Trailfest 2011

By Paul Meunier

“Trailfest” is quickly becoming one of Ontario’s premier off-roading events for off-road enthusiasts and their families.  Trailfest 2011, hosted by the London and Area Jeep Owners Club (LAJOC), took place over the August Civic Holiday weekend in City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario just outside of picturesque Bobcaygeon.  The event attracted over 100 vehicles, 237 participants and provided 2 days of great trail riding through trails carved out of the rugged Canadian Shield.

The Trailfest trails were designed to provide an exciting off road experience for all levels, from novice to seasoned off-road drivers.  All trails, including “Over the Ledge”, “Purdy”, “Black Bear Bog”, “Gnarly” and “Lunatic Fringe” offered different degrees of difficulty and were lead by experienced trail guides supplied by LAJOC.

Participants arrived at base camp Friday night, where they registered for their weekend off-road adventure.  Driver’s skill level was assessed and vehicles were inspected and rated for off-road capability.  Participants were allowed to select the trails they wanted to explore.  Many decided to go out to Round Lake on the “Rathwell” trail while others decided to traverse the “Crack” on the “Dewdney” trail. Drivers new to trail riding enrolled in off-road 101 which included a short seminar on off-roading fundamentals followed by “hands on” training on the “Bumps and Bruises” trail.

After a full day of trail riding, participants returned to base camp for a charity BBQ, games and an evening filled with stories about their day of wheeling.  Proceeds from the BBQ ($2200) went to the Soldier On Fund, the support program for ill and injured, active and retired Canadian Forces personnel. 

After a full second day of trail riding, the “more experienced” group returned to base camp for the event wrap-up.  The participants enjoyed a complimentary BBQ dinner, commentary and anxiously awaited the draws.  Some of the great prizes included 2 sets of Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires with Kevlar donated by Goodyear Canada; and a synthetic winch rope and 2 Warn winches donated by Rock Spyder of Markham ON.

Trailfest 2011 was not without some vehicle carnage such as the inevitable broken Dana 35 and other various trail related mechanical issues. Fortunately, a group of highly skilled mechanics supplied by Van and Truck World/ JeepOutfitters (Peterborough) were set up at base camp to do repairs and get people back on the road again.

Trailfest 2011 was an overwhelming success with many participants vowing to return to Trailfest 2012, August 4th and 5th, 2012.

Check out the full story and photos in Volume 14 Issue 1