PREECEVILLE — The Rough Rider Snowmobile Club currently has all trails groomed and signed, and was relieved by the recent large accumulation of snowfall that fell on Feb. 18.
“The recent snowfall has improved snowmobile conditions,” said Corwin Tonn, president of the club.
It takes many volunteers and many hours to maintain, fix, sign and ride snowmobile trails, and to upkeep the shelters. The club has a total of 300 km of trail that requires attention. Whether it’s cleaning fallen trees, widening trails to fit the groomer, fencing or signing for the season, the club is always busy and always welcomes extra hands.
The snowmobile club has four current warm-up shelters along the trails that require yearly maintenance, and by respecting these shelters in the summer and winter months enables members to focus on expanding and changing the trails.
The four shelters are the Ushta Shack, the Reserve Shack, the Hinchliffe Shelter and the May Lake Warm-Up.
“The original Hinchliffe shelter has been replaced with a new shack dedicated to the memory of Nolan Thompson. Ron Kaban had spearheaded the project with the help of other sponsors. We will have a special ceremony dedication, hopefully soon,” said Corwin Tonn, president of the club.
The Hinchliffe warm-up shelter is located 20 km north of Preeceville.
The club purchased three lots in the Village of Endeavour with future plans of building a shop to store equipment. The club also has two groomers that aid in grooming the trails. Travis Michaluk is the groomer.
“The centralized location just makes better sense for us to build this shop,” stated Tonn.
“It takes many landowners to allow the club permission on their property. We want to thank them for allowing us on their property. Snowmobiling isn’t just about sledding in the middle of winter. It’s about getting out and enjoying the beauty that Saskatchewan showcases. Snowmobiling also brings tourism into the communities in the dead of winter and brings friends and families together to enjoy the quietness of nature.
“The Rough Rider Snowmobile Club would like to send out a huge thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors and donors. Without your help, the trails would not be here. We hosted a wing fundraiser in conjunction with the Preeceville Curling Club and are looking at future fundraisers in the near future.”
