Although lack of snow on Duluth area trails cancelled the 370-mile ride for the 2012 Blackwoods Blizzard Tour, there was still fun for participants in a Blizzard Tour Olympics. Local riders—who raised $6,700 to fight ALS—were on “Team Cuba.” (L-R, front) Scott “Emmit” Bystrom of Grand Marais; Doug Jenson, Cathy Erickson, Rick Erickson of Ham Lake, MN. (L-R, back) Kathy Bernier, Paul Bernier, Tom Bernier.
Although the lack of snow farther down the shore meant that snowmobilers were not able to ride as planned during the three-day 2012 Blackwoods Blizzard Tour, the event still took place— and still raised a phenomenal $763,000 for the ALS Society of Minnesota. Among the 204 “Never Surrender” Blizzard Tour participants on February 1 – 4, were several local riders who helped meet that goal— Tom and Kathy Bernier, Paul Bernier and Scott “Emmit” Bystrom.
The Cook County snowmobilers raised approximately $6,700 toward that goal. Kathy Bernier was ecstatic that the Blizzard Tour exceeded its 2012 goal of $750,000. To all those in Cook County who helped, she said, “A huge thank you to all who have supported us this year. From buying raffle tickets, direct donations, buying caramels, craft sales or coming in and having an awesome burger at My Sister’s Place at our ‘Dinner with a Purpose.’ Every dime helped and I can’t thank you enough!”
“The Black Woods Blizzard Tour Board and riders set high goals for the Tour again this year,” said ALS Executive Director, Sue Spalding. “I am very proud of the accomplishments achieved. The people who volunteer on the board, committees, riders and sponsors continually strive to work for a common cause-to help people with ALS and find a cure for this terrible disease.”
The Black Woods Blizzard Tour has now raised more than $4.3 million in its history to fight ALS and to assist patients and families living with the disease.
Blizzard Tour organizers quickly arranged alternative activities for participants when it became clear that the snowmobile ride would not be possible. Activities included “Olympic” events with a hilarious opening ceremony that included Minnesota Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire in a toga!
Former Minnesota Twins catcher Terry Steinbach served as the celebrity host of the event for the 13th year. Joining Steinbach on the ride again this year were Twins manager Gardenhire; Twins batting coach Joe Vavra; and former Minnesota Twins great, Kent Hrbek.
Kathy Bernier said the event, despite the lack of snow and the traditional adventure of a 370-mile ride, was a lot of fun. But more importantly, she rides in memory of a family member who died from ALS five years ago. She credits his family, which helped launch the Blizzard Tour 14 years ago as well as the ALS Walleye Tournament, for getting her involved. So, look for Blizzard Tour riders as they begin preparing for the ride next fall. “We’ll be back with our fundraisers,” said Bernier.
She said she would continue to ride, “Until we don’t have to anymore.”
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