5th Annual Poker Run Sandra and Dave Conant sell tickets and check poker hands. By Patty Companik The Weathersfield Pathfinders were one of the fortunate clubs who had planned an event this particular weekend. There was plenty of snow on the trails on Feb. 10 and it was sunny with temps in the low 30s. Registration was from 9–11 a.m. at Trailmaster Kevin Heiden’s shop. The cost of a hand was $10 each, and with 99 hands sold that day, everyone could agree it was a successful event! It took riders approximately an hour and a half to complete the 30-mile loop. This event was first coordinated by Heather Olsen five years ago. Today, many club members play a role in the success of the event. They utilize the 506 loop which winds its way through Weathersfield, where riders experience multiple views of the backside of Mount Ascutney and all of the surrounding mountains that the higher elevations of the trails allow riders to see. This was the club’s first chance to showcase a brand-new section of trail. At the event, riders complemented on how much nicer and easier the new trial was to negotiate. Money raised at this event helped to pay for the new trail. VAST provided a grant to cover some of the costs associated with material for bridges and culverts, but the club had to raise the rest of the needed funds. They raised $1,700 total between food, donations and poker hands. Riders made several trailside stops to pick cards along the 506 loop. The first and last stops took place at the trailmaster’s shop. The location was manned by Sandra and Dave Conant. Stop number two is at the park and ride located within the North Springfield reservoir and was manned by club members Warren, Tamara, Alex and Copper Richardson. Third stop was located at Wyman’s Sugar House just off from Route 131. That stop was run by club members Chris and Heather Olsen. The forth stop was located at the Crown Point Campground and was manned by club member Bob Blair. A donation-only barbecue at the ride’s end featured grass- fed hamburgers donated by club president, Jeff Strong; hot dogs donated by Lisai’s Market and Warren Richardson; and chili, cookies, and cupcakes donated by Sandra Conant. The two chefs working the grill that day were Jeff Strong and his son Chris.  In Windsor county, clubs are very supportive of each other’s events. In attendance at the Pathfinders Poker run were Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas, Chester Snowmobile club, Hawks Mountain Ridge Riders, Ludlow Sidehill Snow Cronchers, Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club and many members of their own club. The rider with the top hand was Dan Tiernan with a four of a kind, eights. He had a choice of 150 dollars cash or a TMA for the following season. Dan chose the cash prize but only took 21 dollars and donated the rest back to the Pathfinders. When asked why he only wanted $21 dollars he answered, “I only wanted to make a dollar.” He explained that he had spent 20 dollars at the event and was happy with coming out a dollar ahead. There was also a 50/50 raffle won by Ginger Stocker. The club would like to thank the many local businesses and people who made donations to the event: Benny’s Sales and Service, Springfield Royal Diner, Riverside Restaurant, Bibens Home Center, Two Neanderthals Smokin’ BBQ, Robbins Power Sports, Woodbury Florist, VAST, Ludlow Sidehill Snow Cronchers, Perkinsville Maple Products, Kevin Heiden, Jeff Strong, Lisai’s Market, Bunnels Parts and Accessories, Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet of Lebanon, N.H., Blackrock Steakhouse, Route 106 Deli, Tina’s Hallmark, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Neil’s restaurant. This club worked as a team to put this event together. Special thanks goes out from Vice President Seth Kimball to Dave and Sandra Conant, Chris and Heather Olsen, Kevin Heiden, Lisa Varney, Jordan Kimball, Warren, Tamara, Alex and Copper Dan Tiernan donated his winnings back to the club and only kept $21 dollars. Trailmaster Kevin Heiden was able to convince him to at least keep the maple syrup! Richardson, Bob Blair, Jeff and Chris Strong, Devin Lewis and Greg Herschel. Seth said, “I really want to thank everyone that donated towards this event as well as a huge thank you to all of the participants that took part in our ride! Hope to see everyone next year when we plan to extend the ride and showcase more of the surrounding trail system.” The club had a great turnout and raised $1,700! (Seth Kimball photos) Late Winter 2018 | 17