Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
SUNRISE OVER Wakefield on February 18. GRTA President Steve Hamilton stepped out of the groomer after spending all night making the trails good for the days riders and snapped a photo of the sun coming up. Groomers work hard to make the trails as smooth as possible so riders have a good experience and keep coming back to the area.
By IAN MINIELLY
Bessemer - While there is still snow on the ground and more could certainly come, the end of the snowmobiling season is around the corner.
This year, the Gogebic Range Trail Authority groomed around 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails so far, which is nearly double last year's total of 3,300, according to club president Steve Hamilton.
The members of the GRTA were really tested this year when one of their two grooming machines - their T7-210 New Holland - went down Jan. 27, said Hamilton.
GRTA volunteers were nearly exhausted from the around the clock grooming required to keep the trails in good working order with only one functioning machine, he said.
The GRTA is accepting nominations for April's officer and trustee elections at the March 20 club meeting at the Pit Stop in Bessemer at 6 p.m. For those unable to make the meeting, nominations must be turned in by April 16.
An end of season fundraiser is scheduled for April 7 at Bessemer VFW Post 3673. The fundraiser will kick off at 5 p.m. with a social hour before dinner at 6. Besides dinner and a cash bar, there will be music and door prizes. Tickets are available at gogebicrangeta.org.
The GRTA wants to build a new barn that can house both groomers at the same time for thawing, which will improve vehicle and tractor maintenance.
