Newsletter

Trail Update:

All trails in Oneida County and Trails in Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Lincoln County are open.  Lake Nokomis has been marked.  Thank you to Dale Elliott, Dave Gustafson, Dan Hoover, Larry Kastein, Gary Waters, and Mike Wick, pictured; also Greg Johnson, Andy Schaper, and Roger Selmer, camera shy, who marked the lake.  You guys are very much appreciated!  We also had a crew of about 10 volunteers who went out last week to clean up approximately 16 miles of the Highway 86 Trail.  This had to be done before the Lincoln County trails were opened and they made it happen!  Our groomers have also been out working hard to get the trails in the best possible shape.  Most of the thin spots are covered back up and some of the rough stretches are beginning to smooth out as well. Many thanks to all our volunteers for the hours you put in to making our trails safe and fun to ride! 

We have already had issues with off-trail riding. Failing to stay between the blazers could result in a trespassing fine.  Please respect the land owners and stay on the trail! 

Stay Between The Blazers Campaign:

Mark McDonald gave an update on the “Stay between the Blazers” campaign. 

·      An electronic billboard has been placed at mile marker 223 just south of the first Tomahawk exit. 

·   WJJQ radio advertising spots have been purchased.  These advertisements will address staying on trails and loud pipe concerns.

·     Mark McDonald and Gary Hilgendorf participated in a discussion on WJJQ regarding the importance of riding between the blazers, rider privileges and thanking landowners.  If you missed the discussion, you can hear it at:  https://www.wjjq.com/archive/News/Morning%20Conversation/Snowmobiling%20in%20the%20Northwoods%20-%20Mark%20&%20Gary.mp3

·         Posters are being printed to educate everyone on legal implications for off-trail riding.

·         Mark also plans to create landowner thank you posters.

DID YOU KNOW?

IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN IT IS ONLY LEGAL TO RIDE ON A DESIGNATED TRAIL. NO OFF-TRAIL RIDING AT ALL!  RIDING OUTSIDE THE BLAZERS IS COSIDERED TRESPASSING.  ACCORDING TO ONEIDA COUNTY RECREATION DEPARTMENT, THE COUNTY ORDINANCE FINE FOR TRESPASSING IS $326.50.  CRIMINAL TRESPASSING HAS A FINE UP TO $1,000 AND/OR UP TO 1 YEAR IN JAIL.  AN EXAMPLE OF CRIMINAL TRESPASSING WOULD BE IF SOMEONE RODE OFF THE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL INTO PLANTATION AND DESTROYS SEEDLINGS.  IT CANNOT BE EMPHASIZED ENOUGH TO PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL.

Membership Totals:

 We currently have 449 club members, including 37 new members. Welcome new club members and guests at this meeting:

·         New Members:  Billy and Kendra Fairbrother, Jimi Genett, Suzanne Holbrook, Michaela King, and Matt McDonald

·         Long-time member attending first meeting:  Kent Lindquist

·         Guests:  Scott and Karen Waters

Club Member Breakfast Volunteering Opportunities:

Volunteers are needed for working at the club member appreciation breakfast on February 6th.  This event is scheduled to take place at Billy Bob’s. Lisa Elliott is coordinating.  Thank you Lisa!  There will be a sign up sheet at the January meeting or you can email us at info@northwoodsriders.org

Trailside Cookout:

On Saturday February 5, 2022, the Northwoods Riders Snowmobile Club will be hosting its annual Trailside Cookout.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, chili and beverages will be served by club volunteers from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  The cookout will take place at the Northwoods Riders club garage at 2640 Co Rd L – just north of Lake Nokomis if you choose to come by car.  There will also be signs posted on the Bearskin Trail for snowmobilers.  The event is free and open to everyone!  We’d love to see you there!

Badger State Games Torch Run:

The 33^rd annual Badger State Winter Games 2022 Snowmobile Torch Ride is happening this week!  Members of the Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Club will be leaving the Tomahawk Sports Center via the Bearskin trail this Thursday, January 13^th at 12:45.  Area sledding enthusiasts are encouraged to head out to the Bearskin and cheer our local riders on as they go past.  Suggested areas to congregate are at the map kiosk area on Hwy A, the Wind Mill area or the Groomer shed trail entrance.    We will be meeting Northern Trails Unlimited at Hwy K and pass the torch to them.  They will continue on to Hazelhurst Pub to arrive there around 1:45.  Hope to see you on the Bearskin this Thursday!

Area Donations:

Donations were sent out to five different local programs.  Kinship of Tomahawk, Our Sister’s House, Salvation Army Backpack Program, Tomahawk Food Pantry, and Veteran’s Military Ride.  Thank you letters were received and set out at the December meeting for attendees to read.

Club Stickers:

Reflective club stickers are available for a $1.00 donation. If you would like a sticker, please pick one up at the monthly meeting or reach out to us at info@northwoodsriders.org

Club Rides:

Club rides are organized rides leaving from a common meeting point around the Lake Nokomis area.  A group leader will plan a route (50-75 miles) with stops at area establishments.  This is a fun way to get out and enjoy the trails and meet new people who love to ride as much as you do!  There are three club rides currently scheduled:

Chris Schultz will lead January 13, 2022.  Meet time 6:00 p.m. at Thirsty Giraffe

Mark McDonald will lead February 9, 2022 (daytime ride).  Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Somo Beach and end at Tilted Loon at 5:00 p.m.

Dale Elliott will lead February 9, 2022 (night ride) starting at the Loon at 6:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars and come join us!!

Youth Ride:

Dale Elliott is looking for additional club members to help coordinate youth/family ride possibly on a Sunday afternoon or on a school in-service day.  If you are able to help with this, please see either Dale or Greg Johnson or contact us at info@northwoodsriders.org

Destination Ride:

Plans have been made for a destination club ride the weekend of Jan 28-30, 2022 to the Great Northern Motel in Mercer.  You can stay either or both nights.  You can trailer to the Great Northern or ride sleds with a group leaving from the club shed at 9:00am Friday 1/28.  We'll plan to have a fish fry ride Friday night and group dinner on Sat night.

Call the Great Northern Motel to make your room reservation ASAP at 715-476-2440.  Indicate you are part of the Northwoods Riders group, as they will group our rooms together in the upper floor of the motel.  

To get more information or to confirm you are going, contact Dale Elliott 715-551-8555 or John Marcks 715-966-5089.

On-Line Store:

Have you checked out our on-line store lately?  It offers over 150 items to purchase with our club logo imprinted on them.  Sweatshirts, t-shirts, shirts, hats, glassware and more!  Café Press handles the purchase and the shipping of the items.  The club will receive $3.00 for each item purchased.  Just go to www.northwoodsriders.org and click on the Store link at the top of the page to check it out!

Donation Request:

The Night Owls have asked the Northwoods Riders Snowmobile Club for a donation to help with groomer, drag, and groomer shed expenses.  They hold their club meetings at the groomer shed and currently have 190 members.  The board will discuss a possible donation and will bring their recommendations to the January general meeting.

December Meeting Winners!

$30 Prairie Rapids Gift Certificate – Candy King

50/50 drawing – Lori Rogney $195

EVENT LIST 2021/2022