We haven’t had a wheeled group ride for far too long and the chatter on Vernon ATV Trail Riders suggests the Noble Canyon trails are in good condition for wheeled ATVs.
Meet at the cattleguard on Noble Canyon Road in Lavington at 1:00pm for the safety meeting then it’s off to explore all the trails we can find, we’ll aim to be done riding and back down between 5-6:00pm.
Remember you can’t unload before the cattleguard, either unload at the cattleguard then park along the road back toward the highway or continue up Noble Canyon Road past the cattleguard to find parking along the roadside. Please don’t park in the turn around, trailers use this to turn around and don’t block any driveways (simple stuff right?).
This will be an intermediate level difficulty ride due to the winter conditions and with the mild temperatures it’s possible the roads will be extremely slick in spots. A single tank of fuel will be sufficient, bring your extraction gear and emergency kit. We should pass a recreation site with an outhouse at some point during the ride.
Vernon ATV Club rides are open to everyone. Attend a few rides to meet other riders, find new trails and see that ATV Club membership has its benefits!
It was a beautiful warm and sunny day for the 2022 Vernon Winter Carnival Parade with enthusiastic spectators lining the parade route. For 2022 the Vernon ATV Club and Vernon Snowmobile Association teamed up to enter the largest parade entry, check out the videos to see all the action.
Once a year we have the chance to ride the streets of Downtown Vernon in front of thousands of eager onlookers.
The Vernon Winter Carnival Parade is 61 years strong and is a really fun event. Children and families line the streets to see the floats roll by and love seeing quads and side x sides.
Carnival normally has a theme but this year there isn’t so it’s an easy one because you don’t need to decorate your machine. All you need to do is show up by 11:00am on Saturday, February 5 with your machine to take part in the fun.
Check out past Vernon ATV Club Winter Carnival Parade entries and sign up by Sunday, January 23 using the form below or by emailing info@vernonatvclub.ca.
We’re looking to get as many machines out as possible, 10 would be good, 20 would be better and 50 would be beyond awesome!
It’s the time of year where the snow is piling up enough to make a ride with wheeled ATVs a frustrating day of pushing, pulling and digging. There are a few rowdy souls out there with tall tires and heaps of horsepower who continue on wheels in these conditions but most folks who want to continue ATVing through winter may start thinking about tracks.
ATV snow tracks aren’t cheap and they aren’t for everyone so I thought I’d share my experience from years of snow track ownership.
Our first set of ATV tracks were TJD Cat Tracks, a Quebec made track advertised as year round tracks for snow, swamp, mud, etc. The track design used a combination of bogie wheels which allows for all season use and a slider strip (like snowmobiles use) for the winter operations. TJD sold their track division to Camoplast which is now Camso, the market leader for powersport track products.
This first set of tracks were installed on a 2006 Yamaha Kodiak 400 which meant you weren’t going anywhere fast but you could go almost anywhere. There was no power steering back then so if you got on an off-camber you had to fight it hard to keep the machine from going downhill. These tracks worked so well for winter forestry work we bought a second set, this time mounted to a 2007 Kawasaki Brute Force 750.
Both track kits are still around today, by purchasing a different fit kit we’ve adapted the Brute Force tracks to a Yamaha Grizzly 700 and the Kodiak tracks fit straight onto a Yamaha Rhino side x side.
How do ATV tracks work? ATV tracks bolt onto the lug nuts to drive the tracks through an oversized cog, the track assembly is held in place with a fit kit or set of brackets that secure the track assembly to your ATV’s suspension.
Gearing for different displacement machines is achieved by using a different size drive cog. As you go up in engine size the number of teeth on the drive cog goes down. That’s how the same track assembly can be made to work on a 400cc machine (17 tooth) and a 700cc machine (15 tooth).
How much fuel will you use? A lot! Those large drive cogs give your ATV mechanical advantage over the tracks but it comes at a cost of lower top speeds and increased fuel consumption. Plan on using twice as much fuel, this varies though depending on snow depth, snow type, slope of the trail and how far you like to push the pedal.
How long does it take to install them? The first time you install them it’s going to take hours but once you’re familiar with the process and learn to align the lug nuts to the drive wheels and cinch those up then the fit kits bolt up fairly quickly. Then you check your limiting bolt adjustment and track tension and you’re off.
Where can you go? ATV tracks will go almost anywhere and keep your machine on top of the snow. When you get off your machine you’ll need to be careful you don’t end up knee, belly or deeper in the powder your machine is effortless riding atop.
Steep slopes and certain types of snow will stop tracked machines but otherwise they go almost anywhere.
When do they suck? Hard packed and icy trails are no fun. When you put tracks on your machine you’re getting rid of all the suspension your tires provide. Most track systems recommend you crank up your shock preload/stiffness to prevent the track assembly from hitting your machine’s bodywork so frozen bumpy roads and hard packed trails will send jolts through the tracks directly to you.
You also need to be prepared to become the abominable snowman. If you’re not going perfectly straight the tracks are kicking up a huge amount of snow. When riding a quad this packs around your legs and feet in the footwells and in a side x side snow gets everywhere inside the cab if you’re not fully enclosed.
When are they awesome? As soon as you have a couple of feet of snow the ride smooths out and you can go off the beaten trail.
Background on this video: Steve was stuck on his quad so Marc hooked up to tow him to safety but instead takes him on a minute long tour of untouched powder then returns Steve to the exact spot where he first hooked up to him. Unfortunately we missed the minute tour of the powder, we were all laughing and all Steve could do is follow along.
Is it hard on the machine? I haven’t noticed any damage from regular use of the tracks. The tracks are large with a lot of leverage so if you tag a hidden log or rock it’s possible you’re going to bend or break something in your suspension.
The biggest problem we encountered is needing to clean out around the suspension and driveshafts or else everything could ice up and possibly tear a CV boot with all the snow/ice packed around the drivetrain.
You’ll also want to check your oil and coolant before each ride because you’re often riding at higher RPMs for sustained periods, like when climbing for a protracted time.
What do they cost? For a quad you’re looking at around $4200 for Camso T4S and for a side x side it’s $5600ish for the Camso 4S1 (both previously called Camoplast Tatou Tracks).
It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on the classifieds because good looking used track kits come up in the $2-3000 range.
The good part of tracks is you’re probably not going to get stuck, the bad part is you spend the day towing other people.
Your homework? If you’re thinking about tracks you want to do a bunch of research and talk to as many people who own tracks as possible because everyone has a different opinion to share.
This is an intermediate level ride with how slippery the trails are and the additional snow. A single tank of fuel will be enough, bring your winter riding gear and snow extraction gear.
The plan is to be back down around dark so a total of approximately 4 hours of riding.
The ride safety meeting starts at a positively leisurely time of 1:30pm at the cattleguard which is 350m up Noble Canyon Road from Highway 6. Remember ATVs can’t unload before the cattleguard so drive up the road a bit and park along either side, there’s lots of parking for the first couple of kms.
It looks like snow may return by Sunday but it shouldn’t be enough to slow us down. Starting at 1:30pm is a bit different but allows folks to do what they want to do Sunday morning and go for a 3-4 hour ride in the afternoon.
The Fine Print:
Ride speed will be determined by who shows up.
A single tank of fuel will suffice.
Bring your all weather gear and emergency kit.
We’ll pass outhouses at Rec Sites along our route.
Invite a friend, this may be the end of the warm spell.
Vernon ATV Club rides are open to everyone. Attend a few rides to meet other riders, find new trails and find out why membership has its benefits!
Location: J-Ball Electronics, Unit 5, 4320 29th Street (see map below) Doors Open: 6:00pm AGM Starts: 6:30pm Sharp!
Thank you to all club members who answered our AGM survey! A large number of you are available this Friday evening, so we will be holding a hybrid meeting in-person and online via Zoom.
Remain seated except to go to the food area or use washroom facilities
Bring a chair for each person attending
Are invited to remain after the AGM to catch up with others in attendance
Those Attending via Zoom:
The meeting link will be shared with you by email
Identify yourself when joining the meeting so you can be admitted by the admin
Attendance in-person is limited to 35 people, priority will be given to Vernon ATV Club members to ensure we achieve a quorum for voting purposes. Non-members are invited but will not be able to vote.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Please advise if you have any special dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Please contact the club by phone at 250-550-5290 or email info@vernonatvclub.ca if you have any questions.
J-Ball Electronics is located in the lane that runs from 43rd Avenue between Roko Service and Banner Recreation, north to where the lane joins 29th Street by the Canada Water Depot.
11 quads and side x sides came out despite the weatherman’s warnings of a yucky day. The first destination was the top of Tuktakamin Mountain to enjoy the view but the mountaintop was shrouded in clouds and blowing snow.
After a few short minutes at 1775m atop ‘Tuk’ riders carefully worked their way down the slippery roads near the summit which were quickly replaced by some really fun roads and trails that were new to ride leader Allen.
A quick stop at the main rec site on Pinaus Lake before heading to Little Pinaus for lunch. A lone moose was browsing the far shoreline on Little Pinaus while we enjoyed our campfire lunch.
A great loop of the hillside south of Little Pinaus took riders on fun trails and up/down some challenging sections of trail where the hillside is slumping away. With the fun trail riding done it was time to head home. It was great to see some new faces and thank you ride leader Allen and tail gunner Claus for another fun day on the trails!
A friendly local rancher stopped as we were loading up to ensure we were staying out of the closure area. He also shared stories of the challenges of the summer fire season which included losing 15 head of cattle in the fires and having to pasture his cattle on his hay fields meaning the loss of 500+ bales that would normally come off the field.
The Pinaus Lake area was closed during/after the Whiterock Lake Fire so we were pleasantly surprised when reviewing the motor vehicle closure maps that we could legally ride to Pinaus Lake. In addition to Pinaus Lake we will visit Tuktakamin Mountain a number of smaller lakes and be able to see the fire damaged areas.
IMPORTANT – Ingram Creek FSR is also called Pinaus Lake Road but some maps also call another road Pinaus Lake Road. WE ARE NOT MEETING AT THE MEAT PROCESSING PLANT!!!! If you are at the meat processing plant get back on the highway for 2.5kms toward Westwold then turn left onto Ingram Creek/Pinaus Lake road.
Join the Vernon Convoy Leaving the Tim Horton’s on 58th Avenue in Vernon at 8:45am.
Trail Difficulty We will encounter intermediate level difficulty trails and speeds up to 60kmh on the FSR. A single tank of fuel will be sufficient.
What to Bring
It’s November in the mountains so come prepared for all conditions.
Food and drink for a day of riding.
Your standard ATV emergency kit.
A chainsaw or handsaw.
Lunch We’ll have a fire at our lunch break to warm up or roast your lunch goodies.
Bathroom Breaks We will stop at or pass by at least one recreation site during the ride.
Viewpoints and Breaks We will stop at viewpoints plus a couple of short breaks for snacks and a longer lunch break.
Vernon ATV Club and events are open to everyone, we encourage new riders to come out for a couple of rides to meet club members, find new trails and get a sense of the club before joining.
Ride Recap We couldn’t have asked for a better day with perfect blue skies and smiling faces.
19 machines and 25 riders did the morning tour that started from 2km on Noble Canyon Road and wandered over toward Dixon Dam then back along the western road before stopping to take in the amazing view over the Coldstream valley and City of Vernon.
Next stop was lunch at The Ponds recreation site followed by the fashion show, awarding of prizes then a quick ride back down to 2km.
Ride Leader Steve was back for his first ride in several months, he took the riders looking for a bit more adventure on one of his favourite rides to Cactus Ridge where the group debated just sitting and enjoying the view and sun for a few hours.
After a few minutes riders were restless again so the group headed east to complete the loop around Bardolph Lake and home.
9:30am start Sunday October 31 @ Noble Canyon Road
It’s a ride, a halloween costume contest and a GPS challenge to find the hidden candy all in one! Come as you are or come in costume, it will be a fun day on the mountain.
Please email info@vernonatvclub.ca by 5:00pm Saturday if you’re coming so we have enough food for everyone.
Starting a bit earlier with the 9:30am safety meeting followed by the costume catwalk then off on a ride to a secret location where you use your GPS to find the hidden candies.
Come back from your candy hunt for a BBQ lunch then we head back down and home with plenty of time to get ready for trick or treating with the kiddies.
Prizes for those participating in the costume contest and the GPS candy hunt.
From Vernon: 12.5km east from Aberdeen Road to Noble Canyon Road on Highway 6 Entering Lavington there is a PetroCanada station on the right, it’s 2.5kms from here to turning left onto Noble Canyon Road. We’re staging at 2km up Noble Canyon Road, just after crossing the bridge find a parking spot along the road.
There are outhouse facilities at the Ponds Recreation site where we’ll be stopping for lunch.
Trails are beginner to intermediate difficulty, if you’re a newer ride please talk to us before the ride so we can plan accordingly and pair you up with more experienced riders. Speeds may reach up to 60kmh on the Forest Service Road sections.
A single tank of fuel will be sufficient for the entire day.
Vernon ATV Club events are open to everyone, invite your friends and enjoy a fun day on the trails!
The forecast said the rain would ease off in the afternoon but the rain persisted through the night. That didn’t stop 10 machines and 15 riders from donning their wet weather gear to hit the trails.
Wet and dark so just this staging area photo!
Thanks to ride leader Allen for co-piloting in the side x side while his arm is healing, Allen knows the Mt Ida trails better than anyone which made for an awesome mix of FSR and tight and twisty trail.
From the Deep Creek Road staging the ride headed south on the FSR in challenging misty conditions with foggy goggles before ducking off on a newer cut block road which joins onto the trail to Silver Creek. A short break at Silver Creek then back on the trails past the lake, down the powerlines then back on the FSR to staging.
We discussed navigation tools and I promised to share the trail and discount links for GaiaGPS:
Starting from the Deep Creek Road staging area at Mt Ida, the goal of this ride is to hit the trails to enjoy the recent full moon (Wednesday), take in the amazing views of the city of Salmon Arm and tell stories around the campfire.
The forecast currently is calling for rain Friday night so come prepared for all conditions.
Night riding adds an element of difficulty so you need to be sure your lights are working and be confident in your abilities to tackle this ride. The trails aren’t that difficult but things sneak up on you in the dark.
There are a couple of outhouse facilities at Mt Ida, we’re not sure if we’ll be passing them so come equipped to do your business in the bushes.
The ride will be 2-4 hours and a single tank of fuel will be sufficient.
