OFTR Newsletter #158|February, 2022
This newsletter is brought to you by:
Your Membership, Your Vote!

The OFTR’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on February 27th, 2022, at 2:00 pm. We hope you will join us to learn more about our commitment to all OFTR members and affiliate clubs through our Value Proposition, our newly structured By-laws, our 2021 successes and plans for the upcoming 2022 riding season. What is very exciting about our new By-laws is that you, as a member in good standing with the OFTR, have a unique opportunity through your vote to help shape the future of the Ontario Federation of Trailer Riders while at the same time supporting the work of your local club.

To keep things in the spirit of our cherished sport, the work that we are undertaking in fine-tuning our operations through the newly structured By-laws, strengthening our advocacy position, and so much more can easily be compared to proper, routine bike maintenance upgrades and being able to diagnose issues on a regular basis. 

There is so much to celebrate at the OFTR. Thirty years running, hundreds of volunteers, thousands of members, many kilometres of new trails being mapped and developed, engaging and well-run member clubs, strong community and corporate support are but only a few things that unite us. At OFTR, we strive to operate in the best interests of you, our members and clubs. 

We look forward to every opportunity when we can get to know you both as an OFTR and member club stakeholder. We will do our absolute best to keep you included, well informed on issues of the day, challenges, successes and most importantly, continue to remind ourselves that your annual membership is an investment in the sport that is not only built on the best bikes, engines or equipment, but on the spirit of volunteer engagement, trust, transparency and advocacy. 

A huge heartfelt shout-out to our volunteers who give up their time from their busy lives to support the work of the member clubs, the OFTR and so much more. Volunteers do amazing work and keep our sport viable and safe. As we plan for a great 2022 riding season, we would like to recognize and thank all volunteers in the hopes that they continue to feel valued and respected.

Michael Cullen
OFTR General Manager
UNDER THE HELMET WITH MARISSA DE GRAAFF
Meet Marissa de Graaff. Registered Massage Therapist, unicyclist (yes, you heard me), and one of the coolest dirt biking ladies out there. I wish to thank her for sharing her passion for dirt biking with us and taking the time to answer my questions. I do question her choice of dirt bike hero however, and swear there was no bribe involved. - Stephanie Yankovich

How long have you been riding? How were you introduced to the sport? 
6 yrs. My family and I got into watching Supercross and after going to watch in Toronto I knew I wanted a bike. Not even a week later I had bought my first bike, a Yamaha TTR 125. I then convinced my dad to buy one too. The rest is history.

What bike(s) do you currently ride? 
I'm currently riding a Beta 200 and love it!

For the full story click HERE

By Stephanie Yankovich


Swag Prizes To Be Won!
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Federation Trail Riders (OFTR) will be held virtually, Sunday, February 27th, 2022, at 2:00 PM. We ask that you pre-register in advance to attend the meeting. To register please email Kim Carrigan at [email protected]. To vote, you will need to have purchased your 2022 Membership. Follow the membership link below to renew your membership today. Nonmembers can attend the meeting but cannot vote.

More info HERE
Tech Tip
Battery Connection Solution

Have you ever been frustrated with the little battery terminal nuts when connecting the wires to your battery? 


A simple solution is to cut short pieces of fuel line hose and put it under the nut to hold it up when connecting the small bolt. 


You will have to cut the fuel line until you find the right length. You might have to cut it lengthwise as well. Place the fuel line under the nut, push it in until it stops, and push the nut in on top. With the nut raised, you can easily reach it with the threads on the bolt. 


By Ian Peters
RENEW NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A
all-new Bush Master by
TekVest
Tekvest incorporates the highest level of upper-body protection currently available for off-road riders and racers, TekVest meets or exceeds all ISR specs. The all-new Bush Master is designed to be lighter and cooler than the Rally Master. The ISR rules exclude the use of traditional MX chest protectors and stipulate that all forms of protective gear for Cross Country, Snow Cross, and Hillclimb must have shoulder/arm protection. Tekvest sets the standard!

More info HERE

To be eligible to win this TekVest, you must renew your membership by Midnight on March 31, 2022.

You can renew your membership by clicking HERE
FIM and FEMA Position Paper
On decarbonization and various other technologies

In a fast-changing world, we are confronted with many new developments. Therefore, we added a new position paper on decarbonization because this has become an important issue, especially since the British Government and the European Commission have- announced that from 2035 all vehicles should have zero CO2 tailpipe emission.

For the complete article click HERE
SPONSOR SPOT LIGHT
The Husqvarna Motorcycles Norden 901 is hitting dealer floors in North America. Fast, fun, nimble and above all capable, this is a motorcycle that makes even the longest riding days rewarding, no matter how far the rider chooses to go.


More info HERE

The GASGAS MC 85 17/14 is the same non-nonsense performance bike as the MC 85 19/16 but on smaller wheels to get the youngster started even earlier. An exciting full-on race bike that allows them to continue developing their skills, armed with its powerful and reliable motor, WP suspension and bodywork that's specifically designed to suit the growing young riders, it's a mini racer that delivers performance and durability and a whole lot of fun.



 For more info click HERE
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Sunday, February 27th, The OFTR Virtual Annual General Meeting. More details to follow.
We are pleased to present The 2022 OFTR Trail Ride and Dual Sport Series Sponsored by KTM
Events will have to meet provincial and local health regulations in order to take place. There are still a few dates to be determined. We will update as soon as we have the information.
Remember to utilize the benefits from our great sponsors
Click through links to our sponsors, partners and supporters
The Last Word
#SydneyPortier #GroundBreakingTalent #AWarmDecember