Another Day - Another State

From the Best Western in Ashland, Wisconsin, the riders set out for what was expected to be one of the shorter days on the trail, but in didn't play out that way. Those of you who ride snowmobiles know that the trails markers are not always as clear as they might be and, therefore, it is all too easy to make a wrong turn.

Such was case on Wednesday, and before they discovered their "wayward ways" they had traveled some twenty five miles in the wrong direction. It's all part of the game, and there is nothing to do but - suck it up - turn around and start anew!

In the end, with that wrong turn, they arrive at their destination the American Inn in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, about three hours late. In spite of that the riders all reported that the sunny day and smooth trails made for a great day of snowmobiling.

For me, as "chase vehicle" driver, the day was (somewhat) less eventful. Bill Bradfield, the event leader whose truck I am driving, chose to take the day off, in order to take care of some equipment issues and to replace a cell phone that was lost on the trail.

We spent the better part of the day in Duluth (Minnesota) search out a sporting goods and store and the local Best Buy. Our quest provided for some great views from the hills overlooking Lake Superior (sorry for the lack of supporting photos - the traffic, hills and winding roads would not allow it).

Despite our best efforts, however, our mission was only half successful. Bill was able to purchase a faulty face shield with a new helmet (complete with heated face shield) for less than the cost of a new face shield.

However, the attempt to replace the lost cell phone was a "disaster"; and after, an hour and a half he left the store empty-handed!

Duluth is just a beautiful city, and I regret not having more time to explore its environs (maybe the site for a future motorcycle ride).

The photos shown are of some of the old rail-trestles used to load the ships with ore. They are in the process of tearing down the trestles to salvage the wood and metal (as well as to clear the landscape).

Moving Forward

The entire ride is fund raiser for the Diabetes Research Institute and there are several of the riders who suffer themselves from this terrible disease. The trip has not even started and already they have collected over $20,000.

The name of the club that was formed for the sole purpose of putting this package together is - MichCanSka, and this inaugural ride is called "Michcansks 2010." You can learn more about the trip, the group and their goals on their web site at: http://michcanska.com.

It is my understanding that riders can "join in" on the ride for a short distance (for a small donation to help a great cause). Check out the route and become a part of the experience.

There are three teams of approximately 24 riders per team. Within each team, are six groups of four "sleds" each and one truck/trailer (as a chase vehicle) per each group.

Team one will leave out on Monday the 15th of February team two on Wednesday the 17th and team three on Friday the 19th.

The staggered departures are set up in order to assure that the (prearranged lodging) has adequate space and to avoid "bottlenecks" at the gas pumps and restaurants (not to mention the "John's).

The original plan was for three snowmobiles within each group of four to be on the trail on any given day; one snowmobile rider, in the group of four, was assigned (on every fourth day) to drive the chase vehicle.

All riders cover there own expenses (estimated to be about $4,500) and, quite understandably, many of the riders were opposed to giving up every fourth day to drive the

chase vehicle. Hence, several of the group teams have hired drivers to cover the driving for them (that's where I come in).

Tomorrow I will cover in more detail the actual route of travel (I need to correct some earlier - misinformation).