Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Military VIP Ride-In This Weekend

The VAST Military Ride In is this weekend Saturday January 31 and will be held at Kenyon's Field from 10-2 PM.
This is a family fun day honoring Vermont's military personal and their families.


Winter activities will include snowmobile rides for all ages, games, special events, and guests. A warming hut and barbecue will be available.

Please contact Doug Wilson if you are able to volunteer on Friday or Saturday.

Friday, January 16, 2009

January 2009 Newsletter

January 2009 NEWSLETTER

We had our January meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, January 6, 2008. Eight members attended.

Sadly, Stanley R. Orr, a founding member of the Mad River Ridge Runners, passed away on January 1, 2009. Our deepest condolences to the Orr family. The family requests memorial gifts to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, PO Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673.

Unfortunately due to the lack of snow the Annual Hot Dog Roast will be rescheduled. Please check the blog for the date.

Our annual Progressive dinner will be held Saturday, January 24, 2009. Snow or no snow! The dinner is limited to 30 members and a $5.00 donation is requested to help with the cost of the food. If you would like to attend and to sign up for food contributions please call Cathi at 802-496-2577. We will meet at Kenyon’s at 5:30 pm to ride sleds or carpool.

Snow
Appetizers Belnap’s camp

No Snow
Art and Cathi Dages

Dinner Paul Pizzale’s

Dessert DeHeer’s

MRRR blog- Tony continues to do a great job maintaining and updating the blog. The site is: http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com.
Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted.

Next meeting will be February 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall.
Hope to see you there!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Groomer Report (Tuesday January 13)

Doug Wilson reports that our trail system continues to be groomed. Camels Hump Park and the Log Job were groomed during the weekend. The Valley floor and the trail over to Northfield are going to be groomed tomorrow and the plan is to have the trail to Huntington groomed by this weekend.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

We Need Your Help Clearing The Trails Of Fallen Trees

The high winds that we have experienced in the valley the last couple of weeks has downed many trees throughout our trail system. These trees are going to seriously slow down the ability of our groomers to cover ground and open up more terrain. When you go out for a ride, please bring a chainsaw, a handsaw or even an axe or hatchet with you and do your part to help clear the trails. The trail to Huntington, the trail to Northfield and Paul's Trail (100A, Talc Mine Rd to the Log Job) need the most urgent attention.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

The Passing Of One Of Our Founding Members



Stanley R. Orr
1916 - 2009

Stanley R. Orr – 92, of Radcliffe Drive, passed away in the comfort of his family at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin on Thursday, January 1, 2009. Born in Calais on September 3, 1916, he was the son of the late Fred and Mabel (Slayton) Orr. On August 18, 1945, Stanley married the former Eleanor Wells in Plainfield.
Stanley was a graduate of the former Plainfield High School and as a young man he worked on the family farm in Calais. His specialty was raising turkeys. In 1946, he purchased the Hardware Store in Marshfield and with it founded a plumbing and heating business. Moving to Waitsfield in 1959, Stanley continued his plumbing and heating business and in addition, with his wife, began a ski lodge known as Orr’s Ark, a longtime institution in the Mad River Valley. Stanley retired in 1975 and with Eleanor, began traveling in their mobile home throughout the lower 48 states as well as Alaska, an adventure they completely enjoyed for nearly 30 years. Stanley also loved hunting and fishing.
His memberships included the Couples Club in Waitsfield, the Waitsfield United Church of Christ, the Valley Rotary Club and was a founding member of the Mad River Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club.
Stanley is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Orr of Waitsfield; a daughter, Deborah Orr of Moretown; a son, Reginald Orr and his wife, Kathi of Waitsfield; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Stanley was predeceased by two children, Peggy Orr and Brian Orr, as well as 3 sisters and 7 brothers.
Memorial services will be held from the Waitsfield United Church of Christ on Wednesday, January 7th at 6:30 p.m. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, PO Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. To send on-line condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com .

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Amazing early season powder conditions





Club member Whitney Philips submitted these great pictures of recent riding conditions up in the park.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

December 2008 Newsletter

December 2008 NEWSLETTER

President: Tony Amenta (496-2925)
Vice President: Art Dages
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)

We had our Annual Holiday Potluck, Yankee Gift Exchange and December meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, December 2nd. Thirteen members attended.

The official opening day of the season Monday, December 15th. Thanks to all the volunteers that made that opening possible.

The Annual Hot Dog Roast will be New Years Day. We will meet at Kenyon’s and will depart on sleds at 11am. Please bring your own hot dogs and drinks.

Future club outings include: An overnight ride to St. Johnsbury’s - February 7th and 8th; A Quebec weekend in March and the annual Progressive Dinner on January 24th. More info to follow.

Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted to this blog.

Next meeting will be January 6, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall.
Hope to see you there!!

Have a wonderful safe and snow filled Holiday

Saturday, November 22, 2008

TMA by Mail Form

Mad River Ridge Runners

To purchase your 2008/2009 TMA you will need the following:
1. A copy of the sled’s current registration (expiration date Sept. 2009)
2. A check made out to “Mad River Ridge Runners” (MRRR) for the amount of the TMA plus the local club dues ($12.00) and county club dues ($3.00) and $20.00 VAST grooming surcharge

You can purchase your TMA at:
• Kenyon’s Variety Store, Route 100, Waitsfield, Vermont
• Duxbury Store, Route 100, Duxbury, Vermont
• Or by mail to: Mad River Ridge Runners
P.O. Box 248
Waitsfield, Vermont 05673
You must complete and sign the form and include #1 and #2 above when requesting your TMA by mail. *Non-Resident land owners must send a copy of your paid tax bill for 2008

Remember early bird TMA’s are sold only until December 15, 2008 and will be full price after December 15, 2008.

Questions Call Lois DeHeer at (802) 496- 7051 or Kenyon’s at (802) 496-3922

2009 VAST TMA QUICK PRICE LIST
(PRICE INCLUDES ALL FEES) $12 County Fee, $3 Club Fee, & $20 Grooming Surcharge

Prices to & including Dec 15th Resident $100
Non Resident $130
Family (Resident) $68
Family (Non Resident) $83
Classic $85
Prices after Dec 16th Resident $125
Non Resident $165
Family (Resident) $80
Family (Non Resident) $100
Classic $105


Note: if paying by check, please make out to:
“Mad River Ridge Runners”

Thursday, November 20, 2008

November 2008 Newsletter

November 2008 NEWSLETTER


We had our meeting at the Dages’ residence on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Nine members attended.

Thanks to all the members who volunteered and our local businesses who donated prizes, our annual raffle dinner was a huge success.

Congratulations to Terry Severy for winning the 2009 Polaris 550 IQ Shift.

VAST is offering an Early Bird TMA discount again this season. In order to get that savings, you must purchase your TMA prior to December 15, 2008. TMA’s will again be available at Kenyon’s or the Duxbury store

We are still hard at work on the trails and need volunteers. The work crew meet every Saturday @ 8am at Kenyon’s.

We are holding our annual snowmobile safety class on December 1, 3 + 4 at Reggie Orr's shop in Waitsfield. Please contact Skip Wallace for details and to register.

Holiday Pot Luck and Yankee Gift Exchange.
Please bring a dish to share, drinks for yourself and a gift (no more than $10.00) for the Yankee Gift exchange to the December meeting.


Next meeting: Holiday Pot Luck on December 2, 2008, at Fayston Town Hall at 6:00 pm
Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

October 2008 Newsletter

President: Tony Amenta (496-2925)
Vice President: Art Dages
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)

October 2008 NEWSLETTER


We had our October meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Nine members attended.

The Annual Raffle Dinner tickets are available at Kenyon’s. The dinner and raffle will be held on Saturday, October 18th at the Montpelier Elk’s Club. 100 tickets are being sold at $120.00. A ticket is a chance to win a 2009 Polaris 550 IQ Shift sled and includes 2 dinners. Social hour will begin at 6:00 pm and dinner will be at 7:00 pm.

Prizes are still needed for the raffle, it you would like to donate a prize please drop off prizes at Reggie and Kathi Orr’s as soon as possible.

VAST is offering an Early Bird TMA discount again this season. In order to get that savings, you must purchase your TMA prior to December 15, 2008. TMA’s will again be available at Kenyon’s or the Duxbury store

We are still hard at work on the trails and need volunteers. The work crew meet every Saturday @ 8am at Kenyon’s.


Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted to this blog site. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.

Next meeting: Due to Election Day our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Dages’ residence. Call Art at 496-2577 for directions. Hope to see you there!

Monday, September 15, 2008

September 2008 Newsletter

September 2008 NEWSLETTER


We had our September meeting and annual pot luck dinner at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Sixteen members attended.

It’s time to start working on the trails. The club has a lot of projects and needs more volunteers to help. The work crew meets every Saturday @ 8am at Kenyon’s. Come on out, it’s a great time to meet club members and enjoy the outdoors. Bring work gloves, water, and a box lunch.

Our Annual Raffle Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 18th at the Montpelier Elk’s Club. 100 tickets are being sold at $120.00 and will be available for pick up after September 27, 2008 at Kenyon’s. A ticket is a chance to win a 2009 Polaris 550 IQ Shift sled and includes 2 dinners. Social hour will begin at 6:00 pm and dinner will be at 7:00 pm. It’s a good night out with your friends and neighbors. Volunteers are needed to help. Donations are also requested as raffle prizes. If you have a prize to donate please contact any club officer for pick up.

Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted to this blog. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.

Next meeting: Tuesday October 7th, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. Hope to see you there!!

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Trail Work Begins This Weekend

We will be meeting at Kenyons at 8AM this Saturday weather permitting. Our plan is to begin work on replacing the long bridge at Turners Farm that parallels route 100. Please come out and lend us a hand.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

August 2008 Newsletter

August 2008 NEWSLETTER

President: Tony Amenta (496-2925)
Vice President: Art Dages
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)

Please join us for the

Mad River Ridge Runners
2008-2009 Snowmobile Season Kick Off Pot Luck Dinner

September 2, 2008
6:30 pm
Fayston Municipal Building

Saturday, June 07, 2008

New Snowmobile Forum

We have added Freedom Sledder, a new snowmobile forum to our list of web links.
Check it out at http://www.freedomsledder.com.

The Vermont Forum should turn out to be a valuable resource to all Vermont snowmobilers.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

What to do after the snowmobile season ends?

Word on the street is that Donna Kenyon has a brand new Can Am Spyder.



Keep posted for more information about the Mad River Ridge Runners 1st Annual Summer Ride.

May 2008 Newsletter

MAY NEWSLETTER

President: Art Dages (496-2577)
Vice President: Howard Emerson III
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)


We had our May meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Eight members attended.

The final count of club members is 245 for the 2007-2008 season.

The new slate of officers has been voted on and accepted. Effective June 1, 2008 , officers are as follows:

President: Tony Amenta
Vice President: Art Dages
Treasurer: Lois DeHeer
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Trail Master: Marty DeHeer
Assistant Trail Master: Paul Pizzale
Saftey Officer: Skip Wallace

Our last meeting for the summer will be our annual cookout at the Dages’ Residence. Please call Art at 496-2577 for directions. Please bring your own drinks and meat to grill, a pot luck dish to share and lawn chairs.


Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 3, 2008 6:00 PM at the Dages’ Residence. Hope to see you there!!

Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted to this blog.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

April 2008 Newsletter

APRIL NEWSLETTER

President: Art Dages (496-2577)
Vice President: Howard Emerson III
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)

We had our April meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, April 2, 2008. Six members attended.

TRAILS

The trails officially closed for the season on April 15th.
It was an outstanding snowmobile season. The trails were awesome thanks to all our groomers!

SLATE OF OFFICERS

The following nominations were made and will be voted on at the May meeting:

President: Tony Amenta
Vice President: Art Dages
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trailmaster: Marty De Heer
Ass’t Trailmaster: Paul Pizzale
Safety & Ed: Skip Wallace


Next meeting: May 6, 2008, 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. Hope to see you there!!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

March 2008 Newsletter

March 2008 NEWSLETTER

President: Art Dages (496-2577)
Vice President: Howard Emerson III
Secretary: Cathi Dages
Treasurer: Lois De Heer
Trail Master: Marty De Heer (496-7051)
Ass’t Trail Master: Paul Pizzale (496-4476)
Safety Officer: Skip Wallace (244-1580)

We had our March meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2008. Nine members attended.

The season is almost over but the trails have been awesome thanks to our groomers. We have enjoyed outstanding conditions this year and there is still time for some good riding before the end of the season.

Our TMA sales increased this year due to this year’s outstanding snow.

It is that time of year again when we vote for a new slate of officers. At this time, we have the position of president and secretary open. If you are interested in this or any other position, please contact Art Dages or come to the April meeting. The nominations will be made at the April meeting and will be voted on at the May meeting.

Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.

Next meeting: April 1, 2008 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. Hope to see you there!!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Sunday Cruise

Here are some photos from our sunday cruise, We had a blast, did the bridge loop out to the hump and back. It was sunny and sweet conditions. Went with Reggie and Kathy and we even took Ramsey out for a ride. Photos are zeb and matt and the crew.






Story and pictures submitted by Whitney Phillips

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Grooming update 2/20

The grooming fleet has been busy since the rain storm on Sunday night and Monday. The Huntington Trail has been groomed. The Lower Camel's Hump Loop is currently being groomed by Skip and he reports that the trail is in excellent shape. The plan is to groom the Upper Loop on Thursday and the fields along the Mad River where we had some flood damage as soon as possible.