b'VAST NewsWHOS IN THE GROOMER? WATERFORD RIDGE RUNNERSBy Mike MutascioSince 1971, Caledonia countys southeast border has been home to a steadfast snowmobile club. Today, a core group of members maintain 31 miles of distinct trails that weave across wooded hills and over tracts of active farmland. Quietly working amongst the ranks is a dedicated team of grooming operators that cannot wait to cut the moguls and lay down a silky base of snow. They are proud to represent the Waterford Ridge Runners.Making up this determined crew isLike many VAST clubs decades ago,of their trails are the numerous short Jonathan Sheehan, Trailmaster; Jordanthe VK540 was the iron dog pulling aloops conveniently nestled above the Colby, Ryan Aremburg, and brothers4-foot drag. A 2001 Polaris Widetrakriver and running within the borders Ryan Lowell and President Trentwas also in the mix. There was aof interstate highways. There is some Lowell. Their origins and attraction toperiod of contracted grooming. Evenroad riding, but with the blade they snowmobiling at their beginnings are asa spontaneous opportunity to borrowtry to grasp usable snow. Amidst the diverse as the terrain they groom today. a John Deere Gator briefly filled avaried landscape, ideas and concerns Dad won a scratch ticket and boughtvoid. But recently, the club made aare continuously exchanged amongst some old sleds, boasts Jonathan.Forcommanding decision to maintain theirthe operators with text messaging Ryan Aremburg, he was drawn to aown miles with new equipment. Thenotifications. They believe effective path of public service with the local fireyoung, poised assemblage was quick tocommunication yields the best outcome department. But snowmobiling alsorespond. for their efforts.consumed him during college and he decided to serve the Ridge Runners.I always thought grooming was coolYet the outcome can include some I want to be that guy who makesand felt committed to giving back torare mishaps. Equipment breakdowns the experience better for others, hethe club, chimed Jonathan. Jordanare demoralizing. Poor conditions are explains. adds, Sometimes I like grooming morefrustrating. Jordan recalls hooking the A kinship of family experience drovethan snowmobiling. I like the look of adrag on ledge rock, then Searching for the Lowell brothers. For Trent, hisflat pan trail. Others reflect on ridinganything I could to pound away on the introduction to snowmobiling dateswith the operators, deciding to give itrock and break the drag free! Yes, the back to being a baby held by his fathera try, and getting hooked. The Lowelldrag was fine. The hammer, maybe not on the family sled, and later teasedbrothers focused on operator trainingso much.for constantly falling asleep. Hisand adding the experience they gainedEach operator agrees the on-trail brother Ryan recalls adventures on thefrom their father. It was a familyenthusiasm from riders helps energize throaty 1997 Polaris XLT, attending theaffair, says Ryan. the squad. Exclaims Ryan Aremburg, landowner ham dinner, then ridingThe Ridge Runners voted to buy a newWe meet riders that are pumped to backwards on the groomer chargedpower unit. They sold the clubhouse tosee us.They give us a thumbs-up, ya by his father to keep a close eye onbolster their funds. Unknown to many,know, egg us on! The club hopes this the drag.Similarly, Jordan recollectsit was a surplus Quonset hut from thebalanced excitement will attract future sitting on a Yamaha Vmax, his fathershistoric Lyndonville Air Station at Eastgroomer operators. Jonathan adds, Enticer 250, plus some older Ski-DoosHaven. The big moment finally cameThere is satisfaction behind it. Get that rounded out the family fleet. Thewhen members took delivery of a newout, get involved. Ryan Lowell shares best was the permanent carburetor stainCan Am Defender last year. It pulled athe importance of showing up at club on my jacket, he said with a laugh. refurbished six-foot drag. This winterevents. Try a meeting or activity he Each member of the corps approachesthey anxiously await the arrival of aadds. Its fun.their craft from the perspective ofbrand-new Mogul Master. The group considers their unique trail snowmobilers keeping the winterOut on the trails, a few spots can besystem a hidden gem, while riders byways in top form. They remainchallenging with twists, slopes, andconsider their contributions a treasure. confident and persistent; never afraid todips that prompt a need to makeRyan Lowell concludes, With a little crawl under equipment for repairs, andsure the drag does not get away. Allsacrifice comes great reward. Perhaps always determined to keep the machineagree the view from the powerlinessomeday, the person experiencing the on the move. Our trails are six feetis inspiring. My favorite groomingcollective sacrifice and success of the wide, explains Ryan Lowell. If werun is the Corridor 108 river trail,Waterford Ridge Runners might be you.break down, nobody can back us up. says Jordan with pride. The hallmark 8 | Snowmobile VERMONT'