NEW LBVR News March, 2019
Winter, you were wonderful! We loved you. We’re sad to see you go. But it’s time. Thanks for the memories!2019 was a great winter, wasn’t it? The whole state had snow and nearly everyone had the opportunity to finally ride their local trails. With all the riding opportunities, it was good to see so many members still coming out to enjoy the NEWLBVR rides & events. It was a good year.
Now, we look forward to 2020!
What was:
Dec. 1, 2018–Our season kicked off with the Annual Show & Swap, hosted by the Middle Inlet Fire Dept. The weather was dreary and stormy, roads were slick and forecasts called for things to get worse. Weather may have kept attendance down but it was still a very nice show, good swap and fun. Beautiful sleds on display. Thank You to everyone who helped with the event, showed sleds, swapped or attended to support the club and the fire department. Reserve December 7, 2019 for the next show & swap.
Jan. 12, 2019–The Annual Hot Dog Ride was the first ride of the season. Trail conditions weren’t the best in most areas at this time but we knew rider organizer, Pat Mullarky, has always found good snow for this ride. And he did again ! A fun group left Dunbar, following ride leader Bob Kuehn over to the pine plantation where we stopped to roast hot dogs and enjoy a few beverages. We even had some riders who were passing by stop and say hello. Of course, we invited them to join us! Then off we went to the St. Hubert Shrine and back to Dunbar with just 1 sled on the tow rope. We took a little different route this year and riders told us they enjoyed it, the distance was good and trails were outstanding! Anyone who stayed home because they thought there wasn’t good riding missed some very good trails. Following the ride, we headed over to North Country Inn for a short business meeting. Thanks to NCI for their hospitality and to the Dun-Good Riders for the amazing trails.
Jan. 23, 2019–Ride organizer/ leader Jeff Schwaller assembled the group at Pembine Sport & Lawn in Pembine to prepare for the “Sick Day 100” ride. There were 23 sleds that left, with one early drop out due to mechanical issues…and yes, it was a Yamaha, but it wasn’t Jeff’s (LOL). The rest of the day all other sleds made the whole run, with only marginal issues with a certain purple metal flake Arctic Cat. They headed south down Corridor 3 (“Highway Trail”) to Amberg, then continued on Corridor 3 (“West Trail”) all the way to Wausaukee. There they had a lunch stop at Newingham’s Supper Club where they had a special (short order) vintage menu put together for riders with all the typical good stuff snowmobilers like to eat. They gassed up just after lunch and started to head back north the same way they came. Wanted to take Ranger City Riders “East Trail” (Corridor 1) back but thought differently due to large logging operations and questionable swamp freeze up. All was going so well mechanically that they made time for an additional stop to visit Sociable’s Bar & Grill. Kim, the owner, was totally blown away by the old iron that pulled up to her establishment. She came outside to take pictures and had nothing but kind words and appreciation for stopping in. Then, back to the trucks and trailers parked at Pembine Sport & Lawn where they arrived well before dark, although it was only 65 miles round trip. Thank You to Newingham’s in Wausaukee for the wonderful meals you served riders. Also a HUGE Thank You to Mike & Amy Newingham at Pembine Sports for their gracious hospitality. Their business really caters to the snowmobilers and ATV/UTV’ers with sales, service & rentals and they find time to ride them too! Stop in and see the beautiful original 1974 Arctic Cat Panther and matching Cat Cutter displayed in their showroom. Next year Amy, we’re gonna put some gas in it and you’re coming along!
Feb.2, 2019–By the time the “Ride to 8-HI Brat Fry” rolled around, trail conditions had improved and were rated as very good. At 8-HI, volunteers were busy cooking, & serving brats, burgers and all the fixings. Raffles took place all throughout the day for lots of good prizes including a half a hog and cooler from Meatski’s. There was a great turn out for the brat fry and for the vintage ride. Kevin reported the brat fry did very well and that he and the Dun-Good Riders thank you for supporting the trails at 21st Annual 8-HI Brat Fry! Many of the riders wished to ride more afterwards and we can’t blame them. The trails were that nice. We always tell riders that they are welcome to ride with us to the events and then return with the group or continue to ride farther on their own. This year, several groups did that. What fun to ride when the trails are so nice! In fact, some of the groomer operators didn’t make it to the Groomer Show in St. Germain this year because they were too busy grooming!
What will be:
Feb. 16, 2019– Ride to Pemenee River Riders 2nd Annual Brat Fry. There was a small vintage turnout for this ride although others came via their “super sleds” or UTV’s. Riders wanted to take advantage of the outstanding conditions and to put more miles on their newer sleds. Conditions seemed to be improving every day. We were into the snowiest February in years! What a treat for snowmobilers! There were lots of prizes to win, good food and an opportunity to help support the Pembine area club. We’ll plan to do this ride again next year.
Feb. 23, 2019–The First Annual “Sassy Sara’s Safari Ride” was hosted by Jungle Jim’s on HWY C in Silver Cliff. What a great idea and well planned event set up by Sara & Ryan Oswald! Everyone who signed in received a map of the trail section they were to ride on and a scavenger hunt checklist. Points were given for the age of the sled ridden, (older sled = more points). Riders had to find the 20 items listed on the sheet, either on the trail or at Jungle Jim’s & take a picture of them for 5 points each. There were several questions that could be answered by things riders would see along the trail, and 5 items riders needed to find and bring 1 of each back to the bar, like golf balls or green beaded necklaces. When things were all totaled up, prizes were awarded. Fun was had by all! We are looking forward to this event being even bigger next year. Great job by the Oswald’s! They had fun setting this up too so we’re sure they’ll come up with some cool ideas for next time.
Year End Recap: The NEWLBVR ended the season with 59 primary members (those who pay their AWSC dues this club) and 20 secondary members (those who pay AWSC dues through another club). We are a 100% AWSC member club. We’ve mailed out news updates during the season to keep in touch, especially for those who do not use the Internet. Snowmobile business is a year ’round thing. The work doesn’t take an “off season” break. There is much information to share with our members. The NEWLBVR are represented at all the Marinette County Alliance meetings, representatives attend other county and state meetings. We have an ad on the county trial map. The show was a success and our rides were fun. Our riding season ended on a happy note. We encourage all of our members to get involved with a club that maintains trails, near your home or where you ride the most.
~The AWSC approved an increase in the annual dues to $12 p/year. There will be an update coming from the NEWLBVR regarding club dues and the membership year.
~The club has a new supply of long sleeved T shirts. More caps coming soon. We still have some decals in several popular colors. These club items will be pictured on the web site. We may change the PayPal option to accommodate purchase of the items, but we would need to charge for shipping. Items will always be available at events & rides. More info coming soon.
~The annual “Season Ending” Pizza Meeting will be on April 7, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Paris in Pembine. Much business needs to be covered; plans for the future, summer road trips, elections, by law updates, show planning, officer responsibilities etc. Pizza and soda will be provided. All members are welcome to attend.
~The club has a snowmobile trailer for sale. More info coming on this. Watch your news for updates.
~Club reps will be meeting with the full Middle Inlet Fire Dept. to go over past shows, pros and cons, and plans for the future of the yearly event.
~The web site, www.newlowbuckvintageriders.com will see some changes coming soon.
~There is so much to share with you about state & national issues pertaining to snowmobiling legislation. More will be discussed in future newsletters, on the web site & Face Book page.