CALEB NICKERSON
MANSFIELD ET PONTEFRACT
Aug. 8, 2020
The parking lot of J&A Bowers Restaurant in Mansfield et Pontefract was packed with ATVs and side-by-sides on Saturday morning as local off-road enthusiasts showed off the region to riders from Ontario.
One of the organizers Pat Gravelle, who serves as the regional president for the Outaouais quad clubs, said that this ride was one . . .
in a series that were meant to introduce people from across the river to the area.
“The reason for this is to bring tourism and introduce people to our wonderful [region],” he said. “Hopefully they’ll bring other people later on. [That’s] what this is all about.”
He explained that there is now an interprovincial pass available to allow riders access to trails on both sides of the river.
“It’s a great thing and I just hope to see a lot of Ontario people come into Quebec and ride,” he said, adding that they had held similar excursions in Gatineau and Petit Nation earlier in the summer and would be hosting a ride in Maniwaki on Aug. 22.
The Pontiac ride was a lengthy one, starting in downtown Mansfield and heading up to the Cayamant tower and stopping for lunch at Dumont Lake, a round trip of about 140 km.
Gravelle estimated that about 45 riders had turned out for the event, many of whom showed up early for a bite to eat at the restaurant before hitting the road.
