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By: Tim Donaldson
Did you go to
QuadFest 2008?
Did you go to
QuadFest 2008?
[Recap Video
Size: 20.6 megs, Format: .WMV] From
appearances, it looked as if everyone on the
east coast and beyond may have been there. Well,
that statement may be a little bit of an
exaggeration, even though it is estimated that 1
in 30 people in Pennsylvania own an ATV and the
state ranks 4th in nationwide ATV sales.
Nonetheless, looking from an adjacent hill while
there, the only thing visible was RVs, tents,
trailers, and folks on their ATVs–a testament of
the growing and continued success of QuadFest.
So what exactly makes the yearly QuadFest such a
popular event, even with the cost of soaring gas
prices? First of all, this ATV extravaganza is
packed with activities that ATVers love. There
are awesome trails, ATV pulls, drag races, mud
bogs, obstacle courses, kids’ parades, motocross
tracks, wheelie contests, and vendors everywhere
selling food and merchandise. Still not
impressed? Can-Am and Yamaha–headline and
feature sponsor, respectively–bring semi loads
of products for attendees to test. Yamaha
showcased the Rhino side by side and Can-Am
represented with models from their ATV product
line. No wonder it is called QuadFest!
Nicole Hill (6 years old) enjoyed riding
her Kawasaki 50cc at QuadFest. |
Beautiful sunset to end the fun filled
day of riding. |
First, let’s talk about the trails. QuadFest has
been held for the past several years at Mountain
Ridge Trails Resort, located near Central City,
Pennsylvania. As a worthy venue for such a large
event, the trails were clearly marked for
difficulty and one-way traffic flow. As trail
difficulty increased, the terrain became rockier
and more challenging. A nice feature to this
year’s QuadFest was the family-rated trail,
designed to be easy and inviting for the entire
family. It’s always great to see the whole
family out on the trails having fun!
Speaking of families, QuadFest featured special
events and activities for the younger riders.
Each evening included an ATV parade just for
kids which allowed them to ride the area in a
follow-the-leader fashioned journey. There was
even a kid-sized motocross track, keeping them
out of the way of the big dogs. With that theme
in mind, Jill Patterson, spokesperson for
QuadFest noted, “Look for a bigger and better
event in 2009 with a family-friendly approach.”
QuadFest is the summer ATVing event for
everyone in the family!
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Can-Am offered demo rides all weekend
long. |
QuadFest even brought in some of the sport’s
familiar celebrities. Brian Fisher of Fisher’s
ATV and Mike Penland, Can-Am’s factory rider,
were nearby greeting and signing autographs for
fans. We want to give a special thank-you to
Mike Penland for taking time out of his busy day
to take us on a tour of the grounds on his
two-up Can-Am, giving us a little taste of what
it takes to be an 11-time GNCC National
Champion. Let me just say this guy is fast! We
had a great time, and Mike has a first-class,
genuinely nice personality. Thanks, again, Mike!
As over 5,500 riders attended QuadFest in 2008,
the event is known for supporting local clubs
and organizations. Over $75,000 was reinvested
in the local economy. Some of the benefactors
included Westco 4-Wheel Drive Club, Haunted
Riders of Tri County, Flight 93 Memorial Fund,
Central Pennsylvania ATV, Joni and Friends
Wheelchair ministries, Straight Jacket Racing,
Westmoreland ATV Rescue, Divorce Care for Kids,
Ghostriders, Stoystown Fire Department, Somerset
4H Exchange Club, and Mountain Campers.
Yamaha brought a slew of Rhinos to give
QuadFest attendees a taste of the beast. |
If mud was your taste, the mud bogs
competition was a sure bet! |
So it’s easy to see what makes QuadFest a
growing and popular event. Next year promises to
be more and better! The 2009 event will be held
the 3rd week in July on the 16th-19th at the
Mountain Ridge Trails Resort. Jill Patterson
stated, “We appreciate everyone who
participated, whether they were a sponsor,
vendor, or participant. We all hope to see you
at the 2009 QuadFest, if you didn’t make it this
year!”
Groups like PaAtving make it possible for ATV
riding areas to open and events such as the
QuadFest to take place. Further information
about QuadFest and PaAtving can be obtained at
www.thequadfest.com and
www.paatving.com.
ATV Pulls had many wanting more traction
from their ATVs. |
The wheelie contest had some great
displays of, "I can do that." |
As mentioned, QuadFest 2009 will, again, be held
at “The Mountain” which is open year-round for
public riding. Visit
www.mountainridgeatvtrails.com for
more information.
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