ATVs
– First Hand Wilderness Experiences
by
Andrew Ryeland
So
you thought the back woods were only for the young fit back packer, a
loon call on a remote lake only for the few that could hike, the sight
of a bear or moose only down the barrel of a rifle? The carefree
enjoyment of a green-canopied pioneer trail with dappled sunshine is
just for those with lots of time … right? Well, you obviously
haven’t enjoyed the many pleasures of guiding an All Terrain Vehicle
(ATV) through the dozens of trails and passages in Georgian Bay Country.
You’re
in luck!
We have all the ingredients to let you taste, firsthand, the
backcountry wilderness and challenges in relative ease on board an ATV.
Whether you have access to your own machine or simply want to try
a guided tour you have come to the right place.
In
this part of Canada we sit high on a ledge of rock and water – the
great CANADIAN SHIELD.
It’s a spectacular assemblage of geography that combines rugged
Georgian Bay shoreline with hundreds of thousands of lakes the glaciers
left behind in their haste to head south.
All told we have more coastlines and land bridges than almost
anywhere else in the world.
The ATV is the perfect freedom machine that molds itself to the
land and easily traverses the variety our wilderness affords.
ATVing
is experiencing an explosive growth in North America; nearly 2,000 new
units are sold each month in Ontario alone. This is truly a 4
seasons sport that has captured the imagination of everyone who is an
explorer at heart. Forget Survivor, forget Fear Factor, leave the
Amazing Race to the TV producers, ATVing is the real thing! Where
else could you maneuver down twisted forest hillside paths, climb
granite outcrops, splash through puddles, step over fallen oaks and
catch a few rays, a swim and a cup of coffee all within an hour?
Live large enough to stretch your smile muscles … now that’s
an experience!
This
sport is truly and unabashedly about the journey not the destination.
And yet, the average ATV family will not hesitate to seek luxury
in a hot tub, spa or a five star restaurant at the end of the day.
This ironic juxtaposition of activities associated with the All
Terrain Vehicle is spawning hundreds of vacation packages across North
America and Ontario is at the forefront of those developments.
As the tourism industry in Georgian Bay Country adapts to this
brand new market we are seeing private and public riding opportunities
develop.
Packages are becoming abundant and are heavily promoted (check www.atvontario.com).
Whether
you are a seasoned resident or a curious visitor wanting to discover a
‘different’ Canada, if you are up for a little sunny rejuvenation
and would like to experience an ATV adventure of your own in Georgian
Bay Country contact the Parry Sound ATV District Club (www.psatv.ca)
at 705-774-9778 or check out the ads throughout FUN in the SUN for
guided tours and ATV friendly accommodations.
You’ll soon have your own Wilderness Experience!
PS.
If you are around October 1st – 3rd this year don’t miss a
great celebration of Autumn in all its glory at Fall Jam 2004 –
Canada’s Premiere ATV Festival.
Check any of the previous websites for details in late summer.
About
the Author:
Andrew Ryeland is President of Bear Claw Tours Inc. (www.bearclawtours.com)
an ATV Adventure company and Project Co-ordinator for ATVOntario. He has
over 30 years experience in off road adventures in the Parry Sound area.
He is an active member of the Parry Sound ATV District Club and sits on
several economic and cultural Boards of Directors in both the Georgian
Bay region and the Province of Ontario.
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