MOTORCYCLE
Managed by: Claudia Cid
TPAAA OFFROAD MOTORCYCLE TRAIL RIDERS
We’ve been running the Day in the Dirt for 12 years and have had a number of riders with their own bikes ask about attending. That just doesn’t make sense…. why pay the money to ride ONE day when you can ride ’em ALL? This is something I’ve been meaning to put together for the last few years, but didn’t have the time. Well, 2026 IS the year. So… introducing the Offroad Trail Riders FAQ.
Who is this for?
This is aimed at TPAAA MEMBERS that have an off road capable trail bike with a GREEN (OFFROAD) or BLUE (ONROAD) plate, and INSURANCE.
What Skill Level is this aimed at?
You just bought a bike and are learning the ropes of offroad? Perfect. You’re a 10 time world enduro champion from Finland? Perfect. Your somewhere in between? Yep, Perfect. In other words this is aimed at everyone of every skill level. The focus will be on getting out, having some good camaraderie, building skills, and enjoying our motorcycles.
Is there a cost?
There is NO cost to join. For the first year, this will just be a loose communication group via a chat and email that will allow you to reach out and create or respond to ride opportunities. We will likely be subsidizing the OFTR (Ontario Federation of Trail Riders) Provincial Trail Rides for members, so in fact, it’s like we’re paying YOU. Subsidy will depend on total riders we get out, how many do a ride, etc.
What will the riding schedule look like?
I will be posting up the OFTR ride dates and the OO (Offroad Ontario) race dates. OCMC (Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Club also hosts a number of race events that I will link as I become aware of them) I will also be putting out a few casual ride opportunities throughout the year, but what I’m really hoping happens is someone throws out on the chat on a Monday. “Hey, riding Ganaraksa Wednesday morning, anyone interested” and a few riders respond. If we can get something like that going, this is a success. If there’s enough interest, we may close out with a ride / BBQ or something like that. No commitment, ride when you can and want to.
Do I have to be a AAA Member?
Yes. The AAA is the reason we have stuff like this, so let’s support the organization. Especially as they will be subsidizing the trail ride and race registrations. (and Already fund half of Day in the Dirt). Let’s not forget they’re the reason the gyms even exist at our police stations and our brothers and sisters on the road have a place to stay healthy and fit to face those challenges. They also fund the Torch Run for Special Olympics, And the Variety Village Children’s Games as well as holding 5% of dues for charitable donations brought by members. The AAA provides a showcase of sportsmanship and community in hosting the Playground Games annually for Toronto kids in at risk communities, and they hold the Police Games every other year for ANY member to compete in. They fund 30 other sports besides this one, and they also fund our elite athletes to represent Toronto at the World Police and Fire Games. The AAA primed the Widows and Orphans Fund in it’s formative years as well. Quite a bit for your %5.75 every two weeks. So, YES. You have to be a AAA member.
What if I don’t have a bike?
We run the “Day in the Dirt” for members that don’t have their own motorcycle. Last year’s event and info is still up further down the page so check it out. That event will run either late August or early September. Keep your eyes peeled for the screen saver.
Can I bring my family?
Sure can. Wives, kids are welcome. Just judge the ride on their ability, but we can certainly make family friendly days a thing.
Where would be riding?
Primarily the spots would be the Ganaraska Forest (Membership at $175.00 year required) or Simcoe County Forest Trails (OFTR Membership Required). We may also look at the 5 points system (Bobcaygeon to Gooderham to Kinmount) depending on interest and trail conditions.
The Screensaver said something about Training Opportunities?
Our AAA General Manager and Motorcycle Race Manager Chris Scherk has been doing this for quite a while. While he’s getting both OLDER and SLOWER, Chris did manage to win the XC, Enduro and Grand Championship Vet B Provincial Titles along with the World Enduro Canada (WEC) Eastern Regional National Championship in 2017, then backed that up with a 2018 Sprint Enduro Provincial Championship in Vet A. While now racing the plus 50 class, Chris still racked up multiple podiums and a win in the 2025 race season. He’s got a pointer or two for you if anyone wants to do some skills building before or during the rides.
Do we have any women riders doing this?
Boy, do we! Your TPAAA Motorcycle Chair is Claudia Cid, an accomplished rider with quite a few podiums and the odd win in the Women’s B class in the OO Series. We also have Jill Finley riding regularly, and (hopefully) trying a race in 2026. If your just getting started and are a bit intimidated, Claudia and Jill would be delighted to meet up for a ride to get you going.
This racing thing seems interesting
Racing is super fun. Just think of it as a trail ride where everyone is going in the same direction.. but fast. If your thinking of trying a race or two, this group will give you an idea of whether you’re ready and more so, GET YOU READY if you want to try one. The TPAAA Offroad Racing Team has an OFFROAD CHALLENGE where for your first race, if you sign up and FINISH the race, they’ll reimburse you 100%. Quit, and the race is on you. It would be awesome if we got a few of the Trail Riders to give the Offroad Challenge a try.
OK, This is just awesome and man am I glad I’m a AAA Member. How do I join?
Drop an email to tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com and include your:
Name
Badge Number
Division
Personal Email that you want to receive the emails on
Personal Phone Number for the group chat. I’m leaning toward WhatsApp, as it’s the most ubiquitous of the multi platform chats.
A little bio would be great about what you ride, skill level, what you want out of the group,
I’ll drop you into the chat and email with the same intro, and it’s ON! Well, I mean it’s December, but come April it’s ON!
This is just the BEST FAQ ever! But I’m a police officer and I STILL have questions…
Fire away….. tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
I ride a GIANT HEAVY ADVENTURE BIKE (KTM, BMW, DUCATI, ETC). WHAT ABOUT ME?
Probably not. The trails we’ll be riding would likely be unsuitable for anything larger than a dedicated dual sport bike. Having said that, I’m considering running the same type of chat/group email for ADVENTURE BIKE RIDING so drop a line anyhow, and you can be in the early running for that. Also, there’s always room in the garage for ONE more…..
I’ve been WANTING to get a bike for a while, but I don’t know where to start?
You’ve come to the right place. tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com and we can guide you to a good fit for your first offroad bike. We all started off somewhere. This is your chance to get going in an amazing sport.
This year’s Day in the Dirt runs WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th, on private property adjacent to the Ganaraska Forrest near the 115/35 split down the street from Pontypool. The day runs from 9 am to 3 pm and LUNCH IS PROVIDED!
The Full Day Ride is the ultimate off-road experience! Depending on your riding ability you will receive customized training at our 100 acre training facility, and ride fresh cut private property trail for this year. These tours are customized based upon the riders’ level, desired destinations, and dirtbike. No two rides are the same! Let our experienced instructors and guides look after your every need. We provide all the equipment, rider training, liability insurance, etc. to make your day the most memorable experience in the woods you’ve ever had!
This is always a super fun event, and everyone always comments on how it’s the best $$$ they’ve ever spent on a day experience. Scott Spicer first ran this event waaay back in the day, and charged $150.00. Fast forward through A TON of inflation, Due to the amazing support of the TPAAA we’re still able to present this event to AAA members at $170.00!! Through the cooperation of Trail Tours and most importantly a subsidy from the TPAAA, we’ve managed to hold the line on 90s style pricing! Note that due to the subsidy, this is for Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association members ONLY (no family members), and is yet another fantastic reason to congratulate yourself for opting “in” on membership!
The order of filling the event is FIRST PAID, FIRST ON THE LIST. While I admire and appreciate everyone’s honour and commitment, there’s an old saying. MONEY TALKS. If you want to nail down a spot, get your $170.00 in. E-mail money transfers make it easy! The event runs rain or shine, and the pricing is dependent on everyone attending, so the $160.00 in NON- REFUNDABLE in the case of a no show. A touch of rain really turns the trails into magic, and keeps the dust down in mid-summer. Money transfers go to tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com please. This is the 12th straight year, so we’ll use “dozen” as the password if it asks for one.
Everything in terms of helmet, pads, boots is provided, the bike is provided from the CRF 150, CRF 230, CRF250, CRF250X. The 230 and 250 are very popular with newer riders. Even the mighty 450X and RX is available for EXPERIENCED Off Road Riders. . Ride Red! Insurance, Trail Pass and Guide are included. All you need to bring is a change of socks and underwear and a camera. Please bring between $10 and $20 to tip your guide on the day of the event.
We do a group shot at lunch, and a souvenir group photo and commemorative Day in the Dirt Decal will be sent out to you. Don’t be shy. Reach out to Chris Scherk at tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com or Claudia Cid 8614@tps.ca they’ll answer any of your questions, there’s also an FAQ on the Trail Tours Website: trailtour.ca
GONE BEFORE AND WANT TO GO AGAIN?
The idea of Day in the Dirt is to introduce new members to the sport, so preference will go to NEW attendees. Having said that, if there are spots left two weeks out, you will be slotted in. Please register your interest as a Day in the Dirt alumni by sending an email to tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com
This year’s Day in the Dirt runs WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, on private property adjacent to the Ganaraska Forrest AND select trails in the forest itself, near the 115/35 split down the street from Pontypool. The day runs from 9 am to 3 pm and LUNCH IS PROVIDED!
The Full Day Ride is the ultimate off-road experience! Depending on your riding ability you will receive customized training at our 100 acre training facility, and ride fresh cut private property trail for this year. These tours are customized based upon the riders’ level, desired destinations, and dirtbike. No two rides are the same! Let our experienced instructors and guides look after your every need. We provide all the equipment, rider training, liability insurance, etc. to make your day the most memorable experience in the woods you’ve ever had!
This is always a super fun event, and everyone always comments on how it’s the best $$$ they’ve ever spent on a day experience. Scott Spicer first ran this event waaay back in the day, and charged $150.00. Fast forward through A TON of inflation, Due to the amazing support of the TPAAA we’re still able to present this event to AAA members at $160.00!! Through the cooperation of Trail Tours and most importantly a subsidy from the TPAAA, we’ve managed to hold the line on 90s style pricing! Note that due to the subsidy, this is for Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association members ONLY (no family members), and is yet another fantastic reason to congratulate yourself for opting “in” on membership!
The order of filling the event is FIRST PAID, FIRST ON THE LIST. While I admire and appreciate everyone’s honour and commitment, there’s an old saying. MONEY TALKS. If you want to nail down a spot, get your $160.00 in. E-mail money transfers make it easy! The event runs rain or shine, and the pricing is dependent on everyone attending, so the $160.00 in NON- REFUNDABLE in the case of a no show. A touch of rain really turns the trails into magic, and keeps the dust down in mid-summer. Money transfers go to tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com please. This is the 11th straight year, so we’ll use “eleven” as the password if it asks for one.
Everything in terms of helmet, pads, boots is provided, the bike is provided from the CRF 150, CRF 230, CRF250, CRF250X. The 230 and 250 are very popular with newer riders. Even the mighty 450X and RX is available for EXPERIENCED Off Road Rider. . Ride Red! Insurance, Trail Pass and Guide are included. All you need to bring is a change of socks and underwear and a camera. Please bring between $10 and $20 to tip your guide on the day of the event.
We do a group shot at lunch, and a souvenir group photo and commemorative Day in the Dirt Decal will be sent out to you. Don’t be shy. Reach out to Chris Scherk 4306@tps.ca or Claudia Cid 8614@tps.ca they’ll answer any of your questions, there’s also an FAQ on the Trail Tours Website: trailtour.ca
tpaaaoffroad@gmail.com for general inquiries.
See You on the trails!
Chris Scherk
Operations Sergeant# 4306
Public Safety Unit
Office: 416-808-4943
Cell: 416-527-2861
civitas salutem primum