Newsletter #156

OFTR Newsletter #156 | November, 2021

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Forest Fairies

By Warren Thaxter

A few years ago, while making an acceptance speech to the CMHOF as a Canadian ‘contributor’ to the sport of motorcycling, I Spoke of a mystical group of people who actually did most of the heavy lifting in getting things done. This mystical group is known as, Forest Fairies.

Forest Fairy is a term coined by Hamilton’s Pat Driscoll from an enduro in Minden, Ontario, way back in the ’80s. Driscoll’s motorcycle was broken down and stuck in a mud hole. After walking out a few kilometres for tools and returning a few hours later with parts and tools, he was stunned to find his abandoned, stuck, and broken motorcycle miraculously repaired and ready to be ridden. When quizzed about the matter later, Driscoll guessed Forest Fairies had repaired the bike. I loved the term and have used it ever since.

In addition to Forest Fairies, I acknowledge another group that is similarly unknown and unnoticed, these being Event Fairies. Event Fairies arrive early. They arrive a year, a month, a week, a day, or a few hours before ‘key time. Event Fairies clear trail, put up arrows, string ribbon, book rooms, and set up chairs. Event Fairies do their magic before the crowds arrive. Furthermore, Event Fairies are the last to leave. Event Fairies take down the arrows and ribbon, stack the chairs, sweep and collect the garbage and then turn off the lights when they leave.

Event Fairies generally go unnoticed, but they’re out there. Every time you attend a ride, a meeting, a show, or a dinner, someone was there before you and did the setup, and the chances are that someone was not being paid but was volunteering for the betterment of our sport. If you have ever arrived at an event a little early and been awed by the fact that everything was ready and waiting for you, that wasn’t luck. That was planning and due diligence by dedicated people, yes, once again, Event Fairies.

Now back to the Forest Fairies, whose contributions are usually much harder to define. If you are a trail rider in Ontario, you are the beneficiary of work and effort expended by someone back in time. Regardless of what many people think, trials do not ‘just happen’. Someone had the foresight to envision what it would be like to ride a motorcycle in this exact spot and proceeded to make that possible. Maybe it was originally a game trail that took an interesting turn up a hill or around a pond or marsh some effort was expended to make that a trail. Furthermore, if you passed over a bridge or a section of corduroy road while on a trail ride, that also didn’t, ‘just happen.’ Some forest fairies created that.

While Forest Fairies are somewhat elusive, membership is not exclusive. Anyone can become a Forest Fairy; in fact, maybe you are already a member of the brotherhood. So in Jeff Foxworthy fashion:

If you belong to a club, remember the club name, and attend the odd meeting, you might be a budding Forest Fairy.

If you participate and help with your home club events, you might be a Forest Fairy.

If you help your club organize a trail ride or enduro, you might be a Forest Fairy.

If you stop while on a ride to move a downed tree or trail obstruction or remove some face slappers, you might be a Forest Fairy.

If you carry a folding saw in your tool bag, there is no doubt you ‘are’ a Forest Fairy.

If your motorcycle is properly licensed, insured, and quiet, you are a candidate for Forest Fairyhood.

If you show courtesy to other trail users and offer trail-side help if the opportunity arises, you might be a Forest Fairy.

If you are one of the hundred people who make the Corduroy Enduro happen each year, you are a Forest Fairy.

If you take time to help acquaint and assist a brand new novice to our sport, you might be a Forest Fairy.

So, to all the Forest Fairies who have made me look good over the years,

Thank You.

Warren Thaxter…..

The message is still as relevant today as when it was written many years ago. We hope you enjoy reading it! If you would like to get involved volunteering with the OFTR, please email me at [email protected] and I can help point you in the right direction. There can never be too many Forest Fairies :-)

The OFTR would like to thank the following Forest Fairies for attending the Presidents Council Conference held last month

Kellee Irwin – OFTR President

Ian Peters – VP OFTR

Carolyn Richards – Secretary, OFTR & KORMA

Greg Colman – Treasurer, OFTR

Stephanie Yankovich – OFTR Board

Cam Lowe – OFTR Board & ODSC, OCMC,

Steve McConnell – OFTR Board & BMA

Sean Robichaud – OFTR Board & KORMA

Brian Dueck – OFTR Board & SCORRA

Rome Haloftis – Events Coordinator, OFTR

George Posan – Membership Coordinator, OFTR

Kim Carrigan – Administrator, OFTR

Peter Klassen – SCORRA

Paul Hallett– Dufferin Rooftop Riders

Chris Waterhouse – Niagara Timberland Riders

Shawn Hall – Northumberland Trail Riders

Dan Philip – Northumberland Trail Riders

Regan Smith – Haliburton Trail Riders

Andrew Jayne – BMA

Joel Castonguay- STARA

Marc Robichaud - STARA

Bill Fitzkowski – Great Pine Trail Riders

Derrick McDonald – K-W Cycle Sport Association

Lee Martin – Halton Off-Road Riders

RENEW AND WIN THIS HUSQVARNA OGIO GEAR BAG

Get prepared for adventure with the Husqvarna OGIO Gear Bag. The heavy-duty wheeled case is a must for a trip to the track or a trek across the globe. Multiple storage areas keep all your gear safe, including your helmet. To be eligible to win this bag, you must renew your membership by midnight Sunday, January 9th, 2022. You can renew your membership by clicking HERE, or even better, renew by visiting our booth and swapping some dust at the Motorcycle Super Show January 7 - 9

Some interesting motorcycle stats for 2021. (Dirt bike sales keep going up, up, up!)

The month of October 2021 finished up 7.4% in comparison to the same month in 2020. The winners were any type of motorcycle destined for the dirt. Increases ranged from 40 to 48%. Bikes destined for the street didn’t share the same success and finished the month down in comparison to the previous year. Losses ranged from 2 to 15%.

Provincially, of the 4 primary provinces, Ontario led the way with a 17% increase. Alberta followed with an 11.5% increase. Quebec sales were on par with October 2020, showing a 0.9% increase and BC showed a loss of 3.7%.

Total year-to-date motorcycle sales are still up almost 10%. This results in an increase of 6116 units over this time last year. Street bikes have the biggest YTD increase at 20.3%."

For the full report click HERE

It’s undeniable that social media increases the ease of communication In a world where people are more mobile than ever before. Stay up to date with news and current events, and find funny or entertaining content. Just click on the social media above to connect directly with our pages.

Husqvarna Enters the Midrange Adventure Market with the Norden 901

I recently attended the media launch for the Norden in the Azores. Husqvarna released the Norden 901 concept bike at the 2019 EICMA show in Milan. It caused quite a stir, prompting Husqvarna's decision to move forward with the production model. Husqvarna maintained the look of the concept bike in the production model without losing its distinctive style. The matte-black rally-style fairings, round headlight flanked by two LED fog lights give the Norden a unique style. Many may find this look more appealing than the alien-like sharp edges of its orange cousins.

Comfort and wind protection are what sets the Norden 901 apart from its KTM cousins. The seat is broad and flat towards the back, making it surprisingly comfortable, and narrow towards the front, making it easier for riders to place their feet on the ground.

At the heart of the Norden lies the 899cc parallel-twin motor that delivers unbelievably smooth linear power from 3000 RPM to the red line at 9000 and only weighs 53.4 kg. The same class-leading engine is used in the KTM 890 Adventure and Duke models.

the bike features cruise control and three selectable ride modes as standard (Street, Rain, Off-road) and an optional Explorer mode to deal with every potential circumstance the rider might encounter.

The suspension is ideally suited for all-around adventure with 251mm of ground clearance. Keep an eye out for the full story in the next issue of Inside Motorcycles. More info HERE

Member Spotlight

We want to congratulate Darrin Rideout on successfully Iron Manning, the 54th Baja 1000, the longest point-to-point race in the world. This year the course was a classic peninsula run from Ensenada to Lapaz, 1974 gruelling kilometres. Riding all day and all night for nearly two days, Darrin crossed the finish line in 46 hours 37 minutes on his Husqvarna FE 501. I can only imagine how hard it was fighting cold dark foggy nights, endless silt beds, trophy trucks, and everything else Baja can throw at you. Darrin did not accomplish this on his own and had the support of a fantastic team behind him. Kim Rideout, Tim Lett, Baja Keith Billings, Jeff Pillon, Kevin Dewan & Juan Carlos. Congratulations to you and your team on a life changing accomplishment!

SPONSOR SPOT LIGHT

For over 30 years, Royal Distributing has been a leader in the Canadian powersports industry. Our passion is providing you with quality brand name products to keep you riding whether it be Snowmobile, ATV, UTV, Motorcycle, Dirt Bike, Bicycle, or Watersports. Exceptional service from our knowledgeable staff, combined with our everyday low pricing, makes us your ideal place to shop for all your powersport needs!

That combined with our fast Free Shipping on purchases over $39 *, and you'll see why we are Canada's Powersports Leader! More info HERE

The Murray Hofstetter Desjardins Insurance Office serving the city of Orillia and surrounding area is committed to the principles of service, integrity, and professionalism.

Murray is a local chamber of commerce member, minor league hockey coach and resident of Simcoe County for over 15 years

He offers motorcycle, ATV, watercraft, campers, RV, cottage, auto, business, home & property and life insurance, Living Benefits, Mutual Funds, Vehicle Loans

For more info click HERE

Would you like to help staff the OFTR booth at the upcoming Motorcycle Super Show?

Are you an active OFTR member and passionate about off-road motorcycling? If yes, why not volunteer to help us staff the OFTR booth at the upcoming Motorcycle Super Show from January 7 - 9? Please let me know if you would like a morning, afternoon, or evening shift. We will need help setting up Thursday, January the 6th, and breaking down after the show as well. If you are interested, email me at [email protected]. Show hours are Friday 11-9, Saturday 10-8, Sunday 10-5.

THE 2022 MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM IS NOW OPEN

Get a jump start on next season and renew your membership today. An OFTR membership is your exclusive access to a comprehensive trail network across Ontario on the RIDE OFTR MAP APP. We work on your behalf to advocate for riders' rights and to maintain and secure access to trails. Two memberships in one: By joining OFTR, you’re also becoming a member of your local organization and their riding community. renew your membership, click HERE!