Blazing Trails: Celebrating the Women of OFATV

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a time to recognize the strength, leadership, and contributions of women in every corner of our communities. Within the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV), women play an important role not only as riders, but also as leaders, volunteers, organizers, and trail builders who help shape the future of our sport.

Across Ontario, women have been quietly and confidently making their mark in the ATV community. They ride the trails, maintain them, sit on boards of directors, organize events, manage memberships, balance budgets, and help guide clubs forward. Their contributions help ensure that ATV riding in Ontario remains strong, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.

We would be remiss not to recognize some of the pioneers who helped open doors for women in the ATV world. One such trailblazer is Rhonda Broderick, who stepped into leadership more than 25 years ago with the Central Ontario ATV Club. At a time when the ATV community was largely male-dominated, Rhonda demonstrated that passion, dedication, and hard work know no boundaries. Her leadership helped pave the way for many women who followed in her tracks.

Today, women across the province continue to build on that legacy. They are not afraid to get a little dirt under their nails, spend long hours volunteering, or step into leadership roles when their clubs and communities need them. Their involvement reflects the spirit of collaboration and commitment that defines the OFATV and its member clubs — working together to promote safe, responsible riding and strong trail systems across Ontario.

Among the many women helping guide the ATV community forward are:
OFATV Leadership
Teresa Hebbs – Vice President, OFATV; Past President, Renfrew County ATV Club
Charlotte Coons – 2nd Vice President, OFATV, Director Nation Valley ATV Club
Denise McLean – Membership and Corporate Affairs Coordinator, OFATV
Beth Wink – Program Coordinator, OFATV

Club Leaders and Volunteers Across OntarioDeb Tanner – Director, Central Ontario ATV Club
Rhonda Broderick – Director, Central Ontario ATV Club
Tracey Kohut – Director, Central Ontario ATV Club
Tammy Barlett, Director, Central Ontario ATV Club
Ginny Vyse – Treasurer, Cochrane ATV Club
Roxanne Lambert – Treasurer, Coe Hill ATV Club
Deb Scott – Secretary, Coe Hill ATV Club
Kayla Anderson – Treasurer, Dufferin Grey ATV Club
Marilyn Hiscock, Warden, Dufferin Grey ATV Club
Dianna Ernest, Warden, Dufferin Grey ATV Club
Tanya Park – Volunteer Coordinator, Elgin ATV Club
Jen Thompson – Director, Essex County ATV Club
Colleen Carbert – Secretary, Essex County ATV Club and OFATV District 5 Director
Trudy Knapp – Membership Coordinator, Frontenac ATV Club 
Lisa Rocheleu, Vice President,    Great Lakes ATV Club
Gail Bernard – Director, Johnstown ATV Club
Mary Lowery – Director, Johnstown ATV Club
Charlotte Coons – Director, Nation Valley ATV Club
Kim Ainsworth – Secretary/Treasurer, Northumberland ATV Riders and OFATV Alternate District 3
Christine Scharf – Treasurer, Ottawa Valley ATV Club
Karen Mason – Treasurer, Renfrew County ATV Club
Jolene Meloche, Business Operations, Renfrew County ATV Club
Keira Aiken, Secretary, Thousand Islands ATV Club
Anita Komesarovic – Timmins ATV Club
Sheryl LeClair – Secretary/Treasurer, West Carleton ATV Club
Lois Robidas – Secretary/Treasurer, VMUTS

These women represent just a snapshot of the many female leaders working behind the scenes across Ontario’s ATV community. They serve in roles that keep clubs operating, finances organized, memberships growing, and trails maintained.

However, this list is by no means complete. Across the province, countless women are stepping up in their clubs — organizing rides, maintaining trails, managing communications, advocating for responsible riding, and supporting the next generation of ATV enthusiasts.

Their contributions highlight an important truth: the ATV community is strongest when everyone has a place at the table. Leadership takes many forms, whether it is chairing a board meeting, organizing a trail maintenance day, welcoming a new rider, or mentoring someone who is just starting out in the sport.

As more women become involved in ATV riding and club leadership, they continue to inspire the next generation of riders and volunteers. Young riders who see women confidently navigating trails, operating equipment, and guiding organizations forward are reminded that there is space for them here too.

The women of OFATV are not simply riding the trails — they are helping build them. Through their dedication, resilience, and passion for the outdoors, they are shaping a future where ATV riding continues to grow as a safe, responsible, and inclusive activity across Ontario.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who lead, the women who volunteer, and the women who ride. Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you bring to the trails and to the ATV community across our province.