BY JOHN T . PRUSAK

Many of the “ first generation ” of inventors , engineers and designers who created the sport of snowmobiling have been leaving this earth in recent years . It ’ s not surprising , considering that snowmobiling really took root in the 1960s and ’ 70s – age eventually catches up to everybody . But it ’ s heartbreaking , nonetheless .

Fortunately , the torch has been passed to a new generation of engineers and designers who keep the technology in the machines moving forward .

The situation is eerily similar on the grassroots side of our beloved sport . Many of the most active , dedicated people in snowmobile clubs and associations have more than their fair share of laps around the sun . In a recent discussion with a club member about a snowmobile bridge re-decking project , we were told the youngest person working on the task was 72 – the youngest person .

The burning questions are these : Where is the next generation of club members and volunteers ? Who will make sure our network of trails and riding areas continues to be managed ? Who will handle signage , trail maintenance and grooming efforts ? Who will be involved in ensuring funding , engaging landowners or doing community outreach ? Who will orchestrate awesome club rides ?

Perhaps it ’ s time to set down the magazine for a second and take a look in the mirror .

We know it can sometimes be intimidating to enter a meeting where everyone seemingly knows everybody else , and nobody knows you . But virtually every club is seeking new members of all ages , and even more need active members who can help take the helm of various tasks . Some projects are physical , others are more mental and a few are more social .

For some of us , the physical work can actually be quite fun . Spending an autumn Saturday as a part of a team that puts in trail signs , cuts away overgrown limbs or otherwise preps the trail surface can be quite rewarding . There ’ s a certain camaraderie that is formed , and truth in the phrase “ Many hands make light work .” Many clubs also need people with mechanical capabilities who can help build a bridge over a creek or maintain grooming equipment .

Clubs also have administrative tasks that need to be handled . Whether it ’ s updating the club roster , reaching out to local businesses for support , working with governmental bodies or overseeing grant applications to help fund a new groomer , idle evening hours can be spent contributing to the cause of snowmobiling rather than watching another episode of American Idol or Yellowstone .

There are also leadership roles within clubs . They need board members and officers – folks who manage the budget , interact with the state association and guide the club ’ s overall direction . They also need leaders to be a trail boss / trail captain for sections of trail , plan and execute youth safety training classes , establish grooming schedules and handle potential landowner disputes as they occur .

If you ’ re more inclined toward social engagement , there are plenty of opportunities for you as well . You could help plan the landowners ’ thank you dinner or the club ’ s appearance in the local town festival ’ s parade . You could assist in the execution of the trailside hot dog feed , or in organizing the annual club ride . If communications is your specialty , many clubs would greatly appreciate having someone to manage or contribute to their social media , web site or newsletter .

It doesn ’ t matter if you have two hours to share or 20 , or if you prefer to lead or follow . There ’ s a role for you in grassroots snowmobiling .

The clubs listed on the next two pages are specifically reaching out to you , seeking your membership and support . But if you reside elsewhere in North America , those sponsoring organizations would also be very happy if you joined a club in areas where you ride . Joining is the first important step , but becoming an active member is the ultimate way to support the sport we all love .

Colorado

S & W ADVENTURE RIDERS

Golden , CO 303-324-7185 j4442welch @ comcast . net Swadventureriders . org

Minnesota

MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION

Brooklyn Park , MN 763-577-0185 office @ mnusa . com mnsnowmobiler . org

BELLE PLAINE BOROUGH RIDERS

Belle Plaine , MN 952-875-4320 boroughriders @ gmail . com

Belle Plaine Borough Riders Snowmobile Club

CLEARWATER TRAIL BLAZERS

Leonard , MN 218-368-3115 clearwatertrailblazers2023 @ gmail . com

Clearwater Trail Blazers

CROW WING COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Brainerd , MN 218-330-7380 cwcsta @ gmail . com

Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trails Association

FARIBO SNO-GO CLUB INC .

Faribault , MN 507-838-2693 alexlmanz @ gmail . com Faribo Sno-Go Club

FERTILE-BELTRAMI SANDHILL SNOWCRUISERS

Fertile , MN 218-280-9003 fbsandhillsnowcruisers @ gmail . com

Sandhill Snowcruisers

FOXTAILERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

St . Michael , MN 612-501-5811 foxtailers . com

HAMEL SNO RUNNERS

Hamel , MN 612-516-5014 hamelsnorunners @ gmail . com

Hamel Sno-Runners

MAPLE PLAIN SNOMADS

Maple Plain , MN mapleplainsnomads @ gmail . com mpsnomads . com

NORTH COUNTRY SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Bemidji , MN 218-755-9391 ncsclub @ paulbunyan . com ncsclub . org

NORTH WEST TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Hennepin County , MN 952-882-6770 nwtrails @ nwtrails . net nwtrails . net

PRIOR LAKE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Prior Lake , MN 612-328-8585 priorlakesnow @ gmail . com priorlakesnow . com

RICE CREEK TRAIL ASSOCIATION

Circle Pines , MN 763-786-9672 michelle @ mainstmarketers . com ricecreektrail . com

Rice Creek Snowmobile Trail Association

RIVER VALLEY TRAILBLAZERS INC .

Shakopee , MN rivervalleytrailblazers @ gmail . com RVTB . org

ROCKFORD RIDGE RIDERS *

Rockford , MN 612-275-6339 pmzup @ aol . com

Rockford Ridge Riders

SAVAGE SNO-PACERS

Savage , MN 612-567-6691 snopacers @ gmail . com snopacers . com

SNOW THRASHERS OF DALTON

Dalton , MN 218-731-8463

Dalton Snow Thrashers

SOUTH TONKA SNO-MOBILERS

Shorewood , MN 952-484-1424 wapeterson1 @ hotmail . com

UNITED LAKES & TRAIL RIDERS ASSN ( ULTRA )

Detroit Lakes , MN ultrasnowmobile @ gmail . com ultradl . org

South DakotA

SOUTH DAKOTA SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Gary , SD 605-272-5900 sdsa @ itctel . com snowmobilesd . com

ABERDEEN DRIFTBUSTERS

Aberdeen , SD 605-228-4143 aberdeendriftbusters . com

BLACK HILLS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Rapid City , SD 605-381-6594 bhsnowmobileclub @ hotmail . com Black Hills Snowmobile Club

DAKOTA DRIFTERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Brookings , SD www . dakotadrifters . org

Dakota Drifters Snowmobile Club

DAKOTA TRAILBLAZERS

Clear Lake , SD Dakota Trail Blazers

JAMES VALLEY DRIFT SKIPPERS

Mitchell , SD

James Valley Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club

POINSETT POUNDERS

Lake Poinsett , SD 605-956-3004 poinsettpounders @ gmail . com

Poinsett Pounders Snowmobile Club

SIOUXLAND SNOTRACKERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Sioux Falls , SD 605-310-8437 sfsnotrackers . com