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Jim Foster
On the water and in the woods

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One of the province's biggest ATVing events of the year takes place this weekend, just east of Fredericton, drawing well over 100 bikes from all over the province.

Summer Jam had humble beginnings but the event grows more impressive every year while remaining true to its original idea:

a simple quad excursion with good friends and new friends, followed by fun and fellowship around a bonfire well into the next morning.

Summer Jam was created five years by the denizens of NBATVforum.com, a site created by Cap-Pelé web whiz Dan Landry, which back then was made up of just a small group of riders who routinely got together online to discuss their hobby and the ATVing issues of the day. Today, NBATVforum.com boasts almost 2,000 members.

Summer Jam has grown along with the web site.

Five years ago, a couple of members came up with the idea of hosting a get-together, since most only knew each other via the Internet. A handful of bikers showed up that sunny August weekend for the very first Jam, growing in subsequent years to tomorrow's expected 100 machines, their riders and passengers.

There's nothing complicated about this event. Everyone's invited, as long as your bike is insured and plated, you don't ride like an idiot and you wear your helmet.

You don't have to be a member of NBATVforum, or any other group for that matter, though they do strongly encourage everyone to join the ATV club of their choice.

Show up Friday night for the campout and early-bird runs, or arrive Saturday morning just for the main ride, the choice is yours.

There is food and fuel on the trail but stock your cooler and gas can for a long day as the bikers estimate they'll cover more than 140 kilometres on Saturday alone, with smaller, optional outings on Friday and Sunday. Bring your own munchies, drinks, spare fuel and insect repellent as there are no stores or restaurants nearby.

Summer Jam '09 has taken the next step in its evolution with a significant fund-raising event — auctions, raffles, donations and draws — on Saturday evening for ATV-related items which will raise money for Peter LeBlanc of Irishtown, one of the key movers in the significant growth of the sport in Kent County who is ailing and will require expensive modifications to his home.

A small $20 fee for access to camping and porta-potties for the entire weekend will go to the LeBlanc family ($10 if you aren't camping) as well as money raised from the draws, auctions and donations.

All the details are on NBATVing.

com, which is by far eastern Canada's most active ATV-related web site so you might want to join (it's free) after you check it out, but in case you can't reach a computer, just keep reading.

Camping and registration takes place behind ALPA Equipment, about five kilometres east of Fredericton on Route 105. From Moncton, take the Sheffield exit off the TCH, which is exit 333.

Watch for the large ALPA sign on your right. The GPS waypoint is N45 54.692 W66 33.797. Drive past the right side of ALPA building and proceed down the dirt road for about three kilometres. Come to a full stop before crossing the old railbed as there might be ATVs approaching the intersection from another direction.

Gates open at 10 a.m. today, with rides heading out later today at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The bonfire and camaraderie begin at 9 p.m. at the camp site.

Rides on Saturday leave at 9 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; and 10 a.m. Bonfire, prizes, draws, music and fine fellowship start at about 9 p.m. and continue until the last rider hits his or her air mattress.

Each group excursion will be escorted by an experienced lead rider, with a tailman appointed as well to make sure no one is left behind.

The routes have been selected to accommodate all rider abilities with perhaps a couple of muddy sections that might prove challenging, given the rainy weather forecast.

And if you are the type who really likes to get down and dirty, worry pas, there are bound to be a few play areas along the route where you'll get to show what you and your bike can do — or perhaps more accurately what you believe you and your bike can do!

Jim Foster is a Times & Transcript reporter and an avid outdoorsman. His column appears Thursday and Friday.