The registration clock runs out today for one of Ontario’s most distinctive fall off-road events.
Kawartha ATV Association and Kawartha Off-road Motorcycle Association are requiring pre-registration by September 28 for the 2026 Kawartha Black Bear Ride, scheduled for Saturday, October 3 on the KATVA and KORMA trail network in Kawartha Lakes.
The ride runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and brings ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes onto the Somerville Forest and Five Points trail systems before riders return for a barbecue and fundraising program supporting The Kibble Project.
The deadline is what makes this a September 28 story rather than another generic event preview. Riders who intend to participate in the ride or barbecue have to act today under the organizer’s current registration instructions.
A ride with a firm deadline
The official KATVA event page states that pre-registration is required by September 28 for everyone attending the ride and/or barbecue.
That creates a clear decision point.
The event itself is five days away, but waiting until the weekend to decide whether to participate would be too late under the published rules. Riders need to complete the organizer’s registration process now and make sure their machine, permits and personal requirements are in order before October 3.
Ride check-in begins at 8:00 a.m.
KATVA lists the event at $50 for adults and youth age 11 and older. A lower child fee is also listed on the organizer page. Families should use the live registration form or contact the organizer if they need clarification about a child’s exact age category before paying.
The entry covers the ride and barbecue program.
ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes share the day
The Black Bear Ride is unusual because it is not restricted to one off-road vehicle category.
KATVA says ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes are welcome, subject to the different permit and vehicle requirements that apply to each machine.
A valid trail pass is required for the ride.
KATVA accepts permits from its listed Family of Clubs, including HATVA, Algonquin West ATV Club, Lake of Bays ATV Club and Quad Niagara ATV Club. Day passes will also be available at the event.
Dirt-bike riders need to be current Ontario Federation of Trail Riders members or purchase the appropriate day pass.
Side-by-sides must not exceed 64 inches in width, and an ATV carrying a passenger must be a legal factory-designed two-up model.
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult while on the ride.
Those details matter because a multi-category event only works when riders understand which trail rules apply to their vehicle before they arrive.
Somerville Forest and Five Points provide the terrain
The route connects riders with two of the Kawartha area’s better-known off-road systems.
KATVA describes the Somerville Forest Tract as a 3,420-hectare mixed forest property with pine plantations, wetlands, hardwoods and rock outcrops. Its trail network ranges from beginner terrain to more technical sections.
The Five Points system is more demanding.
KATVA classifies much of it as intermediate to expert and warns that riders need proper mapping knowledge and orientation experience. The club specifically advises riders not to travel alone in the area.
That context is important for anyone attracted by the event without previous experience on the trail system.
A registered group ride provides organized access and experienced ride leadership, but participation does not eliminate the need to arrive with a suitable machine, appropriate protective equipment and an honest understanding of riding ability.
The fundraiser extends beyond the ride
The Black Bear program continues after the trail portion.
Riders return to The Bear Den at Log Chateau for a barbecue cookout, fundraising activities, prizes and a silent auction.
The beneficiary is The Kibble Project, which supports pet rescues, animal sanctuaries and other organizations with food and supplies for animals in their care.
The event also lists Olympic medalist Elvis Stojko as a participant, with professional figure skater and model Gladys Orozco scheduled to appear at The Bear Den.
All ride attendees age 18 and older are entered in a $500 door-prize draw.
That combination gives the event a broader community role than a conventional club outing.
People are being asked to spend a day riding, but the structure also directs attention and fundraising toward an outside cause.
What riders should prepare before October 3
Registration is only the first step.
A rider committing today should use the remaining days to inspect the machine and review the organizer’s requirements.
Tires, steering, wheel fasteners, brakes, controls, fluids and driveline components deserve attention before a full day on mixed trails. Side-by-side operators should verify width rather than assume a machine fits the 64-inch limit once accessories or wheel setups are considered.
Riders should carry the required licence, registration, insurance and permit documentation.
The organizer’s waiver also stresses approved helmets and appropriate protective equipment.
Weather can change quickly in October, so layers, eye protection, hydration and a charged phone are basic preparation rather than optional extras.
Navigation matters as well. KATVA’s own trail guidance recommends maps or GPS information and warns riders not to ride alone in remote trail areas.
Why the deadline matters to dealers and clubs
A registration deadline is useful market information because it shows where interest becomes commitment.
For dealers serving Ontario ATV, SxS and dirt-bike customers, the strongest support is not an aggressive event-day promotion. It is making sure customers have machines that are ready, correctly equipped and appropriate for the trail system they plan to ride.
That can mean maintenance appointments, tires, recovery equipment, protective gear or simply helping a newer owner understand the difference between an easy rail trail and an expert technical loop.
For clubs, the deadline helps with logistics.
Organizers need to plan food, registration, ride groups and volunteer coverage. Requiring pre-registration gives them a better picture of how many people and vehicles will arrive.
September 28 is the action date
The Kawartha Black Bear Ride itself happens October 3.
For prospective participants, however, the important date is September 28.
KATVA and KORMA have made pre-registration a requirement for the ride and/or barbecue. Riders who want to take part should use the official registration link today, verify their permit situation and review the published vehicle rules.
After the deadline passes, the next useful RideFirst coverage should be a material event update, verified organizer recap or fundraising result.
For today, the story is straightforward: the ride is still ahead, but the published registration window closes now.
