Sometimes the ride is all about the company. Nothing makes an all-out dash through boreal forests over 200 miles more fulfilling than having a great group to ride with, including friends from now and a few from years past.
Bonnyville, Alberta, is a scenic jewel in the Lakeland area with 200 kilometres of signed and groomed trails for everyone from novice to experienced sledders. There is no shortage of winding forest trails as well as those that traverse huge expanses of lakes, and most loops have a publicly accessible warm-up cabin on them.
The more the merrier
Glen Smith, president of the Bonnyville Snow Dusters Snowmobile Club, said the best ride he ever took was with a group of friends who had no choice but to bond over 200 miles between Bonnyville and Big River, Saskatchewan.
They started with three or four riders meant to head out first thing, but once they all met, the turnout was better than expected.
“It kind of grew and when we left there were 12 of us,” said Smith. “I’d ridden with my son from here to Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, the week previous—which is about 400 miles—so I knew the trail and that’s why we did it.”
Some of the riders were locals and others were longtime friends of Smith’s from his hometown of Neilburg, Saskatchewan. Many were strangers to one another at the outset, but quickly got to know one another through the camaraderie that comes naturally to anyone enjoying the outdoors on a sled.
The one-day trip took the group along trails that stayed mostly in pine and boreal forests, said Smith. Rolling hills, lake and river crossings, and a varied terrain kept the trek interesting—and there weren't any major breakdowns.
“The river was smooth as glass and a few (in the group) stretched out on that a bit and blew some belts," said Smith, "but that was just a little speed and having a little fun. That’s just normal wear and tear on a sled.”
Smith still chuckles about when a rider approached him around 185 kilometres into the trip asking if they were almost there.
“I told him ‘no,’ ” said Smith, “and he looked confused, saying his odometer was at 185 kilometres. I laughed and told him it was 200 miles, not kilometres, and his eyes got as big as saucers.”
The group spent the night at the Timberland Motel in Big River—a part of every trip Smith takes to the area because the owners Barry and Clarice have always provided a warm welcome and gone beyond the call of service. The group headed back the next day; most made the whole trip back, but a few had minor sled problems and had to be trailered back from Meadow Lake.
The camaraderie of the guys made it a great ride, said Smith.
“By the time you ride that many miles together you really get to know one another," he said. "It was quite a blast.”
Gorgeous scenery and a well-groomed, well-marked trail made for the perfect adventure.
“It was a really great ride and everyone wanted to do it again, so hopefully we can plan something,” said Smith.
