Veterans, family, friends enjoy fall color ORV ride

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Wakefield - Off-road vehicle drivers lined up in Wakefield Saturday for the 5th annual Color Ride for Veterans, which was sponsored by the Western U.P. Trail Advocates.

"You don't have to be a vet," said organizer Jim Spencer of the small fleet departing from VFW Post 9084. "It just started as a fun thing. A lot of people like to go on these rides, but they don't know where to go, so they just follow along."

Spencer said he planned to lead the caravan to a nearby abandoned stretch of Old M-28. He said the ultimate goal was to give riders a view of Presque Isle Valley. "There's a place north of Marenisco called 'Top of the World,'" he said, adding a valley view is possible from there. He also planned to show riders Marenisco's new trailhead.

But he emphasized the journey in itself was part of the point. He said members of the group likely would stop about every half hour to stretch their legs and just enjoy "camaraderie."

"The colors are out there," said WUPTA president Ross Kolesar, "so if people want a good ride, today's the day." Recent rain also had participants expecting less dust and fewer bugs.

WUPTA secretary Kim Kolesar said no formal registration was required. "It's just whoever shows up," she said.

Les Negro of Hermansville was ready to go with his dog, Bianca, a European-style golden retriever sporting a flag scarf around her neck. Negro, who is originally from Wakefield, said the good-natured dog is being trained so she can join Negro's other dog, Brogan, in offering therapy to residents at local nursing homes and at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Center in Iron Mountain.

Dale Feakes of Bessemer also brought his dog, Apres. Feakes, who was accompanied by sisters Miranda and Kate Tucker of Bessemer, said of his dog, "She loves it. She gets a little hyper, really."

Chris Piehl of Ramsay also was in line for Saturday's ride. "My dad was in the Army, so I'm going to do this for him," he said. "I'm going to support the veterans."

Kim Kolesar, a WUPTA member, said 12 machines and 19 participants enjoyed a six-hour ride. "Although the colors were not at full peak, it was a beautiful day," she said, describing the day as "fun and relaxing."

After the ride, there were chili, hot dogs, chips and dessert served back at the VFW.

Kolesar said WUPTA also is planning another ORV ride for the spring of 2019.