The trail held up pretty well for this year’s Poker Ride hosted by the Fort St. James Snowmobile Club.
While the trail became a bit rough towards the end according to organizers, this is to be expected after 210 snowmobiles tramp along the same track.
“Everybody was happy and said the trails were good,” said Wayne Moll.
The 70 km route was backwards from what it has been in previous years, making the long rolling section along the highway the beginning instead of the end.
While the snow pack was low, the weather helped make up for it, with a beautiful sunny day for participants to stop and socialize along the way.
A total of 310 poker hands were sold at the event, helping to raise some of the approximately $4,000 per year the club invests in fuel to maintain the extensive trail network in the area. This year a club sled used for trail maintenance needed a new motor, adding nearly $2,500 in extra costs to the club.
Ed Hill and Grant Luck donated extensive time to grooming the trails before the ride, which helped to keep the trail in better condition for the event.
This year’s winners and their respective cash prizes:
First place: Ken Hill $1,240
Second place: Logan Ethier $620
Third place: Gord King $370
Fourth place: Julianne Mortenson $120
Fifth place: Craig Houghton $120
