Riders gear up to circle Riding Mountain

Snowmobilers from across Manitoba and beyond will take part in a landmark winter event later this month as Snowmobilers of Manitoba (Snoman) marks its 50th anniversary with a multi-day ride around Riding Mountain National Park.

The Around the Mountain ride, running Jan. 29 to 31, will see up to 50 registered sleds travel roughly 575 kilometres over three days, tracing the perimeter of the park on groomed trails through Manitoba’s western region. Riders will depart from the Russell Inn and be split into two groups of 25, with one group travelling clockwise and the other counter-clockwise around the loop.

Organizer Alan Butler said the ride is designed for experienced snowmobilers and will test riders with a variety of conditions.

“One of the biggest challenges could be weather,” Butler said. “Wind, snow and cold temperatures can certainly provide challenges. The terrain is varied — hills, valleys, bush and fields — and conditions can change quickly, so riders can expect almost anything at any time.”

Safety planning has been a major focus in organizing the anniversary event, which relies on the trail systems of eight snowmobile clubs. Butler said co-ordination with clubs has been essential to ensure trails are groomed and warming shelters are ready.

Each riding group will be supported by three experienced safety captains, one leading, one riding mid-pack and one bringing up the rear, and all participants will take part in a mandatory safety briefing on the morning of the ride before setting out.

“This ride is not for the novice or inexperienced rider,” Butler said. “Covering close to 200 kilometres a day can be an effort, and riders will face different terrain and riding conditions throughout the event.”

Participants are responsible for their own accommodations and meals, with room blocks arranged in Russell on Jan. 28 and 31, and in Neepawa and Dauphin on Jan. 29 and 30. A social evening is planned in Russell on the Saturday night following the day’s ride.

Beyond the riding itself, Butler said the event highlights the economic and community benefits of organized snowmobiling.

“Support from local communities, hotels, restaurants and snowmobile clubs is critical. Without them, we couldn’t do a ride of this size,” he said. “At the same time, 50 riders mean fuel purchases, restaurant meals and hotel stays, which provides a significant economic benefit to tourism in the area.”

Interest in the anniversary ride has extended beyond the local region, with registered riders coming from Saskatchewan, eastern and southern Manitoba, and as far away as Wisconsin.

Butler said events like this also help build awareness and interest in the sport.

“Anytime you bring a larger group of snowmobilers into a community, it sparks interest even among people who don’t snowmobile but think they might like to try it.”

Registration is open to the first 50 sleds at a cost of $100. For more information or to register, riders can contact Butler at 204-250-6017 or by email at albutler629@gmail.com.

» Winnipeg Sun