Returning to the Trails in Debert

With the devastating results of Hurricane Fiona in late September 2022, many felt it would be a LONG time before riders would be able to return to the trails in Colchester County. But thanks to the herculean efforts of many dirt bikers and trail champions (Thank You, all!), we were able to plan the first NSORRA recreational ride of the season in Debert.

In late May, we were faced with another challenge as Nova Scotia experienced an extremely dry spring and wildfires meant the closing of all trails across the province two weeks before the planned ride. We put all rec ride registrations on hold and hoped for rain to assist firefighters – including several NSORRA members. The rain came and trails were reopened the Tuesday before the planned ride.

The NSORRA Beginner Rec Ride, held on Saturday, June 10 in Debert, was well attended with 26 riders participating. Conditions were ideal with no dust and no rain.

During the riders meeting, NSORRA Rec Ride Director Neil Jennings explained trail etiquette to the participants. This included that participants are responsible for the person behind them. If the rider in front arrives at an intersection, they need to ensure the person behind them knows the correct direction to ride, so riders don’t get separated from the group.

The group managed to stay together and were able to ride on flowing double-track trails and spent some time on the turn-track honing their skills. Riders also learned about the unique hazards in this riding area and the illegal water crossings to avoid.

In the afternoon, a smaller group went for an impromptu ride on the more advanced and challenging single-track trails while others continued to ride on beginner trails and the turn-track.

We met our goal of introducing our members to a beginner-friendly riding area and new friendships were formed.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who made this ride possible, both with trail recovery and on the day of the rec ride. Thanks to Neil Jennings and Shereef Elkoshairi for organizing the ride with an extra shout out to Shereef for producing an awesome video of the event. Thanks to Rod Conrad for riding sweep and keeping everything running smoothly!

Sept 9: NSORRA Rec Ride - Intermediate - Fundy Trails Snowmobile Club, Folly Lake (Rain date - Sept 10)

Oct 21: NSORRA Rec Ride - Intermediate Hard Enduro – Fundy Trails Snowmobile Club, Folly Lake (Rain date 22 Oct)

If you have a rec ride location and would like to assist in planning a NSORRA rec ride in your area, please reach out to Neil Jennings. We would love to grow our ride areas across the province!