Approximately 150 all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts attended the Off the Grid 2014 Jamboree from July 15 to 20.
The event took place at the Crump Recreation site west of Faulder. It was hosted by the Summerland ATV Club and held in conjunction with the ATV B.C annual general meeting.
“Our club and volunteers were praised to no end, from all the people that were there,” said Phillip Young, the Summerland club’s president. “They said it was one of the best jamborees they’ve been to in years. It was wonderful.”
Young explained that every year ATV B.C. holds their annual general meeting in a different part of British Columbia. By doing this the many different ATV clubs throughout the province are brought together. Everyone is updated on any new information that may affect riders in B.C.
In preparation for the event, the Summerland club made several improvements to the Crump site, with funds from the B.C. government.
Additional campsites were added with tables and fire rings. Two more outhouses were installed. Some upgrades to the road into the area were made and the bridge that crosses Trout Creek was widened to accommodate side by side machines.
The club views this as a legacy project for Summerland residents and visitors alike.
“We took on stewardship of the Crump recreation site,” said Young. “The club goes out and cleans things up and fixes things.”
Several different permits had to be in place in order to hold the jamboree. One such permit was a parade permit, in order for them to make an ice cream run.
Approximately 90 people on 67 quads rode on the main roads from Faulder to Summerland Sweets on Thursday evening.
Summerland RCMP officers assisted with traffic control.
Guided rides to local lakes and areas in the hills around Summerland were held every day, including a night ride and a poker run.
After the general meeting on Saturday, a barbecue was held.
“Our club members got together and we held an off the grid dinner,” Young said. “We had four barbecues all lined up. We had ribs and chicken kabobs, salads, baked potatoes, buns and desserts. People said that was one of the best dinners they’ve ever had.”
Safety concerns were also addressed. A water truck and firefighting equipment were on site in the event of a fire breaking out. There was a strict no open flame policy in place even before the campfire ban was issued. A first aid attendant was also present.
When out riding the trails, the riders were in radio contact with each other and the motto was, “We are not leaving anyone behind, no matter what the cause,” said Young.
Many local businesses supported the club to help make the event happen.
“We had a lot of local people sponsor us,” explained Young. “We incorporated Summerland into this jamboree. When you have to deal with food, water and amenities for this many people, there is a lot of money going to change hands. The motels were booked solid. The spin offs were immense and think of the amount of gas they burned.”
As a group the Summerland ATV club also wants to show the community that they are responsible riders.
“We want to be able to ride on our land in the province, so by doing this right and showing we are responsible riders, that is what it’s all about. It’s about educating the public on the use of the land and how to use it and to stick to the trails,” said Young. “We want everyone to look at us in a good light.”
Young said he is proud to be leader of this pack.
“I’m very proud of the people in this club. They should be proud of themselves and what they pulled off.”
