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The Citizen, 2003-02-05, Page 9News not what ATVers hoped for By David Blaney Special to The Citizen A recent report to Huron East council by Treasurer Brad Knight won't bring much joy to local ATV enthusiasts. At the Jan. 7 meeting of council Brian Bradbury of the Perth and District ATC Club had made a presentation to council in an effort to gain support for the club’s proposal to use the former CPR line in Grey as an ATV trail. At that time council had agreed to act as a facilitator between the province, which owned the railbed, and the club. Knight and Clerk Jack McLachlan met with Rino Salvador, southwest region asset manager for the Ontario ... U f 1 FMi'7'.. W Sr ® I 1 ■ .......■ -J ’ Stars on ice The 2003 Interclub North Region Starskate championship competition was held Jan. 25 at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex. Brussels skaters did well with several taking top honours. Back row, from left: Alix Sholdice, first; Ashley Sholdice, first; Holly Sholdice, fourth; Laura Bowers, fourth; Christine Seili, first; Rachel Cousins, first; Danica Zwep, second; Bridget Blake, first; Kayla Stewart, sixth. Front: Kelsey Smith, fifth; Eden Rapson, second; Tori Cardiff, fourth; Herbie Runstedler, second. Absent: Ashley Warwick, second. Runstedler qualified to go on to the regional competition in Strathroy, March 1. Winners The Blyth Figure Skating Club had a very successful day at the Wingham Interclub competition held Jan. 25, with 27 area skaters competing with good results. Back row, from left: Kyle Middegaal, second; Natasha Hubbard, first; Corine Falconer, second; Jenna Rinn, fifth; Nicole Meier, first; Mandy Mason, fourth; Tyan Bailey, third. Second row: Kelly MacDonald, first; Laura Youngblut, first; Brittany Bos, first; Melissa Badley, first; Jory Lynn Uyl, first; Courtney Bos, third; Rebecca Chalmers, second. Third row: Jasmine deBoer, third; McKala Middegaal, fourth; Sadie Chalmers, fourth; Nicole Middegaal, third; Morgan Bos, fourth. Front: Sheree Uyl, third; Alanna Uyl, second; Courtney Middegaal, second; Kelly Cooke, first. Absent: Vicki Cook, fourth; Skye Cook, fourth; Cassandra Uyl, first; Katie McClinchey, second. (Photo submitted) Realty Corporation to discuss the matter. In his Jan. 28 report to council Knight said that “Mr. Salvador does not appear to be overly optimistic about the chance of a single interest group obtaining permission to use part of the trail". Knight did say however that while Salvador, “didn’t embrace the idea with open arms he did leave the door open.” This was in reference to a suggestion by Salvador that the government might be willing to consider a more comprehensive proposal by a coalition of groups for a larger portion of the former rail bed. He indicated that the proposal should include a business plan and as many partnerships with other groups as was possible. Knight commented that this would seem to push the initiative back on to the ATV group. Mayor Lin Steffler agreed. “1 guess the ball is back in his (Brian Bradbury’s) court,” she said. Councillor Dick Burgess reminded councillors, “ When the original presentation was made it was clear that the municipality had no say in the matter. 1 think the administration and council has responded to the group as much as possible.” Steffler ended the discussion saying, “We have done what we can for the group. The ball’s now in their court.” THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2003. PAGE 9. Finding the best places to stay By Craig Nicholson (©2003 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) With so many lodging facilities competing for your overnight business, how do you find the best places to stay? First, 1 start by defining my budget and the kind of accommodation I want: full service resort, chain hotel, mom and pop motel, outfitter cabin or bed and breakfast? Wherever possible, I restrict my selections to only those facilities that advertise on the snowmobile trail maps published by snowmobile associations or clubs. At least I know these places offer some support back to the sport. Then I make some calls... If I’m arriving by sled, my first question is: can 1 get there directly by groomed trail without having to run along bare streets or back alleys? I ask what trail number to take and what local spur if applicable, and what signs to look for. If I’m trailering in and expect to leave my rig for a period of time, 1 confirm that parking arrangements are possible. Next, I inquire as to any applicable snowmobiler packages or specials. Sometimes I can get a better rate for multiple nights, multiple rooms or during the week. Then, I want to know what services are available on site or nearby: restaurant, gas, convenience store, any dealers. Wherever possible, I also ask about a ground floor room that has its own outside door, and whether I can park my sled in front of it for easy loading and observa­ tion. An increasing number of places even offer secure snowmobile parking in fenced tennis courts, outdoor pool areas or in special tents or garages. I also inquire about available guest services: is the front desk open 24 hours or not? Are there phones in each room and are they usable 24 hours? What about the restaurant “Your Arctic Cal Sledquarters” ARCTIC CAT What Snowmobiling s All About.™ Service to most makes of small engines Jim Bauer Automotive farm and tire service 519-345-2248 Mike Kells • Snowmobile Oil • Gasoline Treatment • Spark Plugs • Select Snowmobile Belts available • Super Unleaded Gasoline > Your Tracks The Trail" Radford Auto, Farm & Industrial Parts 523-9681 Blyth hours of operation? If I plaiYto get away early or arrive late, will 1 get fed? Do they have a hot tub? Finally, I ask the clincher: do they have the Weather Network so I can fine tune my riding plans and wardrobe for the next day’s ride? If most of the preceding have been answered to my satisfaction. I'll confirm a reservation, being sure to ask what their cancellation policy is in the event of a meltdown or breakdown. At this point, I’m as certain as possible that the lodgings will be snowmobile-friendly. However, I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by hospitality operators that go that extra step, by offering extra hangers, towels or rags to wipe down the sleds in the morning. One memorable place even had a staffer sweep off the snow from parked sleds at dawn! Some places provide guests with chains and locks for security, while others offer use of a dryer for wet gear. I’ve even stayed at a place on the edge of town that had a special arrangement with a local restaurant to provide compli­ mentary taxi service back and forth. If I have a spacious room with lots of convenient places to hang gear, and place helmets and boots out of the way, I’m a happy camper. Then if I my wake-up call is on time. I’ll hit the trail - and be sure to tell all my friends about this great place I found for snowmobilers to stay! Until next time, remember to be a Safe Rider this winter. For trail condition reports check www.ofsc.on.ca Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer, Canada's Snowmobiluig Magazine. The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.