Who Knew Mike Holmes Liked Mud So Much!

Given that yesterday 6/2 was the sixth annual ATV ride in support of the Holmes Foundation, I thought I'd post an older article from All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine. This article talks about the 2009 ATV ride, and how much fun it was for all involved, and how muddy everyone got. Love it, wish I wasn't afraid to break my neck on one of those little death-mobiles. Who knew Mike Holmes liked mud so much? We did!

 

THE MIKE HOLMES FOUNDATION ATV RIDE(7/7/2009)

Report By: Mike Lester, All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine

The weekend of June 13th, marked All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s second visit to the Canadian Forces Base in Borden, Ontario for the ATV Ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation presented by the OFATV and sponsored by Can-Am. Along with us for the first year was Dirt Trax Television.

Driving off Highway 400 towards the base, I began to realize how isolated it is. Barbed wire fences lined either side of the road securing the endless expanse of wilderness I’d soon be riding through. Just as I began to feel like I’d gone in the wrong direction, the forest opened up to reveal the base stretching endlessly like a university campus.

A few really cool things make this ATV event stand out. For one, attendees get to ride their ATVs in an area normally closed to civilians. There are countless miles of trail winding throughout the base.

In fact, during our five hours of riding, we never went outside Canadian Forces land! There was amazing diversity in the riding terrain, too. Sand, rock, mud – in fact, a lot of this trail is used for testing tanks! Some of the bogs we rode through brought mud up over the fenders!

Another highlight is that you get to meet international TV personality, Mike Holmes, in person. You can share your ride experiences with him and get a photo. He’s very personable and loves ATVing. We rode with Mike all day as he led the pack on his 2009 Can-Am Renegade. There wasn’t a mud pit that could stop him.

"Who Knew Mike Holmes liked mud so much!" commented Taera McLean, Co-Host of Dirt Trax Television. "It was a wonderful day complete with endless trails and lots of riders. Plus, it was for a great cause - The Holmes Foundation!"

Following the ride, the OFATV volunteers put on a fabulous BBQ. Burgers, dogs, fresh-cut fries and butter tarts to top it off. After our ride, we were starving and it was the perfect ending to a great day.

Mark your calendars for next season and sign up early to ensure a spot at this event in 2010. You'll have a great time with great people, riding some of the nicest trails you'll never get a chance to ride otherwise.

Visit ATVmag.com for more.

And another article, from the same magazine, this one highlighting the 2008 excursion.

 

MIKE HOLMES ATV RIDE

By: All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine

Monday, May 11, 2009

The sun was blazing on one of Ontario's nicest days last summer as 165 registered riders turned out with trailers full of ATVs and gear for the 2nd annual OFATV ride in support of The Holmes Foundation. Riders went out in four waves to tackle a 50km ride through the forests surrounding Canadian Forces Base Borden in Angus, Ontario. Mike Holmes was in attendance walking through the crowds shaking hands and taking pictures then led the last heat of riders out onto the trails. Riders were cautioned about a huge mud pit area used for testing tanks for the Canadian military. This all but guaranteed winches would be exercised and gave riders the chance to get dirty. Mud tires churned up the goo and an enthusiastic group had a blast supporting a good cause. The Holmes Foundation ensures that residential renovation and construction across Canada is done right the first time. Relying on Mike Holmes' reputation gained from his popular television show Holmes on Homes, the foundation partners with schools, businesses and government to encourage youth to pursue careers in skilled trades. The 2008 event raised more than $22,000 and attendance doubled from 2007. Sign up now for this year's event held on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 at CFB Base Borden in Angus, Ontario Canada (Base Borden Rod & Gun). Registration & Pledge Forms Will Be Available From Your Local Club, Participating Can-Am Dealers or on the OFATV website. Visit www.OFATV.org contact the OFATV by phone at 705-797-0797.