Snowmobiling enthusiasts in the Lac La Biche area are hopeful that this winter season will bring plenty of snow – unlike last year.
Rob Kruk, president of the Lac La Biche Back Country Riders Club, says last winter’s lack of snow across the Lakeland and most of Western Canada put a damper on the riding season.
“We have our fingers crossed for good snow this season – but Mother Nature will ultimately decide the weather,” he told Lakeland This Week.
Even as they watch the weather, the club is busy preparing as if big snow is a certainty.
Members of the local trail riding club, who come from across the Lakeland region, have been busy with early season trail preparations and planning. According to Kruk, trail clearing and signage installation have started in the locations that are currently accessible. The rest of the trails, he added, will be cleared once the ground freezes.
“We currently have approximately 180 kilometres of trails under the club’s care, mostly to the east of Lac La Biche, and into the Lakeland Provincial Park and recreation area,” he said.
The Lac La Biche Back Country Riders hosted their annual general meeting at the end of September at Full Tilt Powersport & Sales in Lac La Biche. Elections of board members took place at the meeting. Club business was discussed, along with the club’s participation at the Alberta Snowmobile, ATV and Off Road Show, that takes place in Edmonton from Oct. 18-19.
Members also talked about upcoming club events including the annual chili fundraiser – slated for Jan. 25 next year, the annual Winter Festival on Lac La Biche Lake at the end of February, and the poker rally with the Hylo-Venice Recreation and Agricultural Society, which will be held on March 8 next year.
Kruk went on to say that the local snowmobiling club is doing well. In addition to promoting snowmobiling and winter activities, the Back Country Riders have also been busy participating in many community events such as the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation fundraiser, the Summer Days parade, and the Santa Parade.
Membership in the group, he added, is also quite strong.
“We currently have 56 participating members along with many other volunteers and community members who come out for individual events,” Kruk said.
Now they just need to get Mother Nature on side, he said with a smile.
