January, 2005

Another Christmas season has come and gone faster than we could have expected, and yet another Club Christmas Party too. For those that couldn’t make it, we had a pretty good turnout, including several new members, and it seems that everyone had a good time, and a good meal. A big thanks to Perk’s Supper Club for another year of hosting our club, and opening up on a Sunday night for our private party.

Trail Openings and Closings: Recently we received a comment/question via email from a member, regarding criteria used for opening trails – specifically, he asked why we don’t open them after the first several inches of snowfall, as long as the ground is frozen solid? So, for those with itchy throttle-thumbs, or those who are not regular attendees of club meetings, we figured the issue should probably be addressed in the newsletter.

The biggest thing to consider as a club (and as individual snowmobilers) is how opening the trails at any given time will affect our landowners – who graciously let us cross their property year after year. When the base is very thin to nonexistent, studs and carbides will do damage to lawns and winter wheat crops, even if the ground is totally frozen. 5-7 inches of snow compacts to almost nothing (or blows away in open fields), and offers basically no protection at all – and the quickest way to lose entire sections of our trail system is to lose just one essential property crossing by doing damage to a lawn or winter crop.

Many other reasons go into the decision-making process regarding when trails should open, such as safety, or preserving a thin base that [more often than not] will become a decent base with the next snowfall. Although it may be hard to watch a storm dump 7 or 8 inches of early season snow, then have the trails remain closed, only to have the 7-8 inches destroyed by rain 2 weeks later – patience is something we simply need to have living south of Hwy 64. Just think of how Milwaukee and Chicago area clubs and riders must feel year after year.

We all want the trails open as soon as possible, and rest assured that area clubs are using their combined information and experience to do just that. And please remember that your input and questions (such as this topic) are always welcome and encouraged – it allows us to discuss such topics and get the word out to others with similar questions… Thanks.

Next Meeting: Sunday, January 9th, at Third Base Sports Bar, W7003 Parkview Dr Greenville, WI 54942 -- (just west of The Twist, and in the business complex where the video store is located). Hope to see you at the next meeting.

Calendar

All Season: Thurs Night Club Rides/As conditions permit/Meet at Chasers Pub next to Co-op, 7:30pm

Jan 9th: Monthly Club Meeting at Third Base

Feb 13th: Monthly Club Meeting at Third Base

President – Jessica Buman ( ) Vice-President – Dan Buman ( )

Treasurer – Leon Seifert ( ) Secretary – Dave Cyr

Trail Chairman – Dan Buman Membership Chairman – Dave Cyr

County Alliance Representatives – Dan Buman & Gordy Spaulding

Board of Directors – John Baumgart, Karen Kaphingst, Ryan Heiting, Paul Buman, Chad Spaulding, Mike Peters