Canterbury ATV Association History
The Canterbury 3 Wheeler Association (C3WA) began in 1983.
Based on being a friendly, fun, social, and family orientated club, it has proved to be a success.
The original members involved a wide range of people, from teenagers through to families. The males participated in the racing side of it as the females were not ready to try it out back then. But saying that, the club was for all who wished to participate, holding a lot of varied events for everyone.
Trikes were very basic back then with not a big choice available. Honda 200X was the main one being used as they had suspension and the only sports bikes available.
Other than that, there were home builts ranging from 125cc 2 stroke - RM465 and anything else that could squeeze into a frame (and they did try - big time) Also, farm trikes which were really down there, especially for racing.
Riding gear consisted of what one could find or afford. Open face helmets, face masks, and goggles protected the face and head while overalls, jeans, sweat-tops, swanndris, gumboots and riding boots covered the rest. Not really protective gear. Some managed to get into the riding attire which was available, but it was very limited. Eventually, everyone had to invest their dollars in safety clothing and that was a comfort for all involved.
Racing
A lot of choice to ride of organised tracks with regular racing at local venues: Ellesmere; Woodford Glen; Oxford; Ashburton, and Ruapuna. Further afield to Invercargill; Rununga and to show case on the track at Forbery Park in Dunedin.
Racing around hay bales at the Southbridge fair had women taking part for the first time. This proved to be rather spectacular to watch and to see then men's faces, watching their bikes going be where they shouldn't be going, thrilled the crowd.
Final word on racing. There were only two classes - up to 200 and 250 open. Not much choice but kept everyone busy trying to keep up with the play.
Treks / Camp-outs
These were held in abundance and within a short traveling distance from the city, made them even more enjoyable.
Popular spots were the rivers, naturally - Waipara; Ashley and Waiau. Great attendance of members and families made these events popular and very sociable.
Lots of treks and night rides were on the schedule plus the proverbial and exciting mud plugs. These were lots of fun for spectators and riders with one or two ladies taking part. Greta Valley was also a well used venue.
Family Fun Days / BBQs
Mainly held during the summer months or warmer weather and involved places like The Willows; McLeans Island and Broomfield, to name a few.
Other events were great fun i.e. Pony Express out at the Willows; and trial events in the Waipara river where speed and machine were not necessarily the winner. Skill was what it was all about. Picnic fun days at the Groynes with no bikes involved - just a total social gathering.
Play time at Salt Water Creek always attracted a great amount of riders. Big treks at Lake Daniels; Lake Sumner and enduros at Journeys End were big items for those who dared to go that bit further into rugged country.
Since those early days, a lot of things have changed. The club is older, so are the original members. The name is now CATVA - Canterbury All Terrain Vehicle Association, and the club has grown in membership numbers and is still thriving.
The biggest change has been the different classes for events e.g. Women now have a class all of their own and children as young as 5 years are regular participants.
And, best of all..
From original members, we now have the next generation of club members and riders