Jo Mary Riders Monthly MSA Report – January 2013

by Pat Catell, Club Treasurer/Secretary

One of the challenges of writing a piece for a newsletter that won’t be published for another month is that you have to write about the past or future. For current info about trails and conditions be sure to go to our web page at jomaryriders.com.

President’s Comments

Rick Levasseur, our club president, talks about some past issues with serious implication for the future.

As I write this, Dave and Phil are putting the finishing touches on the installation of a new turbo charger and exhaust manifold gaskets on Dave’s BR 250. This is the first major work done to this machine since we acquired it in 2004. We are also putting two new tires on this machine and new blades on his drag. Total cost for this “small” amount of work is nearly $3500.

I mention this just to show you how expensive it is to maintain both equipment and trails. Nearly all clubs in Maine (that have Municipal grants) are in dire need of additional funding. As Chairman of the Snowmobile Trail Fund Advisory Council, I will be pressing for new legislation that will increase both resident and non-resident registration fees. This is contrary to what the MSA is asking for, they just want a $20 “late fee” if you register after December 15. This is, in my opinion, a band-aid approach to a major problem.

I was chastised by one individual for being an “elitist” when I said that, “if you can’t afford another $10 or $20 to register your sleds then maybe you shouldn’t be snowmobiling” (after all, it amounts to a half a tank of gas on your sled). Elitist, no, realist, yes. What do you think?? – Rick Levasseur.

I know members would support an extra amount for registration as many of our members include a donation to help the club. You love the sport so I want you to think about that future trip you are planning to the Katahdin Region. As I said in the December issue, if you are riding all day you look forward to a really good meal for lunch or dinner OR BOTH. The newest lunch/dinner destination is the Northern Restaurant located at Abol Bridge Campground & Store on ITS 85/86. A newly constructed restaurant with terrific menu and a rustic, cozy environment. You should check their hours when you arrive and put it on your must-do list. Definitely stop at Twin Pines restaurant and bar on Millinocket Lake. (I hope you are writing these places down). Wildwoods over towards Brownville is another fun ride and great place to eat. All these places offer gas.

I am sure if you have been here before you have enjoyed stopping at Northern Timber Cruisers Clubhouse where the antique sled museum is located. A new place I stopped at last winter was an old cabin called Coles and is located on Sebois Lake. This little cabin in the woods is very interesting and the owners will take you on a trip into the past describing its history! Due to their kitchen set up the menu was limited to soup and sandwiches. Since you can now snowmobile right to the park in downtown Millinocket you are able to try several local establishments for food and/or drink – Scootic In, A T Cafe, Angelo’s Pizza, Blue Ox, and Pelletiers Family Logging Restaurant.

In February, I would like to tell you about some fun and scenic loops to do when you come to this area. The scenery is spectacular all around but some of our trails are just more fun to ride because of the variety – through the woods, up and over hills, and then sections of long, flat straightaways. You can give that new sled you got for Christmas a good workout! And remember, ride safe and stay right.

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