Our club president is the proud owner of a new Yamaha Apex GT.
Monday, November 28, 2005
New Sleds
Winter is quickly approaching and several club members have recently taken delivery of new sleds. The Yamaha and Arctic Cat 4-strokes are turning out to be among the most popular new sleds this season.
Our club president is the proud owner of a new Yamaha Apex GT.
Our club president is the proud owner of a new Yamaha Apex GT.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Trail Signs
We received 8+ inches of snow on Thanksgiving, Sugarbush North is open and it is starting to look like winter around the valley.
Club volunteers met again at Kenyons this morning and split into two work groups. The first group headed back up to Dowsville road to complete a brush cutting project while the second group decided to mark the fields along the Mad River with trail signs.
The first stop was over at Reggie's Orr's shop to pick up a good selection of trail signs.
We unloaded the clubs Polaris Ranger on Meadow Road. The Ranger was one of the best investments the club has made. It has allowed us to transport more volunteers and carry more tools and materials than ever before.
Doug demonstrates the correct method of pounding in a sign.
The new Polaris 6-wheeler made quick work of some overgrown brush on the trail near Meadow Road.
Club volunteers met again at Kenyons this morning and split into two work groups. The first group headed back up to Dowsville road to complete a brush cutting project while the second group decided to mark the fields along the Mad River with trail signs.
The first stop was over at Reggie's Orr's shop to pick up a good selection of trail signs.
We unloaded the clubs Polaris Ranger on Meadow Road. The Ranger was one of the best investments the club has made. It has allowed us to transport more volunteers and carry more tools and materials than ever before.
Doug demonstrates the correct method of pounding in a sign.
The new Polaris 6-wheeler made quick work of some overgrown brush on the trail near Meadow Road.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Helen's Bridge Day II
The Ridge Runner's Trail Crew met at 8AM this cold November morning and the decision was made to split into two groups. One group headed out and arranged to meet near the top of Dowsville road in Duxbury. From there, they headed out on 4-wheelers to cut brush and clear the exstensive damage caused by October's snowstorm.
The second group met up at Helen's Bridge in Waitsfield to complete the project started the weekend before.
The first job this morning was to postion and secure new sheets of plywood. The plywood was put down to insure safe passage for our local sled dog teams as well as for the many hikers who enjoy the Mad River Path. The next step was to nail down runners to protect the bridges cross beams from the potential damage caused by a snowmobiles carbides and studs
Once the runners and plywood were nailed down, we bolted down an outer beam to keep sleds from slipping off the bridge and to also hold up the hand rail.
The hand rail supports were cut and postioned.
The final step was completed when a couple of "trolls" headed down below to complete the cold and damp task of securing the new upper bridge structure to the steel beams below. These guys deserve special praise for the extra effort and for getting their feet wet in near freezing conditions.
Thanks to all who helped out with this highly successful project. The Mad River Ridge Runner's now have a brand new bridge which is wider and stronger than before and one that should last for years.
The second group met up at Helen's Bridge in Waitsfield to complete the project started the weekend before.
The first job this morning was to postion and secure new sheets of plywood. The plywood was put down to insure safe passage for our local sled dog teams as well as for the many hikers who enjoy the Mad River Path. The next step was to nail down runners to protect the bridges cross beams from the potential damage caused by a snowmobiles carbides and studs
Once the runners and plywood were nailed down, we bolted down an outer beam to keep sleds from slipping off the bridge and to also hold up the hand rail.
The hand rail supports were cut and postioned.
The final step was completed when a couple of "trolls" headed down below to complete the cold and damp task of securing the new upper bridge structure to the steel beams below. These guys deserve special praise for the extra effort and for getting their feet wet in near freezing conditions.
Thanks to all who helped out with this highly successful project. The Mad River Ridge Runner's now have a brand new bridge which is wider and stronger than before and one that should last for years.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Helen's Bridge Day I
Volunteers from the Mad River Ridge Runners were hard at work today replacing Helen's Bridge which is located adjacent to the Mad River near trail junction WN 50. The planking and cross beams were starting to show their age and the decision had been made to replace the bridge.
Helen's Bridge is named after Helen Cruickshank a pioneering member of the Mad River Ridge Runners. A granite memorial to Helen is located just to the north of the bridge.
Trail Master Marty De Heer arrived with his own personal tractor and the dismantling of the bridge was underway.
The old bridge was quickly stripped down to the steel beams underneath and the process of laying down the new cross members began.
The new deck is wider and more stable than the old bridge and it should be easier for the groomers to pass by.
Another work day will be scheduled to complete work on the bridge.
Today was a beautiful fall day in the valley and a special thanks goes out to the club members who volunteered their personal time to help with this project.
Helen's Bridge is named after Helen Cruickshank a pioneering member of the Mad River Ridge Runners. A granite memorial to Helen is located just to the north of the bridge.
Trail Master Marty De Heer arrived with his own personal tractor and the dismantling of the bridge was underway.
The old bridge was quickly stripped down to the steel beams underneath and the process of laying down the new cross members began.
The new deck is wider and more stable than the old bridge and it should be easier for the groomers to pass by.
Another work day will be scheduled to complete work on the bridge.
Today was a beautiful fall day in the valley and a special thanks goes out to the club members who volunteered their personal time to help with this project.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Washington County November Meeting
The Washington County VAST meeting was held on November 7, 2005. This county meeting is held the first Monday of each month at the state VAST headquarters in Berlin. Representatives from each of the snowmobile clubs in Washington county meet to discuss issues pertaining to their individual club as well as to the entire county in general. This is a great opportunity to swap information about trail projects, land owner issues, and to meet the folks involved in our neighboring clubs.
Several topics were discussed and here is a brief synopsis of the meeting.
1) The 2006 trail maps should be available in early December.
2) A $2000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit is now available at no charge to all VAST members through a recent agreement between VAST and American Income Life.
3) VAST is helping to establish a 4-H club for young Vermont snowmobile riders. 4-H clubs for young sledders have already become very popular in some of the western states and the hope is to get more kids involved in the sport.
4) Work is continuing to progress on the Lamoille Rail Trail and sections of the rail bed should be open this season. The rail bed from Danville to west of Hardwick has been cleaned up and will be ready to go.
5) Vermont Technical College is sending a team to compete in the Clean Snowmobile Challenge. VTC is soliciting contributions to help the team compete in this national competition. Vermont has not sent a team in several years.
6) Plans are underway for the International Snowmobile Congress which is scheduled for June 7-June 11th 2006.
The ISC is going to be held at the Sheraton in Burlington and over 600 delegates representing the snowmobile industry will be attending. The ISC is held in a different state each year and this is Vermont's opportunity to host the event. Many events are planned and VAST is currently requesting volunteers to sign up to help with the event.
7) The Make-A-Wish weekend has moved from Graniteville to Lyndonville this year and will be held on Presidents Day weekend. Make-A-Wish is a great way for snowmobilers to give back to the community and also promote our sport in a positive way. The event is going to be held at the Lyndon Outing Club and events will include a Radar Run, 120cc Racing, and new for this year, a Hill Climb!
8) The Vermont Traditions Coalition is seeking contributions from the county. This group has been very involved in the Green Mountain Forest process and also the Ancient Roads issue and has been a good friend to VAST. A motion was put forward to contact the coalition and invite them to attend the next county meeting and make a presentation.
9) The position of County Club Treasurer has recently been vacated and the position needs to be filled as soon as possible.
10) A round table discussion was held and the majority of the Washington County clubs reported severe damage to their trails from the heavy snowfall a couple of weeks ago. Almost every club reported a trail closure or reroute due to a new landowner moving in and closing down access.
The next county club meeting will be held on December 5, 2005.
Several topics were discussed and here is a brief synopsis of the meeting.
1) The 2006 trail maps should be available in early December.
2) A $2000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit is now available at no charge to all VAST members through a recent agreement between VAST and American Income Life.
3) VAST is helping to establish a 4-H club for young Vermont snowmobile riders. 4-H clubs for young sledders have already become very popular in some of the western states and the hope is to get more kids involved in the sport.
4) Work is continuing to progress on the Lamoille Rail Trail and sections of the rail bed should be open this season. The rail bed from Danville to west of Hardwick has been cleaned up and will be ready to go.
5) Vermont Technical College is sending a team to compete in the Clean Snowmobile Challenge. VTC is soliciting contributions to help the team compete in this national competition. Vermont has not sent a team in several years.
6) Plans are underway for the International Snowmobile Congress which is scheduled for June 7-June 11th 2006.
The ISC is going to be held at the Sheraton in Burlington and over 600 delegates representing the snowmobile industry will be attending. The ISC is held in a different state each year and this is Vermont's opportunity to host the event. Many events are planned and VAST is currently requesting volunteers to sign up to help with the event.
7) The Make-A-Wish weekend has moved from Graniteville to Lyndonville this year and will be held on Presidents Day weekend. Make-A-Wish is a great way for snowmobilers to give back to the community and also promote our sport in a positive way. The event is going to be held at the Lyndon Outing Club and events will include a Radar Run, 120cc Racing, and new for this year, a Hill Climb!
8) The Vermont Traditions Coalition is seeking contributions from the county. This group has been very involved in the Green Mountain Forest process and also the Ancient Roads issue and has been a good friend to VAST. A motion was put forward to contact the coalition and invite them to attend the next county meeting and make a presentation.
9) The position of County Club Treasurer has recently been vacated and the position needs to be filled as soon as possible.
10) A round table discussion was held and the majority of the Washington County clubs reported severe damage to their trails from the heavy snowfall a couple of weeks ago. Almost every club reported a trail closure or reroute due to a new landowner moving in and closing down access.
The next county club meeting will be held on December 5, 2005.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Trail Work November 5 2005
The Ridge Runners were out today up on Crosset Hill cutting brush and clearing damage caused by the heavy snows that occured on the evening of Oct. 25th. The damage to our trails can be compared to the ice storm of 1998 and is extensive.
The trail crew meets at Kenyons store in Waitsfield on Saturday mornings at 8AM and everyone in the club is urged to give us a hand. The trails open in just over one month and time is short.
Friday, November 04, 2005
November Newsletter
The November meeting was held on 11/01/2005 at the Fayston Town Hall.
The Raffle Dinner was a big success. We had many great prizes donated. Rob Korrow was the winner of the Polaris 550 SuperSport snowmobile.
We still have a lot of trail work to be done. The early season snowstorm we received last week did extensive damage to our trail system and a significant amount of work needs to be done by opening day on Dec. 19. The snow we received was wet and heavy and fell on trees which still had leaves on them. Trees are down everywhere and everyone in the club is highly encouraged to join us at Kenyon's store in Waitsfield on Saturday's at 8AM to help with trail work. We are scheduling trail work on Saturday, November 5, and Saturday, November 12. Please pass this info on to other club members. We need your help.
Some people have sent their TMA forms by mail and have not completed all the information. You must fill out the entire form and include a copy of your snowmobile registration. Any incomplete forms will be sent back.
Please feel free to email vastridgerunner@gmail.com if you would like to receive the TMA application.
We have reserved rooms at the Holiday Motel in St. Johnsbury for our January Overnight Ride. The date is January 28th. Please call Kathi Orr at 496-4161 if you wish to reserve a room.
The Safety and Education class has been re-scheduled for December 5th, 7th and 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. If you were born after July 1, 1983, and are at least 12 years old, you must take and pass a snowmobile safety course. Please call Skip Wallace at (802) 244-1580 for details.
Our next meeting is December 6th at 6:30 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. This is our annual Holiday / Pot Luck / Yankee Gift Exchange Party. Please join us for a fun time and bring a dish to share and a $10.00 gift.
Please email Tony Amenta at vastridgerunner@gmail.com if you would like to receive our newsletter by email.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)