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RAPID RIVER RELIC RIDERS VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SNOWMOBILE SHOW
Fun, Fellowship and Funds to Support the Community
16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show
If you have a passion for antique and/ or vintage snowmobiles, and would enjoy a beautiful group ride and some great family fun, the Relic Riders weekend event in Rapid River, MI is an absolute must.
The 16th Annual Vintage and Antique Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet is taking place the weekend of January 28 (ride) and January 29 (show), 2022.
“I can guarantee it’s going to be quite a blast,” said David Shope, President of the Rapid River Relic Riders. “We had to cancel our ride and show in 2021 and that disappointed a lot of folks, and they are certainly gearing up to come back in force this year!”
THE RIDE
On January 28, 100+ will convene for a breathtaking 11 mile (one way) group ride to Gladstone. Weather and safety permitting, participants will traverse over Little Bay De Noc, which in itself is a unique and stunning adventure. “I’ve been on dozens of group rides, and this one to Gladstone is the best – it’s spectacular,” said David.
The destination in Gladstone is the Brampton Township Hall, where riders will break to gather for lunch catered by the Rapid River Mini Mart, a bonfire, comradery and just a wonderful time.
“In 2020 we had 418 sleds on the ride,” said David. “This is one heck of a group ride!”
Upon return, David and the Relic will host a large bonfire and of course – more comradery.
THE SHOW
Show day starts early on the 29th with the Lions Club as the main hub. Main Street will shut down with over 150 snowmobiles displayed indoors and out.
Fun and whimsical trophies are awarded for six different categories including Oldest Spectator Award and Furthest Traveled, which David says is always interesting because people come from all over and even book their stay for the following year while in town.
Beyond the fun and fellowship, the main goal of the event is to raise funds to give back to the community. The event encompasses a canned food drive with all donations going to local churches and St. Vincent DePaul. All donations made for the event on Show Day go to the Lion’s Club.
Two big highlights of the show that contribute largely to funds raised are the raffle and auction.
“This year we are raffling a 1973 GP 338 Yamaha with just 526 miles,” said David. We have many big ticket items in the raffle which makes it a great time.”
Ultimately, five scholarships are given to the local schools each year to award to one male student and one female student. continued on page 18 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022 | 17
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FAMILY FUN
While the sleds take center stage, there are lots of family fun events and games for the kids including a ‘Turkey Shuffle’ and ‘Sawdust Quarter Hunt.’ All youth who enter a sled receive a trophy and medallion.
THE RAPID RIVER RELIC RIDERS
Established in 2007 by David and his brother in law, Rapid River Relic Riders consists of nearly 80 individuals who are quite passionate about their sleds. In fact, David’s private collection surpasses 200, and among them is a 1964 Voyager Polaris that’s one of just four that are known.
It’s clear that this is an energized group, ready to get this year’s weekend underway reconnect with the community, friends and fellow snowmobile enthusiasts.
Says David, “I’ll say it again, it’s going to be such a blast and so nice for the town and guests to come together and do what we love doing.”
For more information and updates, check out the Relic Riders Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rapidriver.relicriders. •
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As for the Trail situation, Martin noted that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there Journey Onwar Heated Pool Whirlpool/Sauna ~ WiFi Complimentary Breakfast
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was a photo that went viral a couple years ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area. Then, there are a couple of culvert projects. Which, if they work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders. And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably next year. Anyhow, as of June, the SSA is looking good. Good membership. Good leadership. And, a good plan to keep the Trails groomed and open. Also, they keep remembering the Number One Rule: When you have a summer picnic, you have to invite the reporter. Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food. Good fun. Good comradery.”
Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum. September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 11
CHIPPEWA MOTORS INC. 906-632-6651
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Mon. - Fri 8:00 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 9:00 - 1:00
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Arrowheads and one Dubie. Looks like the trails will be kept in great shape this winter.
As for the Trail situation, Martin noted that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there
®
Journey Onward Heated Pool Whirlpool/Sauna ~ WiFi Complimentary Breakfast
Close to Snowmobile Trails
1-906-632-6000 3525 I-75 Business Spur
Sault Sainte Marie, MI www.super8.com
was a photo that went viral a couple years ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area. Then, there are a couple of culvert projects. Which, if they work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders. And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably next year. Anyhow, as of June, the SSA is looking good. Good membership. Good leadership. And, a good plan to keep the Trails groomed and open. Also, they keep remembering the Number One Rule: When you have a summer picnic, you have to invite the reporter. Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food. Good fun. Good comradery.”
Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum. September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 11
CHIPPEWA MOTORS INC. 906-632-6651
Sales, Service & Accessories
Mon. - Fri 8:00 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 9:00 - 1:00
3107 S. M-129 ~ Sault Ste Marie, Mi 49783 ~ www.chippewamotors.com We sell Aluma, Sport Haven & Midsota Trailers
Arrowheads and one Dubie. Looks like the trails will be kept in great shape this winter.
As for the Trail situation, Martin noted that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there
®
Journey Onwa Heated Pool Whirlpool/Sauna ~ WiFi Complimentary Breakfast
Close to Snowmobile Trails
1-906-632-6000 3525 I-75 Business Spur
Sault Sainte Marie, MI www.super8.com
was a photo that went viral a couple years ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area. Then, there are a couple of culvert projects. Which, if they work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders. And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably next year. Anyhow, as of June, the SSA is looking good. Good membership. Good leadership. And, a good plan to keep the Trails groomed and open. Also, they keep remembering the Number One Rule: When you have a summer picnic, you have to invite the reporter. Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food. Good fun. Good comradery.”
Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum. CHIPPEWA MOTORS INC. 906-632-6651
Sales, Service & Accessories
We sell Aluma, Sport Haven
Mon. - Fri 8:00 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 9:00 - 1:00 & Midsota Trailers
3107 S. M-129 ~ Sault Ste Marie, Mi 49783 ~ www.chippewamotors.com We sell Aluma, Sport Haven & Midsota Trailers
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