The biggest ATV poker ride in British Columbia will be coming to Merritt, attracting hundreds of quad riders from across the province.
City Council agreed to support the seventh annual ATVBC Poker Ride, set for June 25, following a presentation from the organization.
Wayne Dreger, director of the Quad Riders ATV Association of B.C. (ATVBC) introduced the non-profit society and described the event expected to draw up to 500 people from places as far as Elkwood, Fort St. John and Vancouver Island.
“The economic benefits to your community are obvious; the beauty of your area to our members is extraordinary,” said Dreger in a letter of introduction addressed to the Mayor and Council.
During his presentation Dreger also said that if all goes well, ATVBC hopes to hold their poker ride in Merritt for the next two or three years, indicating that the area was selected for its beauty as well as its proximity to the Lower Mainland.
“Merritt is such a beautiful area and we’ll get to enjoy ourselves in the outdoors,” said Dreger explaining the appeal of quadding. “[ATV’s] are easier on the body and they give me access to areas that I wouldn’t be able to get to anymore such as the old logging roads.”
The ride, which will begin and end at the Nicola Valley Rodeo grounds, is a casual ride along horse trails and old logging roads to raise funds for projects throughout the province including the promotion of responsible riding in B.C.
Dreger assured council that responsible riding was important to the organization referencing ATVBC’s zero tolerance policy on alcohol or drugs when riding. He also said the event would not put any additional strain on the RCMP or the city.
“We ask nothing of the area, just for your support,” he said. “We have a zero tolerance policy as far as the ride goes and so the RCMP doesn’t need to put on any extra staff.”
At the campground there will be no quad riding on the rodeo grounds after 10 p.m., said Dreger adding that most people are usually in bed by 9:30 p.m.
He also spoke of the organization’s tread lightly policy.
“We make sure none of our trails go through environmentally sensitive areas and after the ride there are no pieces of paper or cans; our people make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Ribbons marking the trail on the day of the ride will all be removed the next day.
Following Dreger’s presentation, several councillors expressed their support.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Councillor Nadia Clarke. “I’m really supportive and I”m glad you’re coming here.”
