Wet weather makes for fun ride

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield TOWNSHIP - An area ski resort looking to grow by adding off-season opportunities held its Lake Superior North Country Adventure Fest this past weekend, drawing dozens of motorized vehicle riders from around the Midwest.

"It's mainly a social ride for the most part. There are no races," said Matthew Vaughan, CEO of Big Snow Ski Resort, which includes the hills and trails of Indianhead and Blackjack ski resorts in the Wakefield area. "It's just mainly a gathering of like-minded people going out for rides."

There were 13.1 miles of off-road vehicle trails developed between both ski hills, he said. The motorized trails do not utilize the existing silent sports trails, but do intersect with the motorized trail that runs from Hurley to Watersmeet.

The riders started showing up Thursday evening and had the chance to ride the trails through Sunday. The all-day ride on Saturday had an early start and other than a brief lunch the riders weren't back until the evening barbeque at the Sky Bar, followed by some motorcycle movies and a presentation of photos and video of the day's ride from the ground and from a drone.

Klimo Poposki, Jordan Poposki and Venko Nepplkoski came up from Chicago together for the event. The three said they like to ride their dual sport motorcycles on the trails of Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. This was their first trip to ride in Wakedfield Township.

"I am excited to be here, we'll see how it goes," said Klimo Poposki, who was riding a Triumph Tiger.

This is probably the final event of the season they will be able to attend and they are out to have some fun, said Jordan Poposko, who was riding a Honda Africa Twin.

He said the groups at Indianhead would have a leader to take them around the trails first. They were excited about the wet weather making the trails a little more fun.

Originally from Macedonia, the three said they'd like to ride in various places around the world someday. 

"Hopefully, eventually we'll do it around the world, but maybe when our kids grow up a little," Klimo Poposki said.

The dozens of riders brought a variety of dual sport motor bikes. There were side-by-sides, on-and-off motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and slingshot (3-wheel) motorcycles. There were demonstration rides at the lodge on some of the latest bikes provided by dealerships including the BMW from Chicago.

"There are a lot of different bikes that suit different people but the main thing is just to get out there and enjoy yourselves," said Brian Liebe, power sport division manager at American Motor Sports from Shawano, Wisconsin. 

Liebe comes to the U.P. regularly. He even donated a Mahindra Roxor tracked vehicle to the ski hill. 

"I like the facility," Liebe said. "It's phenomenal."

For this event Liebe brought dirt bikes from SSR Motorsports, Honda ATV's, CFMTO ATVs and STACYC electric bikes that allow riders to adjust the level of speed and power.

A popular attraction at the event was the Vanderhall three-wheeled reverse trike that looks like a classic automobile. It's a comfortable car seat ride for folks who don't want to ride a bike or are giving it up but still enjoy the open air ride. 

"This would be the next step in the progression of still enjoying yourself," Liebe said. "Some go the bike route, the trike route, or the motorcycle or the reverse trike. It's a neat segment of the marketplace and I think it's going to keep growing and growing."