As the snow in the hills has finally melted, this season is ramping up to be another great year for the Vernon Off Road Motorcycle Club.
Plans are already in gear for the Half Throttle Family Fun Weekend June 24 to 25 in the Becker Lake/Noble Canyon area. This year’s event plans include an organized fun day with both a designated kid’s loop as well as a marked-course geared to riders of varied skill levels from beginner to advanced. The main events are planned for Sunday, but people are welcome to come camp for the weekend.
“We hope to see as many local riders as possible at this event,” said Blake Plysiuk, club secretary. “It’s the type of event that is great for those new to the sport or just looking to meet more locals who ride.”
It’s no secret that the North Okanagan boasts some great area for off-road riding. VOMC maintains a large trail network in the Becker Lake area of Lavington.
“We are fortunate to have one of the best riding areas in the province,” said Plysiuk. “One issue the club is facing is increased pressure from provincial government to make our riding area more sustainable due to irresponsible land use and illegal dumping in the Noble Canyon area.”
The club has applied to officially recognize the West Noble Canyon area as designated off-road trails and is working on building a partnership agreement with Rec Sites and Trails BC to ensure the area stays open for future riding and recreation.
“Our goal as a club is to be community oriented and improve the image of responsible off-road users,” said Plysiuk, adding that they remain in contact with Coldstream Ranch and work to educate responsible land-use and the importance of staying off the grasslands that the ranch uses.
“Our focus is on safety, fun and sustainability of the trails. We are growing as a club now more than ever and we have members of all ages and skill levels, from age three up to age 80. We have hosted a variety of successful events such as Hare Scramble Races, National Enduro Races and family fun days. We also host work party maintenance days to keep the trails in good condition and garbage clean-up days as well. We welcome all new members to come join us in our efforts to secure off-road riding in the North Okanagan.”
For more information or memberships, visit www.vormc.com or request a membership form by contacting admin@vormc.com. Vernon Off-Road Motorcycle Club also has a Facebook page that is growing daily and is updated with future event details.
“We would like to thank all our members and local businesses that support us over the years,” said Plysiuk. “Special thanks to Vernon Motorsports, Riders Edge Suspension Outlaw Trials and BDM Motorsports for their support - 2016 was a positive year with the Full-Throttle Hare scramble held last June. The club currently has a lot of momentum to have another great year in 2017.”