Kukagami Lake – May 23, 2026
Well, someone should possibly tell the Southern Ontario weather prognosticators that an 80 percent chance of rain actually means they are only 20 percent right.
What a great day it was for the Kukagami Lake ride this past weekend. Forecasted rain never materialized and only bright sunshine, light winds and whole lot of black flies greeted those in attendance.
Fourteen intrepid rides, a 60-40 mix of SxS and ATVs made their way though a number of trails darting in and out of Red Pine forests, White Birch stands and local gravel roads. Although the rookie Ride Lead missed the trailhead by the length of three SxSs, he quickly redeemed himself two minutes in as the tone for the rest of ride was set with technical muddy sections and narrow tree stands going forward.
This Kukagami experience was not by chance as there were a number of club members responsible for clearing and preparing this new Kukagami trail over three separate pre-rides cutting over growth and widening the route to allow SxSs to navigate their way. Many thanks go out to all those involved.
The morning section of the ride combined smooth forest trails, puddles and many a water crossing, be it large puddles or beaver dam overflows where the trail was considerably lower that the dam. The afternoon section, following a lunch stop at Murray Lake, unfortunately turned in to a considerable amount of dusty sections between forest trails. Admittedly a necessary evil leading to the next trail, but when you hit the forest, the dust faded away both figuratively as wall as physically. The day ended with a section leading to an enjoyable mud hole where those willing, frolicked and played for a while.
In all accounts, everyone returned home with their rides needing a thorough date with a pressure washer to remove the embedded mud and forest floor clutter. This ride was a great effort for a first-time Ride Lead and only shows that anyone interested in being a Lead can be done with the support of other experienced club members. Step forward and volunteer and there will be supports there to ensure your success.
