Your Complete Guide to Riding on the South Bruce Peninsula ATV Trail NetworkFor more information, please visit:

www.sbpatvclub.ca

Copyright 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About the Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

About the Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

What You Need To Ride the Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Trail Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Where You Can (And Cannot) Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

2-Ups and Side-By-Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Trail Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How To Get Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

ABOUT THE CLUB ABOUT THE TRAILS

The South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club operates over 160 kilometres of trails stretching from Highway 21 in the south to Wiarton in the north and Lake Huron in the west to Georgian Bay in the east. Along with the Huron Shores and West Grey ATV Clubs, we are the western division of the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance.

The trails are a healthy mix of off-road trails, multi-use rail trails, unmaintained and gravel roads, and paved roadways connecting the network together in a loop that takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

A complete map of the trail network is included with each trail permit.

Food, Fuel, and Accommodations

Food and fuel are available along the trail in Sauble Beach, Wiarton, and Shallow Lake. The trail map indicates where many of these businesses are located.

Overnight accommodations are available in Sauble Beach and Wiarton and most have direct access to the trail network.

Our Mission:To Design, Develop, Maintain and Monitor safe

ATV trails in the Bruce Peninsula Region.

The club was formed in 2001 by a small group of off-road enthusiasts who wanted to see signed and regulated trails throughout the region for everyone to enjoy. After a great deal of hard work and trailblazing with local stakeholders and government, the first trail in the region was opened in June of 2010. Every year since, new trails and connections have been added to make the trail what it is today. Volunteer Club members continue to work tirelessly to expand the range of the trail network.

Additionally, the Club is responsible for the maintenance of the trails. This includes repairing washed-out sections, trimming back foliage along the trail, and erecting signage for the safety of all. None of it would be possible without the help of volunteers who log hundreds of hours per year.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO RIDE THE TRAILS

Trail Pass

You must purchase a trail permit to ride on the South Bruce Peninsula ATV trail network. If you fail to do so, you are trespassing.

Trail permits are available in the following formats:- Annual Permit ($150)- Weekly Permit ($75)- Single Day Permit ($20)

Trail permits are available at the following locations:- Thomboys Powersports and Equipment (Springmount)- Peninsula Sports (Wiarton)- UPI Hepworth Gas & Convenience (Hepworth)- Naves Service Centre (Sauble Beach)- Sauble Beach Motorsports (Sauble Beach)- Fretz’s Valu-Mart (Sauble Beach)- Shallow Lake Service Centre (Shallow Lake)

Your permit also allows you to ride in Grey-Bruce on the Huron Shores, West Grey, and Dufferin-Grey ATV Club trails as well as the trails in other parts of the province that fall under either the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance or the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs.

For more information, visit www.thetrail.ca and www.ofatv.org or scan the following QR codes using your smartphone:

As Well As...

Protective Gear

When operating your off-road vehicle (ORV), you are required to wear a helmet that conforms to the same safety standards as motorcycle helmets (DOT, SNELL, etc.). It is also advisable to wear gloves padded on the knuckles, long sleeves, pants, eye protection, and boots.

Documents

You must possess a valid driver’s licence, class G2, M2, or higher.

All ORVs that operate on the trail system and on roadways must be registered with the Government of Ontario (MTO). According to provincial legislation, you must possess a valid permit for the ORV if you wish to operate it anywhere on land you do not own.

Further to that, you must also display a licence plate to the rear of your ORV. It does not require to be validated yearly in the manner that the licence plate on your personal vehicle does.

However, just like your personal vehicle, you must purchase and carry proof of insurance for your ORV when operating it on trails and roadways.

If you are stopped by the police, you will be required to provide the same three documents as if you were stopped in your personal vehicle -- driver’s licence, permit for the vehicle, and valid proof of insurance.

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TRAIL DESCRIPTIONSSauble River Trail

The Sauble River Trail runs on public land between Spring Creek Road from its south end to the Sauble Falls Parking Lot at the north end. It is a sand-based winding trail, portions of which run alongside the Sauble River. Picturesque views and wide, sweeping turns feature heavily on this trail. There can be some wet and muddy conditions at different times of the year, but it is generally dry.

Rankin River Trail

The Rankin River Trail begins at the Sauble Falls Parking Lot. It follows the Rankin River and stretches north past the intersection known as “The Junction” to the Boat Lake Trail. It winds through the Bruce County Forest with some picturesque views of the river along the route.

Boat Lake Trail

The Boat Lake Trail runs north to Boat Lake Road and is primarily rock-based, featuring several water holes.

Swamp Trail

If ever a trail lived up to its name, this is it. There are several deep mud holes, but for every mud hole, there is a dry detour for those who do not want to have to wash their off-road vehicle at the end of the day. It is advisable for at least one person in your group to be riding an off-road vehicle equipped with a winch!

Deer Run

The Deer Run is an alternate route connecting the Rankin River Trail to the Swamp Trail. It is extremely rocky, but is a fun and challenging technical ride for those who enjoy low-range, four-wheeling rock crawls.

Bruce Caves Trail

The Bruce Caves Trail runs from Grey Road 1 just east of Oxenden to Sideroad 20. At the west end, the trail is quite wet but offers solid bottoms. At about the halfway mark, the trail becomes very rocky. It is, however, incredibly scenic throughout.

Kemble Mountain

The most technical trail of all, Kemble Mountain features the deepest water and mud holes in the entire region. If your ORV is not equipped with a snorkel kit, do not attempt to traverse the water holes you will encounter along the trail. Luckily, dry detours are available at every hole and the views afforded by the elevation are well worth it.

Coles Sideroad

The Coles Trail runs from Concession 20 at the north to Dawson Road at the south end. Beginning atop a rocky, solid ledge before descending down to a typically wet section of trail at the southern end makes this trail a unique and enjoyable ride.

The Rock Cut

Recently repaired to be safer for all users, the Rock Cut connects Sarawak-Keppel Townline to Concession 10. It rises 100 feet over a 400-foot portion of trail cut out from the Niagara Escarpment. At a safe speed, it is fun, challenging, and rewarding.

Rail Trails

Willie’s Way starts at Centre Diagonal and heads north to Elm Street in Wiarton.The South Bruce Peninsula Rail Trail starts at Highway 21 just east of Allenford and ends at Silver Lake Road, with a connection to the Georgian Bluffs Rail Trail, which starts at Bruce Road 10 north of Park Head and runs east through Benallen to the Owen Sound city limits. It is a multi-use trail, so please watch for other users, slow down, and give them plenty of room to pass.

(All trails clearly marked on our map)

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2-UPS ANDSIDE-BY-SIDES

As of July 1, 2015, legislation was passed to permit the operations of purpose-built passenger ATVs (commonly known as 2-ups) and side-by-sides on the same public roadways that were previously only permissible to single-seater ATVs. If you choose to operate one of these types of vehicles, please familiarize yourself with the specific laws surrounding their use, such as the proper use of seat belts, helmets, and applicable age restrictions for passengers.

SBPATV does allow operation of these vehicles on our trails.

If you are operating a side-by-side that is wider than 50 inches, please be aware and respectful of the foliage immediately adjacent to the trails, particularly on the Sauble and Rankin River Trails.

What about dirt bikes?

We do not allow dirt bikes on our trail systems. A trail pass cannot be sold for use with a dirt bike, therefore they cannot be ridden on our trails.

WHERE YOU CAN(AND CANNOT!) RIDEAll of the South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club trails are marked with white and green signage. As a general rule, staying on the marked trails ensures you are following the law and not riding anywhere that an off-road vehicle is prohibited.

Both the Town of South Bruce Peninsula and the Township of Georgian Bluffs allow off-road vehicles on municipal roads (with some exceptions below).

The following roadways are prohibited to Off-Road Vehicles:- Highway 6 except from Bruce Road 9 to Dyers Bay Road- Highway 21- All Grey County Roads except:

- Grey Road 1 from Zion Church Road to the Bruce Caves Trailhead- Grey Road 17 from Highway 6 to the Rail Trail Entrance

- All Bruce County Roads- Lakeshore Boulevard North between Main Street and Sauble Falls Road- Sauble Falls Road between Lakeshore Boulevard North and the end of

Sauble Falls Road at Groves Point- Main Street between Sauble Falls Parkway and Lakeshore Boulevard

North- Berford Street between Elm Street and Jenny Street

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TRAIL ETIQUETTE:WHAT IS IT?

Trail etiquette is simply the act of enjoying the sport safely and responsibly. It is an easy-to-remember set of behaviours that make off-roading all the more fun for everyone.

Simple Ways To Be Courteous:

- Leave the trail exactly how you found it. Whatever you take in with you, take the very same items out. For example, do not leave garbage and empty cans or bottles behind.

- Do not operate your ORV irresponsibly by causing damage to the trails or surrounding areas. Do not spin your tires, perform “donuts”, or cause ruts, as they make the trails much less enjoyable for all other users.

- If equipped, operate your ORV in four-wheel drive (also known as all-wheel drive) any time you are on our trails. Additionally, please keep your ORV’s headlights on at all times to ensure maximum visibility and safety.

- Use the parking lots provided and maintained by the club. One is located at 230 Rankin Bridge Road, another is located just east of Highway 6 on Grey Road 17, and a third is located in Benallen at the junction with the rail trail. They are large enough for offloading and are safe ways of doing so without interfering with other traffic.

- Ensure your ORV is functioning properly before you leave for a day of riding. Leaking oils, fuel, and other liquids cause significant damage to the environment and can create dangerous conditions for other trail users.

- Be mindful and respectful of other trail users. Many of our trails are shared with cyclists, horseback riders, hikers, and dog walkers. Always slow down, move to one side, and acknowledge them as you pass.

Best Practices for a Safe Riding Experience:

- When riding as a group, always stay within sight of one another. If you encounter another group head-on, each lead rider should signal with a showing of fingers how many riders are in their respective groups. Then, at the safest and earliest location without causing damage to off-trail plantation, the group with the lesser amount of riders should pull to the side and allow the larger group to pass.

- Respect all trail signage. Do not veer off-trail as these areas have not been approved or maintained for ORV use. We have numerous land-use agreements with various stakeholders, both public and private, and going off trail could cause those who allow club members to use their land to revoke permission. Stay on marked and signed trails at all times.

Trail Etiquette starts with you. Do not do anything you would not want somebody else to do on property you own.

Dozens of volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain the trails and when trail etiquette is not properly respected, it creates extra and unnecessary work for them.9 10

SAFETY TIPSBe prepared for unexpected emergencies- Bring a first aid kit.- Bring water and snacks.- Ensure you or someone in your group has an ORV that is equipped with a

winch. Even if not riding in mud or deep water, situations can and do occur when using a winch will be necessary to dislodge or right an ORV.

- Bring rated tow straps in case an ORV in your group breaks down.- Bring emergency-signaling devices -- flares, whistles, and cell phones can

all be lifesavers in an emergency.

When riding on Roadways- Always ride on the shoulder or, if there is none, as far right on the road as

you can with your headlights on.- If the speed limit of the roadway is more than 50km/h, the speed limit for

an ORV on that roadway is 50km/h. If the speed limit of the roadway 50km/h or less, the speed limit for an ORV on that roadway is 20km/h.

- Do not allow any persons under the age of 16 to operate an ORV.

Ride sober and ride alert- Never operate an ORV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not

only can it cost you your life or the life of other trail users, it carries the same consequences as getting caught driving while impaired in your car. The club has a Zero Tolerance policy and the Ontario Provincial Police patrol the roadways and trails regularly.

- Always be mindful of what is ahead of you on the trail -- not only what is on the ground in front of you but also what obstacles lay 50 feet or more ahead of your ORV so that you can adjust your speed accordingly.

To read the Off-Road Vehicles Act, visit www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o04 or scan the following QR code using your smartphone:

HOW TO GETINVOLVED

The South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club is always actively seeking volunteers to help with trail inspections, trail repairs, and new trail construction. To find out how you can help, please attend a monthly meeting. They take place at the Sauble Beach Community Centre (located at the end of Community Centre Drive) every third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM.

SBPATV Gives Back

The club is very involved in its communities. Four of our members have been officially recognized by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula for their outstanding volunteer contributions. We have taken on the wardship of the Georgian Bluffs Multi-Use Trail by maintaining, brushing, and monitoring it to keep it safe and usable for everyone. In the summer of 2012, our club members spent several days in the Rankin River to reopen it as a canoe route. We also host charitable events every year and regularly donate to local charities in our communities.

Future Plans

We are currently developing plans to connect our trail system from the intersection of Elsinore Road and Highway 21 with the Huron Shores ATV Club Rail Trail system, which currently begins at the south end of Port Elgin. We are also working towards developing two new trails in the Bruce County Forest in cooperation with the Sauble Sno Riders. Further to the east, we are working on a new link to create a loop from Dawson Road to Concession 20.

If you have ideas or information about land use availabilities, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@sbpatvclub.ca

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