The Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club is hosting its 5th annual Fun Run on Saturday, February 1 and once again the club hopes for a big turnout.
“Two years ago we had 160 riders. Last year we had 170 riders and raised close to $6,000,” said one of the Fun Run organizers Andrea Everson.
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at Devil Track Landing or Hungry Jack Lodge and the entry fee is $20. Entrants can start either at Hungry Jack Lodge or at Devil Track Landing, said Everson, and travel up or down the trail, but must end up at Devil Track Landing at the end of the day.
As riders progress along the route they collect poker cards at Trail Center, Hungry Jack Lodge, Windigo, Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines and Devil Track Landing. The best five cards will be used for your poker hand and the best hand—and the worst hand—will win a prize. All hands must be turned in 5 p.m. at Devil Track Landing.
“You don’t need to snowmobile the trails. You can travel to the stops and collect cards by car or any means you like. And if you want to, you can just show up at the party at night,” said Everson.
Proceeds from this event go to the snowmobile club, which uses the money for year-round trail maintenance, and to pay for trail grooming equipment and repair.
“It’s important to see that the trails are well groomed and maintained for safety,” said Everson, adding that the club also donates $250 annually for a scholarship to be awarded to a Cook County High School graduating senior, and spends money on helmets and traffic cones for snowmobile safety classes for kids.
“We also want the businesses to know how much we appreciate their support. We ask for donations from them, but we want business owners to know that it is our goal to build this event so that area lodging and restaurants are filled on this weekend. We want this to be a win-win for everyone,” Everson said.
Snowmobilers will cover about 100 miles on well-groomed trails through the beautiful boreal forest.
“We have staked out the trails this year so riders won’t get lost. We are hoping that all of the riders follow the rules and ride safely, responsibly, and have a good time,” Everson said.
Besides Everson, three other club members are working hard to make this event successful: Samantha Wallner, Jill Hill, and Amanda Plummer.
“It’s not just me, we are all in this together and we are doing everything to make this once again a successful day,” Everson said, adding that even if one isn’t in the club and would like to help out, they are welcome. She asked anyone interested to please contact her or one of the other organizers.
“We need more members, new board members, some new ideas for the club. Even if someone can help out here and there, it would be appreciated. If you’ve never been part of something like this, come up on February 1 and experience it first hand. It’s a ton of fun, and maybe you might want to join our group,” said Everson.
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