If anyone is happy to see snow, it’s members of the Interlakes Snowmobile Club.
The members have more than 20 group rides planned for this winter, and with recent accumulations of snow, they’re raring to go.
The club has been around since 1999 and it has had up to 100 members in some years. The average recently has been from 50 to 60 members and ages range between 18 and 60 years.
Club president Marcel deRepentigney says it’s a social and a back-country club, and they have a lot of fun exploring trails together and taking in a few overnight rides.
Their season always begins with a day-ride to the Dusty Rose Pub in 70 Mile House for lunch on Jan. 1. It’s approximately 100 kilometres there and back from the staging point on Bleeker Road near Lone Butte, says deRepentigney.
He adds the rest of the season will see them sledding in some of their favourite areas east of Bridge Lake, including Thuya Lakes, Lac des Roches and Windy Mountain.
The club has people of all skill levels, from trail riders to hill climbers, but wherever an organized ride takes them, “Everyone gets through.”
If someone has a good suggestion for the ride, the club will try to make it happen, but they only ride when the temperature is above -15 C.
Rides are usually scheduled to take place once on a weekend day and one weekday.
Anyone can join them for a ride, but the riders must carry third-party liability insurance. Club members get a cheaper rate of $68 for their insurance.
Yearly club membership is $50 for a single and $95 a couple. To join, contact deRepentigney at 250-395-5363 or e-mail him at snorider@hotmail.ca.
For more information about the club, check out the website at www.ilsc.webs.com and for ride information and current news, or see the Internet blog at www.ilsnowmobileclub.blogspot.ca.
Social monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at Wildmans Family Dining & Lounge at Interlakes Corners.
