President’s Update
Dear Riders,
Summer is in full swing, and it’s been incredible to see so many riders out on the trails enjoying everything Ontario has to offer. This season, the OFTR is fortunate to welcome four summer students to our team—each bringing unique talents that support our mission and help strengthen the trail riding community. A big thank you to SCORRA for financial support with this initiative.
Tristan and Cole have been hard at work mapping trails, making it easier for riders to explore safely and responsibly. Leah has been putting her creative skills to use in our graphic design efforts, and Zach has been connecting with our club presidents to produce a video series that showcases the people and passion behind our clubs.
We’ve been hearing fantastic feedback from recent club events across the province. It’s been especially heartening to see new friendships forming and long-standing members coming together to celebrate our shared love of off-road riding.
There’s still a lot to look forward to—July, August, and September are packed with great events. Be sure to check out our event schedule to find something near you and sign up.
Thank you for your continued support, and ride safe!
Sincerely,
Joel
President
Ontario Federation of Trail Riders
CLUB CORNER
We’re thrilled to welcome Valley Trail Riders as the newest club to join the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR)! Based in the Petawawa area, this enthusiastic group is already making a strong impact in their local off-road community.
Valley Trail Riders recently hosted their inaugural event, the Petawawa Shuffle, and it was a fantastic success with a great turnout of riders and supporters. Their passion for responsible trail riding and community involvement is already clear, and we’re excited to support their growth and continued efforts.
We look forward to seeing what’s next from Valley Trail Riders—welcome to the OFTR family!
OFTR Code of Conduct:
Respecting the People Who Make It All Possible
At the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR), we are proud to have a community that follows a clear and respectful Code of Conduct. As off-road riders, we hold ourselves to a high standard—on the trails, online, and in every interaction with fellow riders, club volunteers, and OFTR staff. We want to thank our entire community for continuing to uphold these values.
We’re also taking this opportunity to remind everyone that respect is not optional—it’s essential. Our member clubs are run by dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to keep trails open, events running, and advocacy strong. These individuals deserve nothing less than our full appreciation and respect.
Let us be clear: bullying, harassment, and misogynistic behavior will not be tolerated in any part of our organization. These actions undermine the inclusive, collaborative spirit we work hard to foster, and they have no place in our community.
We all share a deep passion for this sport, and it’s our volunteers who truly make this organization great. Whether they’re clearing trails, hosting events, answering questions, or serving on boards, they do it because they care. Let’s ensure they feel supported, valued, and safe.
Thank you to everyone who continues to lead with respect, integrity, and kindness. Together, we keep the OFTR strong.
Meet Tristan and Cole: OFTR’s Summer Trail Team!
This summer, we’re excited to welcome two amazing summer students—Tristan and Cole—to the OFTR team! You’ll find them out on the trails across Ontario, working hard to support your riding experience and protect our trail systems for years to come.
Tristan and Cole are helping with essential trail maintenance tasks, checking trail conditions, mapping routes, and supporting clubs with small trail work projects. Their work ensures trails are well-documented, and that the riding community continues to thrive on properly maintained and mapped routes.
Their presence on the trails is not only helpful but a big part of our ongoing efforts to improve the trail network and collect accurate data. Whether they’re clearing a downed branch, checking signage, or taking GPS coordinates, they’re doing it with a smile—and a ton of enthusiasm for the off-road world.
So if you’re out riding this summer and happen to come across Tristan or Cole, be sure to stop and say hello! They love chatting with riders, hearing your feedback, and sharing what they’ve learned along the way.
Thank you, Tristan and Cole, for being such a valuable part of the team this season!
Thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs Program, and Simcoe County Off-Road Riders.
Soggy Boot Success! HTR Brings the Fun Back to the Trails
On July 13th, the Haliburton Trail Riders hosted their much-anticipated Soggy Boot event—and what a fantastic day it was! With a great turnout of enthusiastic riders, the event delivered everything we love about off-road riding: scenic trails, a supportive community, and plenty of good times.
After a brief hiatus, it was great to see the Soggy Boot return this year. HTR did an outstanding job organizing and hosting the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Their hard work truly paid off, and it was clear that riders were thrilled to be back in Haliburton for one of Ontario’s classic trail events.
A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make this day happen—trail prep, registration, sweep riding, and everything in between. And of course, thank you to all the riders who came out to support the event and enjoy the trails. Your participation is what makes events like this so special.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Soggy Boot. Until then—see you on the trails!
Congratulations to Our Latest 50/50 Winner!
A big congratulations goes out to Pamela, our most recent 50/50 draw winner, who took home an incredible $3,905!
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the draw. Every ticket sold helps support trail development and maintenance across Ontario—and gives you a shot at a great prize, too!
Moto Mingle Registration Opens Soon!
Get ready—Moto Mingle registration opens Thursday, July 17th at 12:00 PM! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as we gear up for another exciting event celebrating women in off-road motorcycling.
Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join this fun and empowering weekend on the trails!
Reminder: There are still a few spots available for the Megs Braap Training Sessions! This is a separate registration from the Moto Mingle event. For more information and to register for training, visit:
Megs Braap Ontario Training
We can’t wait to see you out there!
