by Donna Baylis | May 29, 2017 | Reference
Welcome to DGATV’s Maintained Trails
While Dufferin Grey ATV Club membership is for riders of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, 2-Ups, side-by-sides), we do consider ourselves a custodian of the trails for other users as well.
In the summer the public trails are shared by walkers, hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. ATVs are permitted on the trails throughout the ATV season. Motorcycles and dirt bikes are not permitted.
In the winter snowmobiles use much of the same trail (although not identical as they are subject to different landowner agreements). Walkers and cross-country skiers also enjoy the groomed trails.
Dufferin Grey ATV Club spends a significant sum of money from user fees and fundraising on maintaining the trail every year. Funds and Volunteer hours go towards grass mowing; tree trimming; brush and trash cleanup; gravel for filling holes, smoothing slopes and preventing erosion; dust suppression; gate installation and maintenance; bridge building and maintenance.
When the trails are tended for ATV use, all users benefit.
See also:
Trail Users – Mountain Biking
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | May 18, 2017 | Reference
Dufferin Grey ATV Club’s (DGATV) southern trail starts in Orangeville running 110km north to just beyond Chatsworth. The main backbone of the trail is the former CP rail line, known as the CP Trail, which travels through Dufferin County in the south and Grey County in the north. There are many offshoot loops particularly in the north where trails have been longer established.
Orangeville Parking (2019)
The rail trail starts at County Road 16 just above Broadway. You will see signs saying DGATV/OFATV maintained trail. It is unfortunate that DGATV does not have a parking area in Orangeville at this time.
Where Jim Brown Trucking (JBT) had provided us with the use of a corner of their property in the past, circumstances have changed and the property is no longer available. Please respect our arrangement with the company because we appreciated their participation in the past and the future is as yet unwritten. If you know of a land owner/property in the area that may be good for parking, please inform DGATV’s Executive. We’d be happy to come to an arrangement.
A permit is required for all DGATV trails as a member associated with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV). The rail line is limited to straddled ATVs; no side-by-sides at this time as per land owner (Dufferin County in the south, Grey County in the north) policies.
See also:
Parking
Maps
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | May 17, 2017 | Reference
Are You New to the Sport of ATVing?
Without a doubt, ATVing in Ontario is a confusing recreation. Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act leaves it up to the municipalities to establish where and when an ATV can be operated. In other words, each Township must pass a by-law before ATVs are allowed to use the roads. Melancthon Township, near Shelburne, has allowed ATVs access to the roads. As well, the Township of Chatsworth, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Township of Southgate and the Municipality of West Grey have ATV by-laws allowing some form of road access. However, to be absolutely sure, off-trail riders should check the by-laws of the area in which they are going to ride. With the internet these days, this research is fairly easily done. (See Other Links.)
Dufferin Grey ATV Club’s (DGATV) mandate is to bring safe recreational family-oriented ATV riding to the counties of Dufferin and Grey with a view to benefiting both riders and our local communities. DGATV promotes environmental awareness, protecting the natural resources that we all want to enjoy, and promotes tourism, providing our riders with places of interest to visit and our communities with the economic benefits that result. Our club is responsible for organizing social riding events, lobbying for ATV access within local municipalities, building and maintaining trails, and educating riders about safety, environmental consideration and trail etiquette. Benefits of becoming a club member.
DGATV is organized entirely by Volunteers and a Board of Directors that meet monthly.
For the most part DGATV marked trails are suitable for new riders. You can drive around the more difficult spots. (MAPS / PARKING)
A few things to remember:
- Ride with a friend just in case you get in to trouble
- Let someone know where you are going
- Wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet and appropriate clothing
- Know where you are and how to contact help — in rural areas you are not always in cell phone range
- OFATV & DGATV have zero tolerance alcohol policies.
ATVing is an inherently risky venture. You will be crossing roads and rough terrain so be careful. ATVs are not toys.
Don’t ride with a passenger until you get a feel for the 2-up bike. Be safe and enjoy!
Oh, and if you want someone to ride with checkout DGATV’s facebook group. Simply search “Dufferin Grey ATV Club (Group)” in facebook and ask to join.
What Do I Wear?
Your helmet is mandatory and must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If your helmet is old or has ever been dropped, then it is time for a new one.
A full helmet or dust mask is more comfortable when the weather is hot and dusty, especially along the rail trail.
Other recommended equipment includes googles, gloves, and boots.
As for “appropriate” clothing, well, that depends on the weather and the route. Some people wear running shoes, shorts and a T-shirt but for the most part that attire is unsuitable.
Dress to protect yourself from branches, stones, dust, bugs, wind, sun, rain; from just simply being outdoors.
Dress comfortably because you will likely be straddling a bike for hours.
Dress in layers for the weather and the terrain — add a few items when you’re cold or its raining, take off a few when you’re hot.
Riding an ATV in single digit temperatures becomes extremely cold, similar to riding a snowmobile. Dress accordingly.
Also it is good to have extra fuel, drinking water, snack, rain gear, bug spray, basic repair tools, band-aids, compass, map and cell phone on hand. Note that there may not be cell service in all areas.
ATVing is a lot of fun. You get to go to places that you have never been before, travelling through some very beautiful areas. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Stay safe and have a good ride!
See also:
Membership
Maps
Parking
Side by Sides
Young Riders
Events
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | Apr 17, 2017 | Reference
Established in 2006, a succession of keen riders have taken the helm of Dufferin Grey ATV Club Inc (DGATV) on the Board of Directors. We thank each and every one, past and present, for their contribution to the successful operation of our club.
The Board of Directors are responsible for directing DGATV’s operations. The Board sets the policies, priorities, strategy, and upcoming events for the season. The Board is responsible for dealing with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV), all levels of government, the police, landowners, sponsors, communities and members.
DGATV’s Board of Directors meet at 7pm on the third Wednesday of every month excluding December. The Markdale Library is located at 75 Walker Street, Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0. Other Volunteers, members and prospective members are welcome.
We have 7 Directors with two-year terms (3-4 split in alternate years). If you are interested in becoming a Director you must be a member on record with DGATV for at least 3 months and stand at our annual general meeting (held in March). The Directors vote for the President and Vice-President on an annual basis. Other positions are Treasurer, Chief Warden, Events Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and Trail Captain. The Secretary is a non-voting position. Directors can be contacted via info@dgatv.ca or by calling 519.266.3559.
To find out more about our monthly meeting, keep an eye on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/DGATV
See also:
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | Mar 30, 2017 | Reference, Wardens
Do you like to ride? Need an excuse to get out on the trails? Becoming a Warden may fit the bill …
First, in mid-April, help us prepare DGATV’s trails for the season. Get together with other Wardens and Trail Committee members to ride the trail and report/fix any problem areas. Help clear brush, fix holes, post signage, create maps, ensure the safety of all riders.
Second, your duty would be to ride! Represent DGATV and the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV) by being an obvious source of help, as well as a deterrent against breaking the rules.
Third, DGATV needs riders on the trail who are familiar with the area and who can be an effective agent for our club. As a Warden you would be responsible for seeking out other riders to answer any questions, educate riders on the benefits of being a club member, carry and sell permits, report any problems with the trail, and file a report after each trip to assure our land-owners that their interests are our priority.
Fourth, we ask that you participate in our social events — mark a trail, lead a group, see to it that all riders have a safe and happy riding experience.
Finally, in November, help us close the trail in preparation for winter shutdown and the start of snowmobile season.
By becoming a Warden Volunteer you help make ATVing a viable recreational sport within Dufferin and Grey counties, and in Ontario as a whole. We can’t do it without you!
Contact Warden@dgatv.ca if you are interested in the half-day training session required to become a Warden.
See also:
Warden Reporting
Volunteers
DGATV’s Executive / Board of Directors
by Donna Baylis | Jan 18, 2017 | Reference, Wardens
Once you have taken your Warden training, you will be given a handbook, vest, and identity card.
You will also be expected to join our private closed facebook group “DGATV Wardens”. This is one of the ways you can contact the Executive, ask and answer questions, and make your reports.
You can also send your information by e-mail to Warden@dgatv.ca
Be sure you include this information:
- Date and time
- Location (specifically County)
- Incident details and/or trail status — note the weather, how many riders you have seen, whether they had passes, the condition of the trail, any other vehicles, etc.
- Your Name (if not obvious)
Get into the habit of making a report every time you ride. We need to know problems, but we also want to know that everything is OK. In fact, if we are all doing our jobs, then everything should be OK.
It is important that our landowners know we are riding regularly and looking out for their best interests.
So please file a report. Our Chief Warden will monitor the e-mail address and scan the facebook group to copy and paste your pertinent information into a monthly Executive report.
If you have any questions, contact Warden@dgatv.ca or info@dgatv.ca
See also: Warden Responsibilities Volunteers FAQs
