MANITOUWAGE -- The annual MEDC ATV Jamboree was put on hold for a couple of COVID seasons, but the event came roaring back to life this weekend.
Sixty vehicles carrying 96 riders from Thessalon, Renfrew, Kapuskasing, Longlac, Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Moonbeam, and more, including local riders from Manitouwadge, were entered into the 2022 ATV Jamboree, vying for one of the many prizes available.
The riders began to gather in town on Friday night in ‘The Back Nine’ clubhouse at the golf course. There they got their first chance to familiarize themselves with the route map, ask questions and buy a buff from the many folks that volunteered for the occasion.
Normally there are four routes to choose from, but with COVID restrictions, the trails hadn’t been worked on for a couple of years. The decision was made to open just two runs; a 60 kilometre route in the morning, and a shorter one in the afternoon.
When asked what trail they’d rather pick if they’d had the choice, participants Kathy and Doug M. agreed, “The muddiest one! ‘Cause that’s what it’s all about!”
Also on Friday night, a ‘Hole in One’ contest was held. For $10, anyone could get in on a chance at a $3,000 prize. Unfortunately, no one won, but $500 was awarded to the player whose golf ball was closest to the hole.
Saturday morning at 9 the participants were up and raring to go. They met at the Rec Centre, where they were given some last-minute guidelines; they were reminded to wear their helmets, observe the speed limits and other rules of the (off) road. and that this was not a race, slow down and enjoy the ride. Then they were off.
Many of the riders must have taken the advice of keeping it slow, because, despite their expected return time of 11:30, many didn’t roll in until after 1 p.m. with their stories of the heat, wildlife sightings, wrong turns, bug infestations, and that much sought-after muddy patch that slowed them down, but made the ride more fun.
The volunteers were ready for them all, checking them in and making sure they got a good, hearty barbecue lunch. Once they got their second wind, they were off on the second trail, this one winding east and south of the town.
Eventually, all the riders made the journey. The participants who successfully ran the course were given five randomly selected playing cards. Later at the windup banquet, which was held at ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church, the best poker hand was revealed, and prizes of $3,000 for first, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third place were awarded. Door prizes, donated by more than 20 local businesses and valued over $8,000, were given away to the guests.
“Everyone had such a good time,” said MEDC volunteer board member, Karen Robinson. “It’s something unique for the community. We have the trails, we have the resources. It’s something that brings people from all over Ontario into our town year after year.”
So, stay muddy, and we’ll see y’all back in town for the Manitouwadge ATV Jamboree, 2023.