Founded in the 1970s, the Capital Area Trail Riders Association (CATRA) is a family oriented motorcycle/ATV club whose members share a common interest in motorized off-road recreation. CATRA has hosted a variety of events over the years including hare scrambles, ice races and road rides. In 1986 CATRA foresaw the problems with dwindling areas for legal off-road recreation in New York State. Working together, the membership purchased 273 acres, now known as CATRAland, where club members can legally trail ride.

CATRA is an American Motorcycle Association (AMA) sanctioned motorcycle club. We are also a New England Trail Rider Association (NETRA) affiliated club. We have hosted numerous NETRA championship hare scrambles, junior enduros, pee wee scrambles and nervous novice rides at CATRAland. Recently we have hosted trials events, at CATRAland, with the New England Trials Association (NETA) championship observed trials. CATRA is also a member of the New York State Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Association (NYSORVA) and the Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC).

Throughout the year CATRA hosts trail rides and other non-competitive events for our members to participate. Annual events also include a club picnic and a Christmas party. Several CATRA members compete in enduros and hare scrambles. Even more of our members enjoy riding in turkey runs, dual-sport rides and other organized off-road events throughout New England and New York.

CATRA is always looking for off-road recreation enthusiasts willing to participate in the sport and become an active member of the club. Every membership is a family membership that includes spouses and children under the age of 21. Dues are $50 (+NYS sales tax) per year (April 1st through March 31st). Applicants must also pay a $100 (+NYS sales tax) land-use fee. For members who participate in two (2) work parties, work one (1) race or become a member of the executive board, the land-use fee will be waved the following year. Applicants who join after October 31st of the current year will have their membership fee applied to the following year. To join CATRA, download the two-page application form, fill it out and bring it to the monthly general meeting. New applications must be submitted in person and will not be accepted by mail.

General meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room of Carney's Restaurant, located at 17 Main St. (Rt. 146A) in Ballston Lake. If, due to schedule conflicts, you cannot attend a general meeting, you may join at a club event. Call CATRA (contact numbers are listed on the application form) for more details on joining at a club event.

CATRA is affiliated with the following organizations: