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Snowmobile Enthusiasts Undaunted by Harsh Weather Conditions
Snowmobile Enthusiasts Undaunted by Harsh Weather Conditions
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Challenging weather conditions this past weekend did not phase die hard snowmobile enthusiasts who took part in the Myrnam River Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club’s annual snowmobile rally and antique snowmobile show and shine.
Frigid temperatures, in the minus 18 degrees Celsius range, had no effect on the spirits or fiery determination of participants who went on the trail ride Saturday. Kyle Tarkowski, Club representative to the Alberta Snowmobile Association, said participants had the choice of riding 65 or 90 kilometres that day.
The Antique Snowmobile Show and Shine on Sunday featured a total of 63 registered sleds. There were around 20 different makes and models of snowmobiles that ranged in age from 1965 to 2003. Rogue, Snow Cruiser, Thunder Jet, Sprintfire, Cobra, Whirlwind were just some of the interesting names of the snow machines.
Derek Hardman was happy to show his antique 1972 Artic Cat Panther 440. “It’s all original,” said Derek, who got the snowmobile off of original owner Andy Demchuk from the Andrew area. It was clearly evident that his “barn find” is very special to this 30-year-old Edmonton resident and he loved to share part of the story.
While there was ample time to visit during the show and shine, participants were happy to warm up inside the arena and enjoy a perogy lunch prepared by members, family members and community members who donated their time to make it memorable. A total of 108 people enjoyed the hearty meal.
Draws were made for a variety of prizes before winners of the show and shine received their trophies and awards. The winners included:
First Place – Blaine Bilyk
Second Place – Clint Jacula
Third Place – Berkley Bilyk
Muscle Sled – Shawn Tomusiak
Ironman Award – Bernie Kerluke(Combined age of driver and sled of 127 years.)
Daryl Worobec Memorial Award – Bernie Kerluke donated on behalf of the Worobec family.
Tarkowski noted that it was the first year the Club has presented the Muscle Sled Award.
This past year was a busy one for the Club as they completed a 33 kilometres’ trail to Mannville. Altogether the Club has a total of 205 km’s of trail and four cabins. Club members have developed key relationships with landowners and great core of sponsors who support them. In fact, the Myrnam River Ridge Riders was named ‘Club of the Year’ for the Central Region in 2024. The Club currently has 172 members.
Next year will mark the Club’s 25th anniversary, and Tarkowski said they plan to apply to the ASA to host a jamboree.
