About 525 people took part in this year’s edition of the Ashmont quad rally on Saturday, and despite the cool weather and an abundance of snow still on the ground, participants had “a ton of fun,” according to one of the event organizers.
Melissa Breen says the 2013 quad rally was a success with ATV enthusiasts of all ages taking part, some even as young as four years old.
“People did not mind that it was a little chilly out, most dressed for the weather,” says Breen.
And, “Even with all the snow, riders managed to find the mud,” she says, adding, the muddy conditions kept the Mallaig cadets busy running the quad wash bay.
The trail for the quad rally crosses private land and the event is made possible thanks to the landowners who allow the trail on their land. The halfway point for the rally was located northeast of Ashmont and offered riders an opportunity to socialize while enjoying a lunch that was served by the Mallaig School 2013 graduating class.
The muddy conditions were obvious at the halfway point, with quads coated in dirt, and some riders equally covered from head to toe in mud. But rider Elise Neumann says this year’s rally was actually less muddy than it was been in the past, because of the snow.
Newmann adds that it’s “awesome that everyone helps each other out when you get stuck and need a hand. I’m sure everyone appreciates it.”
Out of the 500 participants, one rider went home especially happy. Corey Cardinal won this year’s raffle and went home with a brand new Polaris ATV on Saturday night. Following the rally, participants gathered at the Ashmont Agri-plex for a “wonderful supper,” and a number of door prizes were handed out, says Breen.
“We thank everyone for coming out and enjoying the day, as well as a big thanks to all volunteers and land owners that made the day possible.”
