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(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.
Just a reminder that December 1st is the last day save on early buy permits. All of our permit outlets have them in stock, or order online. However you do it, don’t forget to buy your season permit now. The weather outside today has frost in the ground, so we’re hoping for a great – and long – riding season!
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 Lodge17-B Spectacle lake Road, South Algonquin
K0J 1B0613-756-2324
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 ResortDwight 2893 Ontario 60, ON
1 877-635-9995
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 Suites2363 Highway 94 (Callander Bay Drive) Callander (North Bay), ON P0H 1H0
705-752-5552
reservations@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 Restaurant33177 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 Kellyted-kelly@sympatico.ca
613-296-5294 Scott Hamilton
Shamilton@delta-gl.com
613-852-7271 Paul Asmis
pasmis@mac.com
cell 613-297-9818
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!
The West Carleton snowmobile club holds seasonal 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 Monday April 8th at 7:30pm!
This is our last regularly scheduled meeting of the season. Spring and Summer meeting dates, and Annual General Meeting to be determined.
It has been one of the longest riding seasons, and best sledding conditions in West Carleton on record, but it has finally drawn to a close.
This year we were able to start grooming just before Christmas and riding continued into the early spring. Above and beyond lots of great riding, we also enjoyed a hugely successful Poker Run, trailside hot dogs and bonfire on Family Day weekend, and various other organized runs and activities. Permit sales and riders on the trails are a great sign that snowmobiling is a thriving way to spend winter days in our area!
Once again, HUGE THANKS to our many landowners, volunteers, groomer operators and supporters for a fantastic snowmobile season in West Carleton! Without each one of you it would not have been possible.
Over the summer months we are hoping to plan some brushing and trail upgrade parties, and we could really use your help – so that we can be out riding when the snow is on the ground and not doing as much trail work! Please contact us to be notified of upcoming off-season events and activities!
Thanks, and have a great ‘off-season’!
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
Show your buddies the tail light they’ll be chasing next year – only at the 2014 Manufacturer’s Sneak Peek!
Be the first to see the 2014 snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha at the Bell SensPlex in Kanata on March 25, 5pm-9pm and March 26th, 11am-9pm.
For more information, please visit http://snowsneakpeek.com/
West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association and Delta Global Logistics Inc. are pleased to bring you the 2013 Annual Charity Poker Run, in support of The Snowsuit Fund.
The weather did not cooperate with our original date, but we’re counting on better luck this time! The added bonus is that by rescheduling to Ontario’s Family Day Weekend, riders can take advantage of the OFSC “Try our Trails at No Charge” weekend!
Come out and join us for a fun day of riding West Carleton trails, meeting new people, finishing off with dinner at the Constance Bay Legion and some great prizes available to be won!
Date: Saturday February 16, 2013
Registration: 10:00 a.m.
Poker Run: 11:00 a.m.
Location (start and finish): Constance Bay Legion, 377 Allbirch Rd., Constance Bay, ON.
There will be plenty of parking on site for those who wish to trailer to and from the event.
We will be serving dinner, and a cash bar is available.
Cost: $20.00 entry fee (one poker hand), additional hands $5.00 each
Prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as oldest and youngest riders.
Contact: Scott Hamilton, WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com
Proceeds will benefit The Snowsuit Fund
We’ll be collecting donations of new and gently used winterwear (snowsuits, hats, mitts, boots) of all sizes. Let’s help out a great cause and have fun on the trails!
Please visit this site or our West Carleton Snowmobile Association Inc. Poker Run Facebook group for updates or cancellations.
We wish to thank our many sponsors, including:
Seller’s Choice Ottawa Valley Realty, Ted Kelly
Pivot Point Solutions Design and Communication
Eli El-Chantiry, Councilor Ward 5
JR’s Restaurant
Nichol’s Ultramar Gas Bar
Ottawa Senators
The Point Dining Lounge
The Pond Boy
The Prior Sports Bar
West Carleton EMC
Due to lack of snow, icy conditions and open water, the Poker Run has had to be rescheduled. We apologize for the inconvenience – please stay tuned and we will post you with updates once a new date has been determined.
Everyone join in and do the snow dance so that we can get our trails back into shape!