A: From the very first meeting I attended, I felt welcomed by the ATV community. At the time, there were very few women involved, and I wasn’t sure how I’d be received. In fact, it was just me and Rhonda Broderick, a local businesswoman and the first president of COATV 25 years ago, at my first meeting at COATV.

The club immediately recognized the unique skill set I brought to the table, which differed from the more hands-on aspects of trail-making and maintenance. My focus was on volunteer recruitment, marketing, and building the club’s brand within Central Ontario.

The team embraced my passions, and together, we successfully brought in more volunteers and transformed our events into memorable experiences, a legacy that the club continues to carry forward.

A: I’ve had the privilege of travelling to various clubs and riding on different trails, each offering a unique experience. From stunning scenery to varying levels of difficulty, these rides have broadened my understanding of the ATV community and what we can offer to both new and experienced riders.

Another aspect that has fueled my passion for the sport is the friendships I’ve built along the way. I’ve met people who are not just fellow riders but true friends.

What’s really special about the ATV community is the sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s inviting someone to join a ride, stopping to check on a rider who might be in trouble, or simply exchanging waves on the trail, the community looks out for one another.

Even the wardens on the trails greet you with a smile, offer assistance, and educate new riders on the importance of permits. It’s this combination of safety, support, and connection that continues to drive my passion for the sport.

A: It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing because so much excites me about this role! After a few years away from working at the Federation level, I’m thrilled to reconnect with the different clubs and district directors, helping them increase awareness. Being part of the effort to expand trails across the province—and even collaborating with other provinces—is truly exciting.

One of the highlights for me is the Ready to RideON program. Bringing this initiative to new riders and youth, while promoting safety, is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also inspired by the forward-thinking approach of the Board of Directors and Shari Black, our Executive Director. From launching innovative courses like Ready to RideON online training to lobbying for the Single Pass in Ontario, this team is committed to blazing new trails across the province and taking the best steps to do so.

What excites me most is working with a group of passionate riders and volunteers across Ontario to raise awareness for the sport, prioritise safety, and grow our trail network.

They say if you’re passionate about your job, success and fulfilment will follow—and I definitely see that happening in this role.

A: It’s exciting to see the Ready to RideON program in full swing, having been implemented for about a year now. This program isn’t just valuable for youth riders, but also for anyone new to the sport. It provides essential education on safety, which is a crucial foundation for responsible ATV riding.

The team has already laid solid groundwork, and I’m eager to build on it. Right now, we’re working with one municipality to introduce the program into schools, and another municipality is also showing interest. I see opportunities to expand the program into sectors that may have youth riders, such as the OFA, 4H, Scouts, Girl Guides, and even into northern and remote communities where ATVs are commonly used as a form of transportation.

My first big introduction to the program will be at the Toronto Powersports Show in October.

Youth who sign up for the course at the show will receive a free pair of riding goggles, and upon completing the course, they’ll be entered into a draw to win a BRP Youth ATV.

There’s so much potential for this course to positively impact new riders by guiding them through the essential aspects of safety. It’s an exciting step forward, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us.