22 | Snowmobile VERMONT in the woods and seeing the results on the trail as the drag passes over the snow. I never get tired of the process and every trip can be a journey. For example, one night while crossing Harriman Dam, which has a steep drop off, the track came off as I found myself sliding down the embankment. It was in the middle of the night and I was far removed from help. Being able to think on your feet is vital.” Carl’s endless approach to trail work and club tasks is like watching a taxi dispatcher who never skips a beat. With countless hours behind him, his approach to all things related to the club has stayed the same over the many years he has volunteered, “Let’s just get it done!” He says, “I have always enjoyed being out in nature and over the years the recent sightings of bobcats has been of interest while out grooming.” If you should ask Carl what he likes to wear while grooming, he will tell you real quick with a smile on his face, “Long johns and boots.” The boots are worn in case he has to get out of the cab, but the long johns are a matter of comfort because keeping the groomer warm can have you removing layers of clothing while out. Carl also helps maintain the groomer when needed. With several sections of tight terrain and many elevation changes throughout the E-Z Riders’ trail system, becoming a successful groomer has a learning curve that comes with the job. The club has several volunteers that are learning the ropes to help share in the workload. With only one groomer, a 2010 PistenBully Scout with a 7-foot-wide drag, “threading The Hawks Mountain Ridge Riders are fortunate to have five dedicated groomers to rotate in the grooming schedule: Barry Messer, Jeff Messer, Carl Spaulding, Jason Phelps and Dan Hadwen. The club grooms 42 miles of trails. Barry Messer started riding in 1971 at the age of 17. By 1983, he began to volunteer with the club and then became a groomer. Story has it that he was a skier, but his future bride’s family were dedicated snowmobilers. Barry followed his heart and the rest is history. There isn’t a thing about grooming which Barry doesn’t enjoy, especially the night grooming and the wildlife. Sometimes, climbing the mountains can be a challenge. But, that terrain just comes with the 42 miles their club is responsible for. Barry suggests for anyone interested in grooming to get involved with a club and ride in the groomer. That way, you can get a feel for how it’s done and what it takes to do it. He would also like to thank the person who got him started with grooming, Dave Bibens. Dave retired from grooming after 46 years. Jeff Messer can’t remember not riding. It has always been a big part of his family. All his family, including his grandparents, rode every weekend. Jeff’s grandfather, Chip Woods, was head of the trails for the Hawks and the groomer was, and still is, stored at his house. He started riding in the groomer with his dad, Barry, when he was 10 years old and began operating the groomer by age 15 with his dad. By age 16, he was running the groomer on his own. Jeff is the third generation of groomers in his family. Jeff had an ATV accident in 2013 which resulted in him becoming paralyzed. This did not slow him down, and by the following fall of 2014, he was ready and able to groom for the 2015 season. The club built a special ramp for him to get in and out of the groomer and Track Inc. (formerly Get-Sno) added a hand controlled throttle lever that mounts to the armrest of the Tucker, which allows all other operators to use the foot throttle as normal. He uses a clamp-on style control leaver to apply the brake. Jeff always has someone with him when he grooms in case they have a tree that needs to be cut or any issues while grooming. There is nothing better than seeing the excitement from riders when they meet the Tucker coming down the trail. They are always grateful to have a freshly groomed trail to ride. One experience that sticks out in Jeff’s memory was the time the southern part of the state got over 24 inches of snow over a two-day period. Their groomer got to be the first track out and break trail for the entire southern run. “I wish we could get snow like that again,” Jeff shared. “One of the frustrating things about grooming is the the needle” is an ability that must be practiced before heading out on your own. Carl and Sheldon are training new volunteers so others can help share the task. The Jacksonville E-Z Riders’ groomers have been taking care of the trails for all to enjoy for years. They would like to thank all the landowners that have given use of their land. Many thanks, Carl and Sheldon. Hawks Mountain Ridge Runners Barry Messer, Jeff Messer, Carl Spaulding, Jason Phelps &Dan Hadwen By Patty Companik Who’s In The Groomer? Carl Havreluk ( William Thomas Sr. photos)