Big Pete Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Due to the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the constantly changing updates and directives from all levels of government, the OFSC is taking proactive measures to support efforts to reduce the spread of this worldwide pandemic. These are unprecedented times and like many other responsible businesses we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of you, your families, our communities and businesses across the province. Yesterday, the OFSC Board of Governors made a formal decision to cease trail operations and grooming effective immediately on any trails which are still available to the public. Effective midnight, Saturday, March 21st all OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails in Ontario will be closed and anyone accessing such trails from that date forward will be trespassing. This advance notification will provide all remaining touring snowmobilers ample time to get home. We’d like to thank all our loyal permit buyers, landowners, club volunteers and partners for their support this season and encourage everyone to do their part and stay healthy and safe as we all work together in overcoming this pandemic. We want to stress that this decision is not based on an economic basis. Although grooming operations are reduced at this time of the season, we still spend substantial monies on our open trails. We want to ensure permit buyers that any savings from funds not spent this permit year will be invested in the next season. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information from our government here: Federal: https://www.canada.ca/en.html Provincial: https://www.ontario.ca/page/government-ontario FULL PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/2020/03/19/urgent-message-to-ontario-snowmobilers-re-covid-19/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreyboater Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 THAT'S IT. Season gone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason T Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 we have 15-20mm of rain coming tonight, so that'll squash any riding around Sudbury. Put the sled in storage last night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Doo Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Wow. Unprecedented is right. Sucks, but most likely for the better. Also sucks to know all those awesome trails, getting that big snow tomorrow will sit sled less now.. ..It was the right move, albeit a difficult one.. 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecarnell Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Heading up north for last two days of riding it appears. got my small camping stove and food packed up for trail side lunches . only people we should cont in contact with is check in at hotel and drive thru breakfast . rest of time outdoors riding with my son! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giddy UP Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Glad we got our riding in when we did! Sad to see the season end so soon up there with all the snow. But it was the right call under the circumstances. That’s a wrap! See you next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Doo Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 7 minutes ago, Giddy UP said: Glad we got our riding in when we did! Sad to see the season end so soon up there with all the snow. But it was the right call under the circumstances. That’s a wrap! See you next year! Agreed. Great seeing you guys again. Lots of fun. We will have to do a ride next season.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revrnd Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 I read elsewhere about 'How are people going to finish their trips?' I can't imagine there being a lot of people up north riding seeing as activities have been winding down the last few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giddy UP Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 58 minutes ago, TURBO DOO said: Agreed. Great seeing you guys again. Lots of fun. We will have to do a ride next season.. You bet!! We usually head up every year for our “pilgrimage”. I will let you know when we book for next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revrnd Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 14 minutes ago, Giddy UP said: You bet!! We usually head up every year for our “pilgrimage”. I will let you know when we book for next year! We're thinking we may try to plan an OC get together next winter. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Doo Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 1 hour ago, revrnd said: I read elsewhere about 'How are people going to finish their trips?' I can't imagine there being a lot of people up north riding seeing as activities have been winding down the last few days. There are more up there riding then you think. I know, i was just there Monday.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Doo Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 21 minutes ago, Giddy UP said: You bet!! We usually head up every year for our “pilgrimage”. I will let you know when we book for next year! Awesome. Thanks. Looking forward to it. Safe travels home.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revrnd Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 3 minutes ago, TURBO DOO said: There are more up there riding then you think. I know, i was just there Monday.. I guess my point was, I don't think the 'authorities' are going to escort you off the C101D to the highway south of Chapleau Sat' & force you to find your way back to wherever... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manotickmike Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Can they charge people with trespassing on Crown Land? Last I heard, we couldn't keep trucks off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidooboy Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 i guess i am in the minority, i am for telling tourists to stay home or ride local but, to say the clubs cant groom in the far north, ESPECIALLY ON CROWN LAND, is a slap in the face to the local permit buyer. they (the ofsc, and the districts) should allow the clubs to groom all their trails ONE MORE TIME. for the most part, that will get us through to the melt. it is a good will gesture, and makes locals believe their permit cost was money well spent. we already have people saying due to limited grooming to their favorite lake destination trails, they are not buying permits next season. COME ON OFSC, LET THE LOCALS RIDE! Ski 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sledjunk Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 3 hours ago, TURBO DOO said: There are more up there riding then you think. I know, i was just there Monday.. I'm still here. Met Mr. Claire Voyant on L119 today and he gave me the bad news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whits-end Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 6 minutes ago, sledjunk said: I'm still here. We're still here too. Heading home tomorrow. Really too bad, trails this week have been stellar and just enough new snow to rejuvenate roads and parking lots. Not whining though, over 5,000 kms this year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottyr Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Quebec trails closing Sunday at 11:59pm. Communique_COVID-19_2020-03-19_motoneigistes_EN.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowchopper Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 I was up to Powassan today to the dealer to pick up an oil filter. Lots of trucks,trailers and trucks with sled decks heading north on Highway 11. Guess they didn't get the notice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidooboy Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 45 minutes ago, scottyr said: Quebec trails closing Sunday at 11:59pm. Communique_COVID-19_2020-03-19_motoneigistes_EN.pdf they (quebec) are "suggesting" clubs cease grooming. i believe it should be left up to the clubs and their membership. Ski Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blake G Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 "strongly urging" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason T Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 Well, the ones still up there, or headed there have until midnight Saturday night. And appears to be some good snow coming tonight and tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecarnell Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 Arrived in Kirkland earlier this evening. Going to ride with my son next two days then home. Have cooking stove for lunch on trail next two days. Guys down the hall have small bbq outside cooking up something. On way through north bay - every parking lot of every major store was 80-90% full, at 3pm on a Thursday.... Parking lot pretty full of trucks and trailers at the comfort inn and micro hotel down the street.will be lots out next couple of days I suspect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toyman Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 (edited) Sad to cancel my end season northern trip that is/was a highlight. Endurance was up and ready for some long extended day rides. I'm not surprised this happened, it's all in line with everything else, doing their part to reduce the spread, flatten the curve and all. Time to store and dream of the upcoming powersports season! Farewell to a pretty good 19/20 season, thanks to all who worked so hard to make it all possible! Edited March 20, 2020 by Toyman Spelling edit 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giddy UP Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 17 hours ago, sledjunk said: I'm still here. Met Mr. Claire Voyant on L119 today and he gave me the bad news. Enjoy the last couple of days! We headed home yesterday before the storm hit. We had a great 10 days up there. Hope to see you again next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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