Snow Warriors busy with events, maintenance

The Ponderosa Snow Warriors have several upcoming rides this winter, snow permitting.

The first, a midnight fun run teaming up with the Montana Disabled American Veterans, was to be held in conjunction with the club's first annual Snowdeo on Feb. 8. The Fun run is still moving ahead, but due to a lack of volunteers and help, the Snowdeo has been canceled.

Club secretary Bonnie Christian hopes they can hold the Snowdeo next year. Despite having a robust membership she said the biggest problem is getting enough volunteers to step up.

"The clubhouse isn't open as often as we'd like. You can't have a club if you don't have people helping," she said. Maintaining the more than 250 miles of snowmobile trails, organizing and staffing events, and keeping the clubhouse open requires consistent support. Christian said the work can't just fall to Board members and longtime volunteers. "We're hoping to get some younger people in helping," she said.

The trails, which travel through Forest Service land and across privately owned ranch land, must be groomed and marked throughout the winter. In exchange for access to the area in the winter, the club sprays the trails for weeds over the summer, another task that requires volunteers and support. Christian expressed gratitude to the property owners, saying, "We're certainly thankful to them for letting us go through their land."

In addition to local members, the club draws people from Helena, Great Falls and Missoula and as far away as Idaho and Washington. Christian noted these riders can really benefit the local economy. "It brings a lot of people in when we have a good snow year. That's what keeps these businesses alive." Riders who stay the weekend can end up supporting Lincoln's motels and eating and drinking establishments, among other businesses.

The DAV Fun Run will meet at the PSW Clubhouse off Sucker Creek Rd and will go from 4-9 p.m. on Feb. 8. Food will be available at the clubhouse for donations, and riders can roast a hot dog at one of the stops on the ride. Hands are available at local bars and restaurants for those who don't want to participate in the ride, and the Bootlegger will host karaoke after the fun run finishes.

A second fun run is scheduled for Feb. 29, in conjunction with a pancake breakfast at the PSW Clubhouse from 8-11 a.m. It will include sourdough pancakes, eggs and ham, with the fun run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The club will be also hosting a free group ride from Lincoln to Seeley Lake Feb. 15 & 16. Christian has reserved rooms for riders at the Seeley Lake Motor Inn under Ponderosa Snow Warriors and about ten couples have already signed up. The group will ride to Seeley, have dinner and stay overnight, and then pack a lunch to eat on the trail on the way home. Christian said the Snow Warriors have done quite a few group rides in the past, and several club members wanted to try one again.

Interested individuals can contact Bonnie Christian at 590-2672.