42 | Snowmobile VERMONT Club News in the back of our minds that we are going to have to groom this trail tonight. It is kind of like being a tourist where you pay your way and with nothing to worry about. Although we actually like getting out and grooming, turning a rutted up trail into a white “magic carpet,” smooth and flowing like a white ribbon through the woods. It is pretty satisfying to look back and see a trail freshly groomed. Even though we’ll be riding elsewhere for now, we still await our local snow. Hopefully, it will come in time for the Annual Brattleboro Winter Carnival with our signature snowmobile rides. Until the next issue, “Think Snow!” And if any of you have any pull with Old Man Winter, put in a good word for those of us in the Banana Belt! Don Rosinski, President vernontrailbreakers.org Like us on Facebook Wardsboro Pathfinders When there’s plenty of snow, the 710 is one of the best technical trails in Vermont. It’s also a vital connection to two southern Vermont corridors offering fuel and food at its midway point in Wardsboro Center. But when snow is lacking, like this season so far, don’t dare try it. Ask our grooming team. Club equipment took a beating last year. That’s because the 710 needs approximately two feet of snow to fill in the water bars and level the terrain with boulder fields to make those areas passable in order to open. As of this writing in mid January, the 710 trail has yet to open. Even so, we hold out hope. Because we know when the 710 is on, it’s on! Conditions can range from deep powder in high elevations to packed trails in lower elevations. That’s why our volunteers work hard to get it ride ready. Let’s hope we see plenty of snow by the time this article is published. Save the date for our Rescue Ride- In barbecue (weather permitting) from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Stratton Rec Area, located four miles from Corridor 7 at junction WM 10. Visit our website for details. True to its reputation, there will be great food and great fun for a great cause. For only a $10 suggested donation, attendees can enjoy burgers, hot dogs and homemade pulled pork, chili, meatballs, mac and cheese, great desserts, and hot and cold beverages. There will be fantastic raffle prizes including gas cards, winter gear, restaurant certificates, a snowmobile trail pass (TMA) for next season and a 50/50 cash raffle. Proceeds benefit Wardsboro Rescue and Rescue Inc. These are the fine folks who will come to your aid if you get stuck out in the cold. A portion of proceeds will also fund Pathfinders grooming equipment. Melanie Tregoning, Vice President wardsboropathfinders.com Like us on Facebook Wardsboro Pathfinders President Rich Rochette, Treasurer Karen Rochette, Joe Dura, Craig Daniels and Vice President Melanie Tregoning. Barnard Mountainviewers Let me start by acknowledging the countless volunteers that helped get this season open, particularly after back to back November snow storms. We all know them. They have full time jobs, families and multiple volunteer obligations in their communities, but somehow find time to put in the hours to keep this very important industry of snowmobiling humming throughout our great little state. They all deserve our thanks. Speaking of volunteers, our groomer drivers are very impressed with the Merrill Limb Masher that they installed on our Mogul Master drag this past fall. With the ongoing job of debrushing after the early season storms, it’s performing better than they had hoped. As of this writing, there is a fresh eight-plus inches in Barnard and more at the higher elevations and in the Chateauguay. We are currently grooming and planning our Jan. 27 poker ride which will have already been held by the time this issue is mailed. It started at the Barnard Town Hall where there is ample trailer parking. A hot lunch was served in the town hall at the finish. This is always a family-friendly event. As previously mentioned in the last article, VAST Corridor 56 from WR 30 to WR 28 is closed. This is known as the Suicide Six trail from Pomfret to Barnard which was an integral part of our trail system. Riders coming in from south of Barnard are encouraged to use VAST Corridor 12. Barnard remains a popular destination with ethanol free gas at the Barnard General Store as well as breakfast and hot lunch until 3 p.m. Max’s Tavern at the Barnard Inn encourages riders to come in for dinner and they are right on the trail. We hope to see many of you riders at our poker ride. In the meantime, hug a landowner, thank a groomer driver, and become a volunteer in your local WINDSOR COUNTY