/abandoned vehicle, somehow managing to get stuck twice - in the same hole, having a lot of laughs, telling a few stories and then PIGing out on supper of fresh sliced BBQ Pork, Beef with Baked Potatoes and bbq'd Corn - hot off the Oil Tank - with all the accompanying Sauces and Salads and more Corn and more Desserts and more Pork and more Beef and more ... and more .... and more later after todays run. /gh
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HEY KIDS...CHECK THIS OUT. Sat. Aug. 8th 2009
If you're between the ages of 12 and 16 you are eligible to take an ATV Youth Rider safety training program. You won't have to use that lame excuse..."I didn't know." or the one the police don't want to hear..."Nobody told me."
Do you really want to see yourself on You Tube with your ATV wrapped around your neck? Facebook would be bad enough. Just log onto www.ofatv.org . Trainers are listed by city at the end of the section.
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EXPECT DELAYS THROUGH FENELON FALLS Fri. Aug. 7th 2009
The Fenelon Falls Fair is in full swing already. It goes till Sunday. GTA guests will be everywhere and some won't know the area.
We should be extra careful riding through town. Give yourself extra time if you're trailering or seek an alternate staging area. The bridge will be jammed.
ATTENTION ALL SNOWMOBILERS. Fri. Aug. 7th 2009
Yes, You read that right. Because we deal almost daily with our associates at Twin Mountains Snowmobile Club over in Bobcaygeon, regarding common goals in the Five Points area, we thought we'd pass along what they are working on over the summer and fall months when their website is inactive. We use many of their trails after May 1st. for which we are grateful.
1. Effective Aug. 1st. 2009, snowmobile permit sales over the internet directly from each club have been suspended. All clubs have withdrawn their application forms from their websites. Internet permit sales will be reintroduced by the OFSC. This story will unfold in October.
2. We have a promise from the logging company that logging will end on or before Dec.1st. 2009. Two sites will be logged. One is north of what was known as "The Old Triangle" just off Bass Lake Rd. and the other site is up the Loom Lake Trail on the way to the Badlands. They want us to know that the trail will be wider when they finish to accommodate the skidder. We benefit from a safety standpoint and wider trails let in more snow (nice).
3. "By the way, did you know that one of the access points to the Five Points is right across the street from the City of Kawartha Lakes?"
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DO YOU LIKE PORK ON A STICK? Thu. Aug. 6th 2009
KATVA's 2nd Annual Pot Luck, Pig Roast and Ride, is upon us. [see Rides and Events]
This weekend ride is a double dipper with free primative camping in between. Sorta like a pyjama party for grown-ups.
The staging area is on Bill and Pat Mark's farm, 268 Tower Road, Lindsay. Details and Confirmation available from Dianne (705) 324 9904 or Wanda (705) 324-8662.
If you must roll in the hay, we suggest that you first get off your ATV.
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GCH TOWNSHIP - ROADS STAY OPEN. Wed. Aug. 5th 2009
We've got some good news and we've got some really good news.
At the meeting (Tue. Aug.4th) in the Council Chambers of Galway-Cavendish-Harvey, 701 County Rd 36 an overwhelming majority of Council voted to renew ATV By-law (B2009-90) page 162-163.
The really good news is that a revision to state that the by-law is now permanent was voted on and accepted. We no longer have to present our case each year.
Steve Lane, our Past-President, made a flawless presentation of our club's past achievements, and our willingness to work toward common goals. Steve stated "As a club we have not received any direct complaints about the open road concept." Reeve Flynn did say a written complaint was received by council but it did not involve any of our club members.
New brochures and a mock up of a street sign showing speed limits for ATVs on township roads were received in good faith by Council and we promised to install them where necessary.
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TREE SPOTTING Tue. Aug. 4th 2009
As long as we're getting wacked in the face by evergreen branches we may as well know what species to curse. From the Federation of Ontario Naturalists (now known as Ontario Nature www.ontarionature.org ) we have a pamphlet that in part shows how to tell the difference between Fir and Spruce.
Get the kids to memorize this catchy phrase. " F is for Fir...F is for Flat, S is for Spruce...S is for Square." Now send them outside to an evergreen,hopefully one of the above.Hint...Christmas trees are often Fir. (Watch out for poison ivy.)
If a single needle won't roll between the thumb and finger, it's flat. Flat is for Fir. If a single needle WILL roll between the thumb and finger it's square. Square is for Spruce. Hemlock? You're on your own. This might not be a good pickup line in a singles bar but it could work in a Seinfeld episode.
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BIG MEETING TOMORROW Mon. Aug. 3rd 2009
It's time to support Galway Cavendish Harvey Townships 'Open Roads for ATVs' for the second year renewal. If we lose Bass Lane...no entry to the Five Points from Somerville 3rd.
If we lose Bass Lake Rd...no entry to the Five Points at Clark's Field.
If we lose Crystal Lake Rd...no entry to the forest access road from Fire Route 397 or the short cut through the Badlands on the way to Gooderham.
The By-law reads; GALWAY...all township roads open. CAVENDISH....all township roads open. HARVEY only township roads north of Pigeon Lake open. The keyword here is Township Roads. No County Roads are available at this time.
The Council Chambers are at 701 County Road 36, just east of Bobcaygeon. The meeting starts at 1p.m. Last year the chambers were packed, the hall was packed and the front lawn was packed. Hope to see you there.
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BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT HEATS UP ON THE VRTC Sun. Aug. 2nd. 2009
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement officers were on duty over the weekend, on the VRTC from Fenelon Falls to Kinmount. After two years of educating all ATVers that trail permits are required, our club trail wardens now accompany the City officers when available. If you were one of the many club members stopped on the weekend, we thank you for your patience and hope you were not delayed any longer than necessary.
To-day's warden adds this comment. " If you have an annual permit sticker in that bright green colour, you will be sent on your way with simply a wave and a thank you."
GO TO JAIL, GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL, DO NOT PASS...THE QUARRY.
Sun. Aug. 2nd. 2009
Locals tell us that up to half the old buildings in Lindsay were constructed with limestone from this quarry. This would include the old Historic Lindsay Jail.
Having a quarry right beside a railway is very efficient. To view the quarry by ATV simply stop at a trailside clearing on the VRTC between Shuttleworth Rd. and Burnt River, pick a spot between the clumps of cedar trees and approach, but not too close, to the fence.
The quarry, inactive for many years, has a rather peaceful appearance after its long and colourful history.
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RAIL RELIC DISCOVERED AT WATSON'S SIDING Sat. Aug. 1st. 2009
First of all...Where is Watson's Siding? Good question. Along with Fell's Station, Watson's Siding is just open space longing to be rediscovered.
As you ATV going north you will come upon a clearing on each side of the trail. The left (west) field is larger and housed a two room building. Sorry...not a trace. The right (east) field is smaller and that is where the siding held two rail cars. As you approach Pinery Rd for the second time don't go through the gate. Simply pull over to the right, close to the gate, and walk at a 90 degrees angle about 3 metres(10 feet) toward the thicket. At your feet, with a little poking around, you'll find a section of railroad track in the grass.
Long forgotten and abandoned, this section, probably up to 16 feet in length, weighs an amazing 80 lbs. per foot. Let's not GPS this site. It spoils the fun of the search. Don't stub your toe.
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WE ARE BEING WATCHED !!! Fri. July 31st. 2009
Is this a lecture? Yes, this is a lecture. It's another Long Weekend, and it looks like it might be a decent one, so keep in mind . . . . . . .
The O.P.P. and Municipal By- Law officers, with the help of our KATVA Trail Wardens, will be out all weekend checking trailer lights...tie-downs...insurance papers...trail permits...speeding on or off the rail line...improper road use...two up riding on roads...kids doing what kids do... and in general trying to keep everyone safe.
If you have guests coming up from the GTA and they are tempted to try out 'those ATV things'...hide your keys. Just remember this chilling sentence " I don't want to be at your inquest."
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!!!! LIGHTS ON !!!! [PLEASE AND THANKS ] Thu. July 30th 2009.
One of our off-duty wardens sends in this report.
"My wife and I were driving through Fenelon Falls by car last week and spotted four ATVs waiting to turn left at the lights in front of the CIBC. None had their lights on!"
My wife added " With all the dark colours and their low profile they look rather vulnerable."
The MTO stipulates in the Highway Traffic Act - Reg. 316/03, "OPERATION OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ON HIGHWAYS", that, amongst other things, HEADLIGHTS MUST BE ON at all times when driving on ROAD(s) that have been authorized for ATV use.
This Includes all the Open Roads in CoKL , as well as the Fenelon Falls Road Link.
(editor note: seems to me, riding with Lights On is a good idea at all times, road or trail)
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I MUST HAVE STEPPED IN POISON IVY. Wed. July 29th 2009.
Our club slogan reads in part..."and where nature is respected." What could deserve more respect than poison ivy. Railroad beds and poison ivy go together like Calamine lotion and gauze bandages. Check out the rail line at Somerville 3rd.(North West corner.) This is the spot where riders coming over from the Five Points in the Bobcaygeon area often stop for a quick rest.
City of Kawartha Lakes road crews have just cut back the green shoulder with rotary cutters but the plants bounce back. Look but don't touch!
Poison ivy always has three leaves. Only the centre leaf sticks up from a short stem. The two side leaves are joined AT the stem. If in doubt,remember the slogan...'LEAVES OF THREE/ LET IT BE." Picture of Leaflets of Three.
Other good pictures of Poison Ivy can also be found at this link, or Google "poison ivy photos" and search for more.
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GRAB A SOUVENIR AND SAVE A TIRE. Tue. July 28th 2009.
Heavy rains in Kinmount (Sunday) coupled with increasing popularity of the rail line have churned up more railroad spikes from days gone by.
Help yourself along with other club members to save a tire. There is no bag limit. As one iron picker put it. "They ain't gonna blow away!"
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OFSC INSTALLS DESTINATION/ DISTANCE SIGNS Mon. July 27th, 2009
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs based out of Barrie, Ontario started to install those blue signs showing how far it is to various places. Our riding area is part of their District 2. They have already posted these helpful signs for snowmobilers at all T.O.P. trail intersections. (Trans Ontario Provincial).
Here's where the problem lies for all ATVers. We start spotting these signs on the Rail Line and over at the 5 Points on E108 around Bass Lake only to find many are marked right at closed and locked gates or unavailable cottage roads. This is because many snowmobile trails are not available to us in the summer as they are part of a landowner's property. Your best bet to avoid hard feelings, and accidental tresspass is to, not assume the Blue OFSC signs are for ATV's use, and instead use either our KATVA trail map, HATVA trail map and/or follow experienced riders.
Trails that are open to all ATVing in the 5 Points are marked with KATVA and also HATVA arrow signs. We do have Land Use Agreements in place with landowners and those portions are posted with our arrow signs.
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JAPAN RE-INVENTS THE PRUNING SAW. Sun. July 26, 2009
Wise ATVers carry some sort of small saw to clear away blowdowns and deadfall that block the trail. Most popular is the bow saw that cuts on the push and pull stroke. Very effective but we heard about the Japanese Pull Saw and wanted to spread the word. The teeth are all raked toward the user. This means the cut is on the pull stroke only. The push stroke simply becomes a return stroke. You'll feel more confident when the branch lets go because you won't pitch forward.
One Twin Mountains S.C. volunteer says."This saw is quick...this saw is sharp and the scabbard offers safety during transport. We use them to clear site lines before the snowmobile season opens. Because we don't work during the moose and deer season, It's imperative to get the signs visible for snowmobilers just as soon as we can. It's the perfect companion to the chainsaw."
See Lee Valley Tools. Lee Valley has an excellent mail order service. ITEM # EC653.
KAWARTHA HIGHLAND SIGNATURE PARK Sun. July 26, 2009
Please note, the newly formed Kawartha Signature Provincial Park, located east of County road 507 is closed to ATV travel. This area was once widely used by ATV's has been closed to us under the new park regulations.
This is a very unfortunate event, but we continue to work with the Park in the hopes that they will recognize us as previous users and stakeholders of the park, like the Buckhorn Snowmobile Club, which was grandfathered into the agreement.
Until such time, the park remains closed to ATV travel and violators will be deal with swiftly and sharply.
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CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES OPENS STAGING AREA FOR ATVs Sat. July 25, 2009
If you trailer from the GTA or from anywhere else for that matter, you might want to check out this newly created parking lot near Burnt River. It is right at the entrance to the Pinery Trail. You can off-load and be on your way either on the Pinery Trail or atv down Pinery Rd. for a few minutes to enter the VRTC Railine north or south.
Sign at Entrance to Staging Area is Somerville Tract 93 Pinery Rd.,
GPS -- N44° 44.311 - W78° 41.944 (.jpg) MAP
This parking lot gets you up into the system quickly if you'd rather not ATV from a more southerly spot, say Fenelon Falls for example.
Notes: Please make sure you pull into the correct driveway as there are some private residences in the area. If coming on your own, keep in mind that the 9th concession does not cross the river.
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PINERY TO GET A MAKEOVER Fri. July 24, 2009
Fri. July 24, 2009Hang onto your handlebars, a Local Legend (he even planted some of the Red and White Pines that you drive under) has taken our KATVA trail crews into the dark depths of the Pinery to uncover old and abandoned trails and logging roads long forgotten. Several historic sites have been found and flagged for immediate action.
Risk Management signs have been ordered and must be installed before the new trails can be opened for all riders.
Keep checking Breaking News for the latest ongoing developments.
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GALWAY-CAVENDISH & HARVEY MEETING Thu. July 23, 2009
Thu. July 23, 2009Bylaw B2008-73, allowing ATV's access to roads in the Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey comes up for its one-year review at the Council Chambers Municipal Office, Hwy. 36 east of Bobcaygeon, (701 County Road 36) Tuesday August 4th, 2009 @ 1:00 pm.
Their roads include two major access roads to the 5points in Bass Lane and Bass Lake Road, so lets make sure we fill the hall to show council our overwhelming support for the bylaw.
FABULOUS 5 POINTS RIDE IS A GO Thu. July 23, 2009
Thu. July 23, 2009If you haven't booked a spot for this ride from the 5 Points to Gooderham this Saturday (yes, the bridge is ready), please refer to our RIDES AND EVENTS, and scroll down to July 25th for more info.
Gooderham is in the high country and offers great views. Trailboss for this ride is Tony Bullough.
BTW Several members of our club, as well members from the Buckhorn Snowmobile Club and the HATVA came together recently to redeck the Salerno Creek bridge, thus allowing ATV travel to Gooderham again on the trail. KATVA also donated $1000 to the Buckhorn Snowmobile Club (who were the project managers), to help cover the cost of re-decking. Enjoy the trail!
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NEW SIGN UP AT BOUNDARY RD Wed. July 22, 2009
Wed. July 22, 2009Even though the Haliburton by-law allowing dirt bikes (OFTR...Ontario Federation of Trail Riders) up on the Haliburton railine was cancelled at the last minute, KATVA has just installed a southbound sign up at Boundary Rd. as you leave Haliburton County and enter the City of Kawartha Lakes to make it absolutely clear that the City of Kawartha Lakes, under the jurisdiction of Parks and Recreation, does not allow dirt bikes on it's section of rail line (VRTC...Victoria Rail Trail Corridor). The fine posted is $400.
We are doing everything we can to keep the rail line safe for all ATVers both young and old. If you rarely go north of Kinmount, next time go further up just to see how far our City goes. Be careful crossing Highway 121.
_____________________________________________________________________________ WELCOME TO 'BREAKING NEWS' Wed. July 22, 2009
Wed. July 22, 2009'Breaking News' is a new feature, hosted by the good folk of KATVA, to keep you posted on what's happening right now. Reports are collected from various Board members who are constantly working on projects that you will be interested in as they unfold.
We treat breaking news the same as breaking an egg...you can only do it once!
As always, please refer to our main menu board for indepth information on any given topic.
If you have any comments, or suggestions please feel free to contact any of our executive.
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