A group of dirt bikers has completed a master plan to ensure the future of their sport.
The Vancouver Island Dirt Riders Association (VIDRA) was awarded a $14,750 grant from the Yamaha Stay Outdoors Grant Program in 2023, which allowed VIDRA to complete a master plan for the Tansky Recreation Site, located in Jordan River. It is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the popular riding area.
"VIDRA is incredibly thankful for the support from Yamaha and the letter of support from Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop. This grant was instrumental in enabling VIDRA to hire a professional trail-building expert to create the master plan," wrote VIDRA in a news release.
"The Tansky riding area is an asset to our dirt biking community, and this plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of this valuable riding area, ensuring it will be enjoyed by riders for generations to come."
The plan was developed in collaboration with Trail Holistic to outline a strategic vision for the site. A key component of the plan was the detailed assessment of the existing trails, where VIDRA identified deficiencies and provided specific prescriptions for improvements, realignments and new infrastructure with construction specifications. The master plan also outlines maintenance and project plans for trail development at Tansky over the next 10 years.
VIDRA has been working in partnership with Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. to ensure stewardship of the Tansky riding area since 2016, to advocate for and practise responsible trail usage and support the growth of off-road biking.
Tansky is the region's only designated dirt bike riding area and is known for its diverse trails, varying difficulty and stunning ocean views. Each fall, VIDRA hosts the annual Tansky dirt bike race, attracting riders from across B.C.
