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OFTR Advocacy Update May 2022
Increase Renewable Content (Ethanol) in Fuels
Thank you again for your renewed membership for 2022 and we look forward to seeing you on the trails. As part of our commitment to you, we are pleased to share some recent progress from our Advocacy Committee.
Over the course of the past few months, we have been working on a potential and concerning change - a rapid increase to ethanol content in gasoline-based fuels.
When ethanol is used as an additive in automotive gasoline, the combustion process of a running engine pulls moisture out of the air which condenses in fuel systems and damages components in the engine. Impacting both our motorcycles and personal safety.
Through the office of David Piccini Minister of Environment, Conversation & Parks (MOECC) we expressed our concerns that ethanol content in gasoline that is mandated to exceed 10 percent of fuel volume in the next few years is deeply concerning.
Below is some context that was shared with the Minister’s office.
“There are alternatives to increasing ethanol levels in gasoline which will not only provide more environmentally responsible fuels but will also minimize the serious impact on motorcycle and other engines. In that regard, we would welcome the opportunity to work with you, your Ministry and the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council with a view to developing viable policy options for the government to consider”.
In partnership with our advocacy group, we were able to take part in a meeting with MOECC to present and discuss our position in early April. On April 6, 2022, we received communication from the Minister's office that there will be no increase in ethanol blending in 2022. In fact, no increase above the current 10 percent ethanol content will occur before 2025 when it will increase by 1 percent to 11 percent. In 2028 the percentage will increase to 13 and then a max of 15 percent in 2030.
Ethanol blending will remain restricted to “regular gas” with an octane level of 87. There are no plans to blend ethanol into the medium (89) and high-octane fuels (91) in Ontario.
Although we are excited at the progress thus far, we will continue to monitor the Federal Government fuel blending strategy while also keeping a watchful eye on the position in the USA.
Other Advocacy agenda items remain a top priority such as the insurance on smaller displacement bikes (150cc) and other matters that may affect your and your family's riding experience. We are committed and promise to share both the wins and the challenges as we progress our advocacy work.
Kellee Irwin
OFTR President
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The Beagle Bash Ride Report |
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The photo says it all. The Beagle Bash Trail Ride and Enduro was a battle against the elements. The weatherman did not deliver the mild temperatures and trace amounts of rain as promised. Instead, pounding torrential rain turned the usual chocolate cake trails of the Beagle Bash into chocolate pudding. Forward motion proved challenging on the slick, black soil of the hardwood forest and farm fields. The transit sections were bone-chilling. Quote by Stephanie Yankovich "What should have been mint hero dirt became a quagmire of treacherous ruts and snotty mud that caked your tires and made it virtually impossible to ride in a straight line." The attrition rate was similar to that of hard enduro, with over one-third of the enduro riders not finishing, but that did not keep them from graciously grooming the trails into one big muddy slip and slide rut for the trail riders. Even still, off-road riders are hardy soles, and a little cold rainy weather could not dampen the spirits of the trail riders, and the mud only added to the fun. Nothing raises the human spirit like two wheels and some adverse conditions to challenge our abilities.
Thank you to Doug Kent and the Lynn Valley Dirt Riders, Bill Fitskowski and the Off-Road Ontario team, and KTM Canada for all the great swag, all the volunteers and check crews, and especially the sweep crew.
The event was a ton of fun despite the weather. I am looking forward to next year with maybe a touch less dust control.
By Rome Haloftis
Photo by Megan Sharpless
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HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES 2023 OFF-ROAD AND DUAL-SPORT RANGE IS UP TO ANY CHALLENGE (CANADA)
RIDERS AT EVERY LEVEL CAN ACHIEVE THEIR BEST-EVER RESULTS WITH CLASS-LEADING AND INNOVATIVE RACE-DEVELOPED MACHINERY
Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is pleased to announce its 2023 TE, FE and FEs lineup, a range of class-leading 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines, taking riders of all levels of experience and skill to their best possible results. Dynamic performance and advanced ergonomics combine in the 2023 off-road and dual-sport ranges to deliver unrivalled power and handling to the competitive rider.
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TECH TIP
Have you thought about your handlebar lever position when you are setting your bike up to make it fit you? You will hear coaching discussions on the angle of your levers but there is another adjustment you should consider, the distance the lever is from your handlebar. This placement is especially important for riders with small hands.
Most motorcycles will have a way for you to set the distance that you have to reach to place your fingers on both the clutch and front brake lever. Check your owner's manual for information on the adjusters for your bike.
The clutch lever adjustment, I feel, can be the most helpful to all riders. In the photos, you can see a black knob, in this case turning the black knob will bring the lever closer to the handlebar or move it farther away. If you are reaching for the lever try turning the adjuster to bring the lever closer. Try small adjustments and always make sure that you can pull the lever in enough to disengage the clutch when the lever is pulled in. On most of the newer bikes, you can set this adjustment so that you can set the point of clutch engagement to match the size of your hand. You should have a small amount of free play in the lever. This means when you first pull in the lever it feels like it is not doing anything for maybe the first quarter inch of movement and then you feel resistance that feels like you are compressing a spring. When you find the lever position that is best for you it will give you good control of your clutch and will likely be much less tiring on your clutch hand.
The front brake has a similar adjustment. Check the distance the lever is from the handlebars and try your adjuster to see if you can find a better position for you. There should also be a slight amount of free play in the lever and the lever should fully stop the front wheel before the lever is pulled as far as it can be pulled in.
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FLYERS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS |
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The BMA Ladies Ride and Social
Sponsored by Husqvarna Motorcycle Canada
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Date: June 11th, 2022
Time: Registration at 9:30 am, riders meeting and group rides starting at 10 am. BBQ lunch at noon, afternoon rides to follow.
Registration: Click HERE **NOTE - If you are signing up a Family or Minors who cannot sign our waiver, please read! In the "How are you registering" drop-down menu on the signup page, select "I am registering a new group", the select the "I am making a group for people who won't be going through the registration process" and follow the inline instructions from there. You will need to sign paper copies of the BMA Waiver @ the event for each family member.
Summary:
The Ladies Ride & Social event, brought to you by BMA & Husqvarna Motorcycles is NOT to be missed. This event sells out every year.
Held by women for women and set up as "Just for Fun" trail ride through the Limerick Forest. For Ladies and Girls who love motorcycles (first timers / beginners / seasoned riders) - ride and socialize with other motorcycle enthusiasts, join the group rides or ride our ‘green’ loop yourself. Between rides, you can relax in the shade in our lounge area. Dudes accompanied by moto ladies are welcome!
- Husqvarna Motorcycles will have a variety of demo bikes on site. Demo bikes available to those 18+ with a driver's license.
- Support will be provided to load/unload your trailer and there will be a technician onsite in case your bike isn’t doing what it’s supposed to do.
- **Update - Camping @ the Limerick Forest Interpretive Center is no longer available. All attendees will need to make any out-of-town camping or accommodation arrangements on their own. The closest town with Hotels/Motels is Kemptville (~15 mins away) and there are cost-effective options available. Reach out to the event manager with any questions.
- Husqvarna Motorcycles Canada will supply draw prizes for event attendees
Requirements:
Your bike will have to be plated and insured to ride in Limerick Forest. Since Limerick Forest is an OFTR Forest, either an OFTR/BMA membership or a trail pass is required to ride in Limerick Forest. Free 48-hour passes will be provided to all Women and Girls who register and are not BMA Members. Your bike will still need to be plated and insured.
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May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness in Canada |
When you’re on the trail, Watch Out For Each Other. If you haven’t been out riding for a while, take time to get used to the feel of your bike. Experienced riders can help new and returning riders with advice and tips. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
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RENEW NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A 30th ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT |
Renew your membership before May 1st for a chance to win one of three 30th anniversary t-shirts. That is correct, THIS YEAR, the OFTR turns thirty years old, and we will have a commemorative t-shirt available soon. Renew now for a chance to win one. More info HERE
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Newmarket-based Insurance Agency owner since 2007 with specialization in life insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance and Health & Dental benefits. Avid motorsports enthusiast providing insurance for your motorcycle, ATV, Side by Side, trail bike, snowmobile, boat and PWC. Our team provides personalized service for insurance on your car, home and business. Do you need advice on retirement planning or education savings planning? Why not set up an appointment with our Mutual Fund Representative. Need a car loan? We got you covered. Purchase your insurance with confidence knowing Desjardins Insurance Claims Department is available when you need them most. Our personalized service is all backed by the financial strength of the Desjardins Group. We are a call or click away from serving your insurance needs. Proudly serving the Newmarket and surrounding communities by phone, email or face-to-face. The remainder of the province normally contacts our agency by phone or email.
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We are happy to introduce our newest sponsor Triple Clamp Moto located in Toronto
Born in a garage. Raised on the trails
TripleClamp Moto produces high-quality, precision-engineered enhancements to solve shortcomings in dual-sport, adventure and offroad motorcycles. Combining personal experience with 3-D modelling and metal fabrication, we design and build solutions to lighting, lubrication, cooling, airflow, crash vulnerability and other flaws and problems afflicting hardworking bikes.
Katering To Maniacs
We began with a few KTM models we know, love and ride, like the 950 Super Enduro R, 950/990 Adventure and EXC dual sports. We’ve since expanded our offering to cover other makes and models in dirt, ADV, touring and (someday soon) street.
Addiction to perfection
We are driven by performance and esthetics, in that order. We don’t do superfluously pretty things. Our products are intended to boost enjoyment, performance and ease of maintenance of bikes. And since we don’t know everything yet, we’re also big on rider input -- so don't be afraid to write us.
You’re in triple trouble
TripleClamp Moto is based in Toronto, Canada and is owned & operated by Alon Gat, Amir Far and Paul Fenn – three dirt riders toiling in flaming harmony to make the world a faster, smoother place for all motorcyclists.
Every product by TripleClamp Moto is designed and made in North America.
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Check out this exciting contest from Honda Canada!
Bonus – get an extra entry for opting in to receive communications from Honda Canada.
Enter HERE for a chance to win a Power Equipment Prize Bundle
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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!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Sold Out KORMA Kraken Trail Ride, Saturday, May 28th, More info HERE
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The BMA Ladies Ride and Social, Saturday, June 11, 2022, More info HERE
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Sold Out SCORRA Midhurst Trail Ride, Sunday, May 29th, More info HERE
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Green Leaf Algonquin 2 Day Trail Ride, June 18th - 19th More info HERE, and To register click HERE
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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.
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Remember to utilize the benefits from our great sponsors |
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Click through links to our sponsors, partners and supporters |
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#sunset #wheelie #adventure #motolife |
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