2023-09-05 04:00:00
The Festival Quad Matapédien, which was held in Amqui over the weekend, was a great success. More than 300 ATV riders from across Quebec took part in this 21e editing.
“We are particularly proud of this event, which allows us to introduce quad riders from everywhere to our trails,” explains the president of the Club VTT de la Matapédia, André Blouin. We have a whole team of volunteers, more than 50, who help set up and run this very special weekend. Without their dedication, it would be impossible to hold such an event. It’s like that year following year. The people back home are proud. They want to introduce their trails and the region to as many quad riders as possible from Quebec and elsewhere. »
On the ground, the work of the volunteers is arduous for a good preparation of the trails that are visited.
“Volunteers have worked for months clearing the trails, adjusting the signage and making it clearly visible. You should know that we experienced special events this year with high winds, resulting in the obstruction of trails by fallen trees in the north of the territory. In the south, everything has grown so much. Fortunately, I have a team of generous people who aren’t afraid to get involved. Moreover, we have many compliments and congratulations from the people who visit us on the state of our network of trails,” continues Mr. Blouin.
Photo provided by Denis Lavoie of InfoQuad
COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS
During the two days of the event, the volunteers were available and committed at all levels, for the success of this major event.
“We prepare each year with one goal, to welcome people who choose to visit us,” continues André Blouin. This year’s edition follows the average of recent years. But, to receive and serve all these people, you have to be ready at all levels. Whether it’s for meals, for registration or even the marshals, who serve as guides on the various hikes, good preparation is essential. »
Commissioners are also trained in the various tourist places where quad riders stop, in order to be able to explain everything to visitors.
The president of the Club VTT de la Matapédia, André Blouin, is right to be proud of the 21st edition of his festival. Photo provided by Denis Lavoie of InfoQuad
Saturday evening, during the closing banquet, you should have seen the volunteers busy producing the meal and serving it to all the participants. André Blouin also admits that you have to know what to do to keep the top of the list of destinations.
“When you have reached the top, it can be difficult to stay in place, hence the importance of being able to count on such a team. There are people who come to spend a week in our region, before taking part in the Festival. We have people from the Magdalen Islands, Montreal and other regions, which means that our event contributes to the economy of our part of the country. We are missing a few New Brunswick enthusiasts who can no longer use our trails because their membership card purchased from them, which was accepted in the past, is no longer valid. It’s a big loss, but to see the level of participation, I’m proud. »
So, if you want to experience this great event, you have to book. The number of places is limited, and also, the reception facilities fill up quickly.
For more information, visit the club’s website: clubvttdelamatapedia.com.
Trail closures for hunting
As is the case every year, as of September 1, several ATV trails are closed almost everywhere, due to the hunting season. It is very important to respect these closing dates, first for your safety, but also to avoid the loss of rights of way. The territories that are the most affected are the zecs and certain wildlife reserves. For example, the trail in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides is closed until November 15 and in the Mastigouche reserve, from tomorrow to October 17. It is therefore important to carefully consult the table that appears on the Federation’s website at fqcq.qc.ca. Dates may change and additional dates may be added at any time. It would also be a good idea to check with your club and other clubs before planning a hike this fall.
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