About OFTR

Life is a journey best taken off-road on two wheels

The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders provides resources and advocacy for Ontarians who love trail riding and exploring the great outdoors. In partnership with our member clubs we source, create, and maintain a trail network for the responsible use by off-road motorcyclists. We provide a strong voice supported by a substantial membership to represent off-road riders to ensure these trails continue to be accessible.

OFTR History

The OFTR was established in 1992 by four avid off-road riders that had the foresight to recognize the need for a common voice among riders. This was a totally volunteer organization that became the voice of off-road riders in the province. The OFTR remained a volunteer organization until 2004. At that time government and industry funding allowed OFTR to hire its first employee. With a full time employee the organization gained tremendous credibility with government bodies and was able to establish land use agreements throughout the province. The OFTR Trail Ride Series was established and the OFTR continues to ensure off-road riders have access to some of the best riding areas in the world.

Board of Directors

Rob Girouard

President,Director

Hometown
Petawawa, Ontario
What do you ride and how long you have been riding?
I ride a 2023 Beta 350 Race Edition, 2021 Beta 300 RR and 2018 Beta Evo Trials Bike.
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
I volunteer as a director on the OFTR board as well as the KORMA board. I like to help keep trails clear, work the social media component of the community and support rides as a sweep or pre-rider.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer because I see the value in the community and volunteerism is what keeps it going. Our hobby will become ever more difficult to protect and volunteers will lead the charge.
What do you love about off-road riding?
I like the challenge, adventure and community. I have made lifelong friends through riding and have had some amazing experiences travelling to different riding areas.

Kellee Irwin

Director

Hometown
Toronto
What do you ride and how long you have been riding?
I was lucky to grow up in a motorcycling family and be a third generation rider. I currently ride a KTM150 XC-W, Husqvarna FE250 and a BMW F750GS. I know we are not supposed to have favorites but, I admit my KTM is my “go to bike” on weekends. However, one needs different bikes for different rides. Just like shoes.
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
I am honored to be the OFTR President. It is an exciting time for our sport and I am proud of what the OFTR and Clubs have achieved and the opportunity riding forward. I am a currently a Director of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada and Past-Char of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Great Pine Trail Riders.
Why do you volunteer?
The sport we all love has been built on the generosity of volunteers. From trail maintenance, new trails rider/events to advocacy and government relations, volunteers do it all. My father, the late Bert Irwin, taught me to give back to a sport that has given so much to our family. I love introducing new riders to the sport and ensuring we off-road riding continues now and for generations to come.
What do you love about off-road riding?
That is a long list. The friendships, exploring the world, adventure, laughter and the joy are just a few. It is good for the soul and good for the body. It is the one thing I do that clears my head and allows me to enjoy and embrace all that is around me. I cannot imagine my life without riding.

Stephanie Yankovich

Director

Hometown
Toronto, Ontario

What do you ride and how long you been riding?

How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?

Why do you volunteer

What do you love about off-road riding

Carolyn Richards

Secretary,Director

Home Town
Grew up in Erin Ontario, moved to Lindsay in 1995 to start a family, I have two young adult sons who keep me busy as well.

How do you volunteer
OFTR and other clubs - President of Kawartha ATV Association, Kawartha Off Road Motorcycle Association and board member on the Ontario Trails Council

Why do you volunteer?
I started volunteering to teach my kids about giving back to the community, as my kids grew up and found their own interests I found that volunteering allowed me to do something for myself and I enjoy being busy.

What do you love about off-road riding?
I love being outdoors and the friendships I've built off-roading
It's great to hear riders talk about how much they enjoy the trails.
Doing the work I do with the clubs gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Everyone who volunteers is in it because they love the sport so it's great to be around such passionate people

Brian Dueck

Director

Home Town
Collingwood, Ontario

What do you ride and how long have you been riding?

My first dirt bike was an 1982 RM125 which I bought used with my paper route money. It was a great bike - one of the first bikes ever to have a mono shock and water cooled. Nowadays I bleed orange, and have a KTM 300 TPI for the woods, and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure for longer distance trips. I got into dirt bikes when I was maybe 7 years old - riding my cousins' bikes when we visited them on holidays. I've been obsessed with motorcycles ever since.

How do you volunteer - OFTR and other clubs?

I first joined SCORRA as a member in 2010 when I got back into dirt biking and year by year became progressively more involved in club events and then gradually I got involved in volunteer work for SCORRA. I served on the SCORRA board from 2013 to 2016 and then rejoined the board for 2020 as SCORRA Vice President and OFTR rep. Those of you that ride the SCORRA Midhurst Trail Ride too slowly may have also me as I traditionally lead the sweep crew for the event.

Why do you volunteer?

The OFTR and SCORRA has made a big difference in my life including and I've met some of my best friends this way. So giving back by volunteering seems only natural. If you see me at an event or at a SCORRA staging area be sure to wander over to say ``Hi`` - I'm always happy to talk to fellow members and listen to feedback on how to make the OFTR and SCORRA better.

What do I love about offroad riding?

It's for that special feeling of freedom and the taste adventure that only comes from riding offroad. I love the technical challenge that comes with pushing yourself and the camaraderie you feel when riding with good friends.

Joel Castonguay

Vice President,Director

Hometown
Sudbury
What do you ride and how long you been riding?
KTM 300xcw, KTM 990, Tenere 700
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
President of Sudbury Trail and Adventure Riders Association (STARA)
Why do you volunteer
I volunteer to help grow and support the community of off-road motorcyclist. I want kids and beginners to have safe and challenging riding areas for years to come.
What do you love about off-road riding
The adventures, the community, the speed and the feeling you get after a great day of riding.
Ian Peters

Ian Peters

Director

Hometown
Toronto, Ontario

What do you ride and how long you have been riding
I started riding when I was 10. As a kid I was fortunate enough to have a friend that got me into riding. We rode as much as we could at the Pickering pits during the summer. I started racing in 1987 on a CanAm 400. I am now riding a KTM XCWs and still love it!

How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
For the last 20 plus years I have worked on the Cord. I first had the section around the famous tunnel of love and put a lot of the original trails in that area, and then worked the trails South of Gooderham.

Why do you volunteer
As an OCMC member I got an understanding of how much fun it is to work on events (another reason to go riding). I worked on many events including club enduros, motocross, and cross countries.

What do you love about off-road riding
Off-road riding is the absolute best sport or activity there is. You have the thrill of the ride, the accomplishments of new skills and personal challenges. You are outdoors and will see more of our beautiful forests than most people. The off-road community is very welcoming.

Chris Moyle

Director

Hometown
Lindsay Ontario
What do you ride and how long you have been riding?
Current trail bike is a 2024 KTM 250 xcw. I ride it 12 months a year. The RFS 525 EXC is set up Super Moto and also ride it Dual Sport. The TTR 230 is quite capable, fun and nimble. 1981 CB 750 has been modified and mostly lives in my shed. Our four wheeler has two too many wheels for me yet has been claimed by my youngest daughter. 1979 GS in parts.
Riding bikes for me started at an early age. The Honda Z50 was ridden during summer and on weekends around Sturgeon Lake in Snug Harbour. On some weekends we would visit Ganaraska or the family farm to try to jump the manure pile on the Honda CRs. My first KTM was purchased in British Columbia while living in the Kootenays.
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
As a former Executive on the BMA (Bytown Motorcycle Association) Board of Directors. My time spent with the BMA has been positive and rewarding. Most recently and for many years I acted as the Vice Chair. I started the Land Use Committee for the BMA, realizing a need for direction and land use initiatives. I liaised with land owners to further and secure our riding experience. I've been the most recent Volunteer Coordinator for all club events, ensuring the correct people are in place for excellence. I have instructed training courses for newer members, and assisted with coordinating events, in conjunction with our club sponsors, for the Ladies Ride at Limerick Forest, as well as trail maintenance and orientation rides in Limerick Forest, Larose Forest and Calabogie. I rehabilitate old trails with sustainability in mind. The land assist markers with QR codes located in Calabogie was a whim of mine, and now they are in place with local responder knowledge for our members and other trail users. The creation of ``Area 31`` was a fun project which I enjoyed and has added value for our members. I worked to develop the memorandums of understanding and partner relationships to see success, and gained a private training ground for our members in Ottawa for the O.F.T.R. communities. I have spent countless hours building obstacles and sections to train and enjoy. I also work on our trail systems. I work with corporate sponsors for events to meet goals for our members. I was on the Chair Team for the Calabogie Boogie in 2023. I have been a Section Lead and crew member for trail work for the Calabogie Boogie since 2014. I have worked diligently with club members and accessory affiliates since becoming a board member, writing daily emails and countless phone calls to get work done behind the scenes. I have arranged for insurance for club events and secured funding for the BMA and its members in part for special trail considerations and general trail work.
Why do you volunteer?
The camaraderie! The people! My focus is on riding and gaining traction with members to see this sport grow without boundaries!
What do you love about off-road riding?
I have met a family of friends who share my interest in riding. Riding is Zen! The recognition of knowing my 'riding family' has my back and it's reciprocated when and if the ride takes a turn for the worse. We get it done!

Rachel Spillane

Director

Hometown
Kawartha Lakes
What do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I ride a 2021 DRZ125L, and I’ve been a long time motocross fan and recreational rider whenever I had a chance. I first got into the sport back in 2003 after riding a KX100. I started trail riding in 2021 and fell in love with it.

How do you volunteer with the OFTR and our member clubs?
I have been very vocal about the OFTRs contribution to conservation efforts, sustainable trail use, and land use agreements being an important asset to the dirt biking community. I’ve volunteered in my community before, but I decided this time around I’d go out on a whim and apply for the board of directors position. It was a big jump from what I’ve done in the past as a volunteer, but my main focus is advocacy, and I’m ecstatic to begin my future with the OFTR.

Why do you volunteer?
I like to be the squeaky wheel when it comes to defending my sport, my children who are both little dirt biking fans and future riders, and my friends and family who enjoy the sport. It is important that I don’t get lost in the crowd when it comes to just being a voice. I would like to be a contributor to positive changes, and maintaining the great trail systems we already use and love.

What do you love about off-road riding?

It would be a much shorter answer if I was asked what I dislike about off roading. I love being challenged, being isolated, yet not far away from my friends on the trails. I love to explore, and see new things I would not have the opportunity to see with any other medium. It’s therapeutic, it gets me outdoors, it keeps me healthy, and it’s an escape from stagnant daily routines.

Mark Fournier

Director

Hometown
Live and grew up in Brockville Ontario
What do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I have a KLR 650
And just got a 2020 300 KTM have not even picked it up yet lol
How do you volunteer with the OFTR and our member clubs?

Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer because I think I have something to give back.,, I am great-full for my life and want others to feel the same.
What do you love about off-road riding?
I love the out doors and riding trails on a motorcycle is something I just really love.
I new to the sport and am learning lots

Art Ash

Director

Hometown
Cobourg, Ont
What do you ride and how long you have been riding?
I am currently on a Husqvarna TE250i and a KTM 390 ADV
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
I am currently the president of Dufferin Rooftop Recreational Riders Association and a board member of the OFTR. I am also a past president of the OFTR having served six years as president. I am also a trail steward for SCORRA.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer to help preserve and grow the sport for the younger generations. Those of us who grew up in the “old days” of the 70’s and 80’s had a lot more riding areas to choose from and I work hard to maintain the areas we currently have and try to add areas whenever and wherever possible. I returned to the board to help out as I really want to see the OFTR grow in many ways.
What do you love about off-road riding?
I have always been an outdoors person, I grew up on the water a lot with my father fishing throughout the areas around Cobourg. As I got older I tried dirt biking and loved it. I had a bike for a while as a kid then like a lot of people other life priorities took over for a while. My son got me back into it when he was 7 and I fell in love with the places one can only really go on a dirt bike and the comradery with my riding buddies. I love to travel with my dirt bike and ride areas I would never have been to without a dirt bike. Utah is my favorite place to ride outside Ontario.

David Bowden

Treasurer ,Director

Hometown
Toronto and Simcoe County (between Barrie and Orillia)
What do you ride and how long you have been riding?
Currently Riding Yamaha WR250R, Yamaha Tenere 700 and Kawasaki Versys 650. First ride was a Honda MiniTrail 50+ years ago.
How do you volunteer with OFTR and our member clubs?
Have done significant volunteer work but only a little with OFTR until joining the Board recently. SCORRA is my home club. Other volunteer work teaching off-road with SMART and multiple roles in Canada and Internationally.
Why do you volunteer?
Love volunteering to give back to multiple communities and make new connections. Always something new to learn and a chance to share experience so others about my past successes and mistakes.
What do you love about off-road riding?
Love Off Road riding as the best way to see the world on 2 wheels. Really enjoy Dual Sport riding on very long trips, combining highway travel with off road exploring. Life does not get any better.

Lisa,Jessica,George

Staff

Get Involved

Get Involved

OFTR needs your ideas, insights, connections, time, and your passion for the sport. Get involved with OFTR! OFTR is proud to provide access to new riding areas and attract families and women riders. OFTR and our Member Clubs across the province are driven by volunteers dedicated to maintaining great riding areas, and developing new riding areas and trails for today and future generations. Share your skills with a dynamic team. OFTR is looking for volunteers with marketing and communication, advocacy, and project management experience to join our committees:

  • Communication
  • Off-Road Advocacy
  • Trail Ride Series
  • Trail Inventory

Help out in your local community! Our Members Clubs are always looking for volunteers to help for a day or even a few hours. Please contact your local club.

Please consider getting involved with OFTR and Member Clubs in 2019….in a small way or in a big way, whatever works for you. We’re only as strong and can do as much as our collective involvement allows.

Advocacy

The OFTR is a provincial organization that provides off-road motorcycle riders a unified voice in the province of Ontario. The OFTR focuses on educating government, riders, landowners and the non-riding public on the sport of off-road motorcycle riding. The OFTR works in collaboration with stakeholders, local, regional, provincial and federal governments to preserve existing riding areas and gain access to new areas.

Advocacy